For teeth that have sustained damage, are unsightly or stained, or have a deep infection, a dental crown may be the best option to help preserve that tooth. In the past, getting a dental crown could be quite the ordeal, including taking sticky and messy impressions and would take up to two weeks or longer and multiple appointments to be completed.
For our patients with their busy, on-the-go lifestyles, all of this muss and fuss simply is not an option. That is why we here at Frank Hsu, D.D.S. are pleased to offer same day crowns to our patients, cutting out the wait and getting their smile back on their faces faster than ever.
What are One Visit Crowns?
Dental crowns, or caps, are restorations that are placed directly over a compromised tooth, typically after a dental filling. This can help protect the tooth and save it from needing extraction. Avoiding extractions is ideal, as gaps and spaces between your teeth can impair your bite, leading to pain, discomfort, and even further tooth loss. Teeth that have been broken, or weakened by an infection, are often very good candidates for dental crowns. Teeth with severe stains may also be treated with a dental crown, lending them a natural and attractive appearance once more.
Getting impressions for dental crowns used to involve using a putty mold and sending those impressions off to a lab. Before, it could take up to two to three weeks for it to return from the laboratory. Now, we can use Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) technology to take digital impressions and get your crown completed on the same day as your initial appointment. We use a special type of reflective powder to coat your teeth, then place a handheld wand inside your mouth to generate a 3D image of your tooth.
How They Are Made
Once we have this 3D model of your tooth, we can immediately send it to our in-house lab. They start on creating your crown right away. We have a machine in our office that creates the crown out of one single piece of ceramic, promptly shaping and creating it. This machine will turn the ceramic into a replica of your tooth. Once it is finished, we will buff it down and polish and smooth it. We will also dye it to match your surrounding teeth, and then we glaze it, giving it a natural appearance that blends in with the rest of your smile.
With the new crown in hand, we can turn around and place it in a very short amount of time. Once we place it and are confident that it is a good fit, we will permanently set it with dental cement. There is no downtime or waiting, and you can return to work the next day. From start to finish, you will have a brand-new crown in your mouth in just one appointment!
Same Day Crowns in San Carlos CA
To learn more about the benefits of one visit crowns, or to schedule an appointment at our office for a dental checkup and a consultation for the same day crown, contact Frank Hsu, D.D.S. a call at 650-262-1940 today!