Same Day Dental Crowns: FAQ Explained
Dec 21, 2023
Same Day Dental Crowns: Pros, Cons, and Frequently Asked Questions

Imagine you’ve just chipped a tooth right in the middle of your day. It could happen to anyone, at any time, and for a myriad of reasons–but it doesn’t have to mean the end of your open-mouthed smile or laugh. This is where dental crowns come in, with their role of protecting damaged teeth and smoothing over any imperfections in your smile. Before you make an appointment with your dentist, however, it’s important to understand the distinctions between same day dental crowns and traditional, lab-created crowns. If you have questions about what to expect for a same day crown procedure, read on!
If you’re ready to smile with confidence again, make an appointment for a same day crown procedure with an experienced dentist like Isaacs Family Dental. Allow us to take good care of you and experience the relief that comes with choosing a dentist who puts the customer experience first. (Want to know more about how Isaacs Family Dental goes above and beyond to treat our customers to a world-class experience? Click here.)
Quick FAQ “Cheat Sheet”
- Same day dental crowns can save time, discomfort, and even money in some cases.
- Traditional crowns can take weeks to properly install, but in some circumstances can make great quality, highly customized dental crowns.
- Same day crowns can take as little as an hour to properly install–whereas traditional crowns can take up to three weeks (and multiple visits).
- Same day and traditional crowns can be of comparable price points.
- Same day crowns can cost between $1,500 and $2,000.
What Is a Same Day Dental Crown?
You may be wondering, “Just what is a dental crown?” If so, you are not alone. Dental crowns are essentially false teeth, just capped over an existing tooth that had experienced decay or damage. These caps are typically made out of porcelain, metal, resin, and other materials, and can last up to 15 years if properly maintained (via Cleveland Clinic). They are sometimes referred to as “milled crowns” or “CEREC crowns.”
Same Day Dental Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns
The process for same day dental crowns is slightly different from traditional crowns–primarily in that the timeline is much more rapidly condensed. For example, a same day dental crown requires the use of a three dimensional camera called a CEREC machine to take a multi-dimensional portrait of your tooth. The dentist will then use this to make a crown for your tooth, meanwhile preparing your tooth to receive the crown. The crown is then affixed to the prepared tooth, bonded, and sealed, lasting at least five years.
Traditional crowns, on the other hand, require multiple dental visits to see through to completion. In the first visit, the dentist will prepare the damaged tooth for the crown, take x-rays, and create an impression of your teeth for forging a well-fitted crown. The dentist usually will offer a temporary crown–typically made of acrylic or resin–as permanent crowns can take up to three weeks to make. On the second visit (once the permanent crown has been made), the patient can expect to have their mouth numbed, their temporary crown removed, and the permanent one adhered.
Are Same Day Crowns More Expensive?
When it comes to the price of dental procedures, it’s better to have some idea going into the dentist’s office just what you are going to be expected to pay–rather than being surprised when it’s time to pay the bill. Some people assume that the convenience of a same day crown means it will be more expensive–however, sometimes custom crowns made out of porcelain (made the traditional way) can be even more expensive than CEREC or milled crowns.
As far as pricing goes, traditional ceramic or metal crowns tend to cost between $800-$3,000–and you have to pay for two dental visits. Regardless of whether or not you have great insurance coverage, that’s still two copays–so some find that the convenience is high and the costs are lower associated with same day crowns versus traditional ones. However, if you have any questions about how much the procedure costs, by all means, contact your insurance and speak to a qualified representative. If you wish to know the uncovered cost of the procedure, get your questions answered today by the knowledgeable and friendly staff at Isaacs Family Dental! We understand a trip to the dentist can sometimes be a stressful experience–allow us to alleviate that stress with transparent pricing, a soothing in-office environment, and treatment that goes at your pace, on your terms.
Are Same Day Crowns As Good As Lab Crowns?
Some are skeptical of the quality, integrity, and lasting power of the same day crown; this is because for many years, patients were stuck with the two-appointment system of the traditional crown, and older generations may be more used to the pace of a slower, lab-created crown. However, same day crowns, while often made from different materials than lab-created crowns, can hold up quite well over time–comparatively speaking. Let’s get into the distinctive pros and cons of same day dental crowns so you can make an informed decision with your upcoming dental visit(s).
Pros and Cons of Same Day Dental Crowns
When it comes to choosing the best crown for your circumstances, you’ll want to weigh your options carefully. Factors include the location and size of the damaged tooth, cost, wait time, aesthetic, and more. Let’s look at some common advantages and disadvantages of same day dental crowns.
Same Day Crowns Advantages
Same day crowns come with some clear perks. These include, but are not limited to:
- Less time spent in pain, waiting: Having your teeth worked on generally cannot be considered a “cakewalk.” It can be uncomfortable, painful, and downright awkward to have someone digging around inside your mouth–not to mention drilling and needling your teeth and gums. However, the same day crown eliminates hours–even days–of the potential discomfort, pain, and waiting associated with a traditional crown, and provides faster relief. This is probably it’s biggest perk–sometimes outweighing all other factors by merit of this quality alone.
- No need for a temporary crown: Another benefit of the same day crown is that there is less material and time wasted in the process. There’s no need for a temporary crown, as an experienced dentist can have a CEREC crown made for you within an hour.
- Comparable price and only one copay: Because you’re only going to the dental office once as opposed to twice, you’ll only have to endure one copay. Plus, particularly if you’re insured with quality dental coverage, the price will likely be comparable to a traditional crown–without the wait.
- Rely on the latest technology and tools: Same day crowns rely on cutting-edge dental technology–and dentists at the forefront of their field. If your local dentist is proficient in same day crowns, it’s likely they’re serious about bettering their craft and their profession and are dedicated to providing their patients with a reduced or minimal-impact crown procedure.
Same Day Crowns Disadvantages
There are, however, some drawbacks to the same day crown. These include, among others:
- Can be less-than-perfect in terms of aesthetic: One downside of the same-day crown is that there is generally less time to perfectly color- or shape-match the crown with the rest of the teeth. This can mean that the tooth or teeth stand out slightly upon close inspection–though this is not always the case, and the average person likely would not notice any difference.
- Not always ideal for front teeth or large molars: It’s hard to beat the toughness associated with metal and porcelain lab-created crowns. Especially if you’ve got a hard-working molar or even a highly visible front tooth in need of a crown, you may want to consider a traditional crown for the sake of functionality as well as aesthetics, respectively.
- Reliance on the latest technology can mean less experienced dentistry: Because the technology for dental work is still evolving, this can mean that dentists have less experience in working with the latest trends and tools for same day crown application. Look for a reputable dentist that has positive reviews, a history of customer satisfaction, and ample real-world application and experience.
How Long Does a Same Day Crown Take?
A same day crown can take as little as an hour, whereas traditional crowns take two visits to complete–which generally takes days–if not weeks.
How Much Do Same Day Crowns Cost?
The price of crowns typically depends on your dentist, their practices, and their tools–so do some research and find a qualified dentist in your area that has optimized for efficiency of the procedure, longevity of the crown, aesthetics, and cost. Typically, however, same-day crowns cost between $1500 and $2000.
Same Day Dental Crowns “Near Me”
Whatever timeline you choose for your upcoming crown procedure, you’ll want to find a dentist near you offering quality crowns–at an affordable price–with plenty of experience in this growing field. With a procedure like crown adhesion that comes with a relatively invasive (and sometimes painful) process, it’s critical to find a dentist that you trust that prioritizes your needs instead of their own.
The team at Isaacs Family Dental works to ensure you have a positive experience while you are under our care–and that your comfort is prioritized over all else. Experience an oral wellness visit with our professional team that does not feel like your stereotypical dental appointment. Don’t wait for your oral care to become urgent–schedule with us now, or get your questions answered here!