If you work at one of the tech campuses in Chandler, juggle school pickups in Ocotillo, or spend your weekends at Tumbleweed Park ballfields, you already know time is the scarcest thing in your week. So when a dentist says, “You need a crown,” the first thought is often: How many appointments is this going to take?
At Provinces Dental, the answer for many patients is just one.
The Old Way: Two Visits and a Flimsy Temporary
Traditional crowns usually go like this. At the first appointment, the tooth is prepared, a gooey impression is taken, and you leave with a temporary crown. Then you wait a couple of weeks while a dental lab makes your permanent crown. Meanwhile, that temporary can feel bulky, come loose, or pop off at the worst possible moment, like during a client lunch or on a weekend trip to Flagstaff.
Then you take more time off for a second visit to have the permanent crown placed.
The New Way: CEREC Same-Day Crowns
Same-day crowns use CAD/CAM technology, which stands for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Exam and X-rays. We confirm a crown is the right treatment and explain why.
- Tooth preparation. After numbing the area, we gently shape the tooth to make room for the crown.
- Digital scan. Instead of impression trays, a small camera captures a precise 3D image of your tooth.
- Design. Your crown is custom-designed on screen to match your bite and neighboring teeth.
- In-office milling. The crown is carved from a solid block of high-quality ceramic right here in our office.
- Placement. We check the fit, bite, and shade, then bond your permanent crown in place.
You walk out with your final crown in a single appointment. No temporary, no second visit, no extra time off work.
When Do You Need a Crown?
Crowns protect and restore teeth that can’t be fixed with a filling alone. You might need one if you have:
- A cracked or fractured tooth
- A large cavity or an old filling that’s breaking down
- A tooth that’s had a root canal
- Teeth worn down from grinding
- A badly discolored or misshapen tooth
If you’ve been feeling a sharp pain when you bite, or one tooth is more sensitive than the rest, don’t wait. A small crack can grow, and a tooth that could have been saved with a crown may later need a root canal or extraction.
Are Same-Day Crowns as Good as Lab-Made Crowns?
This is the most common question we hear. CEREC crowns are made from durable, stain-resistant ceramic designed to match the color and translucency of natural teeth. With good care, they can last many years, just like traditional crowns.
That said, same-day isn’t the best fit for every tooth. Some situations call for a different material, like gold for a back molar under heavy chewing forces, or a lab-crafted porcelain crown for a complex front-tooth case. Our dentists will walk you through every option and help you choose what’s right for your tooth, not just what’s fastest.
Experience That Shows in the Details
Dr. Jonathan Bergloff has been part of the Provinces Dental team since 2005. He graduated with honors and in the top 10 of his class at Temple University School of Dentistry, earning membership in the Omicron Kappa Upsilon dental honor society. He also continues to take far more continuing education than his license requires. That attention to precision matters with crowns, where a fraction of a millimeter affects how your bite feels.
Caring for Your New Crown
- Brush twice a day and floss daily, paying attention to the gumline around the crown
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or using your teeth to open packages
- Ask about a nightguard if you grind your teeth
- Keep up with regular cleanings and exams
Get Your Crown, Get On With Your Day
If you’ve been putting off a crown because of the time commitment, same-day crowns might change your mind. We’re open early on weekdays and on Saturday mornings, too. Contact our office to schedule your appointment. We welcome patients from Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Mesa, Sun Lakes, and Ahwatukee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a same-day crown appointment take?
Most same-day crown visits take about two to three hours from start to finish, including preparation, scanning, milling, and placement.
Do same-day crowns cost more than traditional crowns?
In most cases, they’re comparable in cost. You also save the time and expense of a second appointment.
Does insurance cover same-day crowns?
Most plans cover same-day crowns the same way they cover traditional crowns when they’re medically necessary. We’ll verify your benefits before treatment.
Will my same-day crown look natural?
Yes. CEREC crowns are color-matched and shaped to blend in with your surrounding teeth, so most people can’t tell which tooth was restored.
