Same-Day Crowns
A permanent crown — in a single visit.
Scanned, designed, and milled in our office, and in most cases placed the same day — no goopy impressions, and usually no temporary or second appointment.
Schedule a complimentary consult Call or text 754-240-4820
Complimentary consultation · English & Spanish · Saturday hours available
How a same-day crown works
It starts with a digital scan — no tray of goo, no gagging. We design your crown on screen, mill it from a single block of ceramic right here in the office, and bond it the same day. One visit, start to finish.
Same-day crown vs. traditional lab crown
| Same-day (CAD/CAM) | Traditional lab crown | |
|---|---|---|
| Visits | One (two to three hours) | Two or three, over weeks |
| Impressions | Digital scan — no goo | Physical impression tray |
| Temporary crown? | Usually not | Yes, until the final is ready |
| Made where | In our office | An outside lab |
| Front-tooth cosmetics | Excellent for most cases | Edge for custom, layered shading |
| Strength & longevity | Comparable — solid ceramic block | Comparable |
When a lab crown is still the better call — our honest take
Same-day isn’t automatically best for everything. For a highly visible front tooth that needs custom, layered shading to look natural, a skilled ceramist still has an edge, and we’ll recommend that instead. For most back teeth — the molars and premolars that take the brunt of chewing — same-day ceramic is strong, precise, and saves you visits. We’ll tell you honestly which your tooth calls for.
How we decide
- A same-day crown for most back teeth — strength and a precise fit, in one visit.
- A lab crown for a front tooth needing custom, layered shading, or a complex bite we’re rebuilding.
- A conservative onlay instead when enough healthy tooth remains — we don’t crown what we can protect more conservatively (see restorative care).
- Foundation first — decay or a cracked root are addressed before the crown, sometimes with a specialist.
What to expect
- Numb & prepare. We gently shape the tooth and remove any decay.
- Digital scan. A quick scan replaces the goopy impression.
- Design & mill. Your crown is designed on screen and milled from a ceramic block in-office.
- Bond & adjust. We bond it, check your bite, and polish — you leave with the final crown.
A note from Dr. Dillon
What I like about same-day dentistry isn’t the gadget — it’s what it removes for you: the goop, the temporary that pops off at dinner, the second afternoon off work. The scan-and-mill workflow is also more precise than the old impression-and-ship method, so the crown fits and lasts.
And when a case genuinely deserves a ceramist’s artistry — usually a front tooth — I’ll say so. But for everyday crowns, one visit is simply better for you.
— Dr. Matthew Dillon, DDS, MAGD
Common misconceptions
- “Same-day crowns are lower quality.” For most back teeth they’re milled from solid ceramic and fit beautifully — comparable to lab crowns.
- “One visit means it’s rushed.” The digital workflow is faster and more precise than the old impression-and-ship method.
- “Any tooth can be same-day.” Most can; a front tooth needing custom shading may still be better from a lab.
- “A crown is always the answer.” Sometimes a conservative onlay protects the tooth with less removal — we’ll say so.
Related reading
Patient guides
- Do I Actually Need This Crown?
- Filling, Onlay, or Crown? How the Decision Is Made
- What Are Dental Crowns and Onlays Actually Made Of?
- Milled, Printed, or Lab-Made: Three Ways to Manufacture the Same Tooth
- 3D-Printed Dental Restorations: When Are They Actually a Good Choice?
Sources & further reading
- American Dental Association — Dental Crowns — how a crown restores a damaged tooth.
- American Dental Association — Dental Filling Options — restoration options for a damaged tooth.
Independent, authoritative references for the general topics on this page. See our editorial & clinical-review policy.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Are same-day crowns as good as lab-made crowns?
For most back teeth, yes — the ceramic is strong and the digital fit is excellent. For highly visible front teeth that need custom, layered shading, a lab crown can still look better, and we'll tell you honestly which your case calls for.
How long does a same-day crown take?
Usually a single visit of two to three hours, from scan to bonded crown. In most cases you leave with the final crown, not a temporary.
Do same-day crowns last as long as regular crowns?
With good care, yes — they're comparable. The crown is milled from a single, solid block of ceramic.
What are same-day crowns made of?
A strong ceramic — such as lithium disilicate or zirconia — chosen for that specific tooth and your bite.
How much does a same-day crown cost?
It depends on the tooth and the material. Your visit ends with a clear price before we begin — and it's often the same as a conventional crown, with fewer appointments.
Does getting a crown hurt?
The tooth is numb throughout, so the visit is comfortable. Because it's one appointment, you also skip the second round of numbing a lab crown requires. Some mild sensitivity afterward is normal and fades.
Is this the same as CEREC?
CEREC is one brand of this technology. We use the same scan, design and mill process — a digital scan (no goo), computer-aided design of your crown, and in-office milling from a solid block — on a different system.
¿Hablan español?
Sí. La Dra. Shantall y nuestro equipo atienden en inglés y español, y le dan un precio claro antes de comenzar.
A crown in one visit — done right.
Scan, design, mill, and bond in a single appointment. Find out if your tooth qualifies at a complimentary consult.
Schedule a complimentary consult Or call or text 754-240-4820