Tooth loss is always a major concern from the cosmetic and functional perspective of individuals. It can compromise your aesthetics, affect speech and even compromise your ability to bite well. Conventional dentistry would involve the use of crowns to restore the missing tooth, which would take several weeks, not less than four weeks, and may involve several visits to the dentist. However, advancements in dental technology have introduced a revolutionary solution: say, Same day crowns.

Understanding Same-Day Crowns

CEREC crowns or same-day crowns are a significant breakthrough in dental restorations as they allow for restoring damaged teeth within a single day. This new technique can make it possible for the dentist to create, mill, and cement a fixed crown in a single visit. Here’s how it works:

· Digital Impression: Unlike in the past where a dentist would have to use putty impressions that are messy and uncomfortable, same-day crowns use an intra-oral scanner. This handheld device takes a very accurate 3D scan image of the prepared tooth and proximal dentition.

· Computer-Aided Design (CAD): The captured digital impression is then copied onto a software program of a computer. With this software, the dentist can even fashion the crown on the computer, to make a near-perfect fit on the prepared tooth and complement your radiant smile.

· Computer-Aided Milling (CAM): Once the dental design is complete, the dentist submits a digital file to an in-house milling machine. In this computerized milling unit, there has to be a pre-selected ceramic block in the machine that will then machine the crown depending on the design provided by the dentist.

· Crown Placement: The milled crown is then sanded for proper fit and finish and is sculpted to match the shade of your natural teeth. After that, the dentist cements the crown on the tooth that has been prepared in a right and appropriate manner.

Benefits of Same-Day Crowns

· Convenience:

The first and perhaps the most significant advantage is that one need not make several trips to the relevant offices. Customary crowns involve a preliminary examination, the shaping of the teeth in question, the provisional crowning and the definitive crowning session. This makes them convenient as one does not have to wait for long hours or even days to have a permanent, functional crown.

· Improved Patient Comfort:

The benefits of the digital impression process include the non-bearing discomfort of traditional putty impressions. Furthermore, a shorter time for the procedure means the patients spend minimal time on the dental chair, hence less pain.

· Enhanced Accuracy and Precision:

By applying digital technology one is assured of a more accurate fit towards the crown. The 3D scan obtains detailed information about the tooth – the shape, size, and position – and the result is a better-fitting crown that feels more natural.

· Durable and Aesthetic Results:

In general, same-day crowns are produced from materials that are hard, durable, and biocompatible such as ceramic. These materials have very high wear resistance and provide a natural look and feeling that replicates the health of your teeth.

Same-Day Crowns: Ideal Candidates

As with any other treatment, same-day crowns have several advantages but they may not be appropriate for all patients.

· Generally Healthy Teeth: People who have sound teeth and who have sufficient jaw bone density to support oral implants are ideal candidates.

· Replacing a Single Tooth: Same-day crowns may be suitable for a person who is missing just one tooth but they are not suitable for multiple teeth or a bridge.

· Fractured or Cracked Teeth: If a tooth has a very bad filling or is broken or cracked down the crown, but the root is still okay, the same-day crown will work for you.

· Minimal Cosmetic Concerns: In case of extensive aesthetic concerns about either the color or contour of the teeth involved, a regular crown will probably be more appropriate because it can be custom-finished in a dental laboratory.

Conclusion

Same-day crowns are a modern dental innovation that can help many patients get comfortable, functional, and beautiful appliances for their missing teeth. If you are planning a missing tooth replacement and prioritize the time-saving feature, ask your dentist about same-day crowns. The dental experts can discuss your circumstances and evaluate whether this new solution is suitable for you to get the healthiest smile you want.

A Technological Leap in Missing Teeth Replacement