If your dentist has ever told you that you need a dental crown, you may have immediately imagined multiple appointments, uncomfortable impressions, and weeks of living with a temporary crown. But dentistry has evolved. Today, many patients are asking an important question: can you get a permanent crown the same day?
Thanks to cutting-edge digital dentistry and CEREC technology, the answer for many people is yes. Same-day crowns also known as one day crowns, allow dentists to restore damaged teeth with a permanent dental crown in a single visit. This modern approach saves time, improves comfort, and delivers highly natural-looking results.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how same-day dental crowns work, their advantages and limitations, how long they last, costs involved, and how they compare to traditional crowns.
Can You Get a Crown in One Visit?
Yes, in many cases, you can get a crown in one visit. Same-day crowns are designed, manufactured, and fitted during a single dental appointment using advanced computer aided design and manufacturing systems.
Unlike traditional crowns, which require impressions to be sent to an external lab, same-day crowns are created entirely in the dental clinic. This means:
- No temporary crowns
- No second appointment
- No long waiting periods
- Immediate restoration of your tooth
For patients with busy schedules or dental anxiety, this can be a significant advantage.
How Same Day Dental Crowns Work
Understanding how same day dental crowns work helps explain why they are so precise and efficient.
Step 1: Digital Impressions
Instead of traditional impression trays, a digital scanner captures a highly accurate 3D image of your damaged tooth and surrounding teeth. This improves comfort and eliminates gag reflex issues.
Step 2: Computer-Aided Design
Using computer aided design, the dentist custom-designs your crown on a screen. The crown is shaped to fit your bite, restore function, and match the appearance of your natural teeth.
Step 3: In-Office Manufacturing
The digital design is sent to a milling unit that crafts the crown from a solid block of high-quality ceramic. This process typically takes less than an hour.
Step 4: Same-Day Fitting
Once ready, the permanent crown is fitted, adjusted, and bonded securely to your tooth all in the same appointment.
Dental Crowns: Types, Procedure & Care
Types of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns come in several materials, including:
- Ceramic crowns
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns
- Zirconia crowns
- Metal crowns
Same-day crowns are usually ceramic crowns, valued for their strength, aesthetics, and ability to mimic natural tooth enamel.
Procedure Overview
The tooth is gently reshaped, scanned, restored with the crown, and polished all in one day. This makes same-day crowns a complete dental restoration solution.
Caring for Your Crown
- Brush and floss daily
- Avoid chewing very hard foods
- Wear a night guard if you grind your teeth
- Maintain regular dental check-ups
Pros and Cons of Same Day Crowns
Pros of Same-Day Crowns
- Permanent crown in a single appointment
- No temporary crowns required
- Highly accurate digital impressions
- Natural-looking ceramic material
- Reduced discomfort and fewer visits
Cons of Same-Day Crowns
- Not ideal for very complex restorations
- Limited material options compared to lab crowns
- Slightly higher upfront investment in some cases
Understanding these pros and cons of same day crowns helps patients make informed decisions.
Same-Day Crowns vs Traditional Crowns
When comparing same-day crowns vs traditional crowns, convenience is the most obvious difference.
Traditional crowns typically involve:
- Multiple appointments
- Temporary crowns
- Physical impressions
- Waiting 1–2 weeks for a lab-made crown
Same-day crowns offer:
- Single appointment treatment
- Digital impressions
- Immediate permanent crown placement
- Faster return to normal chewing and comfort
Both options are durable and effective, but same-day crowns excel in efficiency and patient comfort.
How Long Do Same-Day Crowns Last?
One of the most common questions patients ask is: how long do same-day crowns last?
With proper oral care, same-day ceramic crowns can last 10 to 15 years or more, comparable to traditional crowns. Longevity depends on:
- Oral hygiene habits
- Bite alignment
- Grinding or clenching
- Diet and lifestyle
When cared for properly, they are a reliable solution for restoring damaged teeth and protecting the underlying natural tooth.
Same-Day Crowns Cost: Are They More Expensive?
Patients often ask, are same day crowns more expensive?
In many cases, the cost of same-day crowns is similar to traditional crowns. While the technology involved is advanced, same-day treatment eliminates:
- Temporary crown costs
- Laboratory fees
- Additional appointments
Overall, same-day crowns cost is often balanced by the convenience and efficiency they provide.
Can You Get a Same-Day Crown After a Root Canal?
Yes, in many cases, patients can receive a same-day crown after a root canal. This approach protects the tooth immediately after treatment, reducing the risk of fractures.
A same-day root canal and crown may be possible when:
- There is no active infection
- The tooth structure is stable
- The dentist determines immediate restoration is safe
Some complex cases may still require staged treatment, but many patients benefit from same-day restoration.
How Do Same-Day Crowns Replace Temporary Crowns?
Traditional crowns rely on temporary crowns while waiting for the final restoration. These can sometimes feel uncomfortable or become loose.
Same-day crowns eliminate temporary crowns entirely. Because the permanent crown is placed immediately, patients avoid:
- Sensitivity
- Temporary crown dislodgement
- Return appointments
This is one of the biggest benefits of same-day dental crown technology.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Same-Day Crowns?
Same-day crowns are ideal for patients who:
- Have cracked, worn, or broken teeth
- Need crowns after large fillings or root canal treatment
- Prefer digital impressions
- Want fast, efficient dental care
- Value comfort and precision
A thorough dental assessment determines suitability for a single appointment crown.
Final Thoughts
So, can you get a permanent crown the same day? For many patients, the answer is a confident yes. Same-day crowns represent a major advancement in modern dentistry, offering speed, precision, and long-lasting results without compromising quality.
From eliminating temporary crowns to restoring function in just one visit, same-day crowns are transforming how dental restorations are delivered. When performed using advanced digital systems and tailored care, they provide a seamless blend of strength, aesthetics, and convenience.
At Edentist Canterbury, same-day crowns reflect a commitment to modern, patient-focused dentistry, helping patients restore their smiles efficiently while maintaining comfort and confidence throughout the process.