One-Visit Crowns for Excellent Esthetics and Restoration

If you’ve had a dental crown placed, you probably had to endure taking a foul-tasting, messy putty impression, wearing a temporary crown, and waiting a few weeks for your permanent crown to be fabricated. Then you had to return to the dentist’s office so that your temporary could be replaced with the final, permanent crown. 

This two-visit process takes time, and if a temporary crown breaks or falls off, a third visit might be necessary. We are happy to announce that the process of getting a custom, ceramic crown has dramatically changed. At our Marietta, GA, dental office, you can get a custom, white dental crown in one visit!

We want to introduce you to CEREC, an impressive technology that combines digital crown design with in-house milling to produce gorgeous, durable, custom-fitted restorations. CEREC stands for chair-side economical restoration of esthetic ceramics. 

In today’s blog, you’ll learn:

• How CEREC works

• What a CEREC Bloc is

• What to expect at your one-visit crown appointment

How CEREC Works

CEREC involves two main parts: the design of the crown with special software and the fabrication of the crown in a milling unit. 

To design your custom dental crown, the dentist will first administer a numbing agent, and then remove some of the enamel from your damaged tooth. With a digital scanner, we’ll capture images of your prepared tooth and opposing teeth. The digital scanner is a small wand with a camera on the tip. Images are sent directly to a chair-side computer screen. 

Next, we’ll select the ideal coloring for your crown by using a shade guide. Choosing the perfect shade of white will ensure that your crown blends seamlessly with surrounding teeth. 

Your digital images and shading information will be sent to our CEREC design software so that the dentist can assess the design and make adjustments if needed. The next step is selecting the right CEREC Bloc.

What’s a CEREC Bloc?

A CEREC Bloc is a cube of strong feldspathic ceramic, specially made for CAD/CAM use. We will choose a Bloc in the proper shade and insert it into the milling unit. The software provides the design, and in about an hour your permanent crown will be ready.

In the meantime, you can relax and watch TV, listen to music, read a book, or take a nap. 

Once the milling of your CEREC crown is completed, the dentist will add permanent adhesive and set the crown in place. A soft curing light will harden the adhesive. After checking your bite and making adjustments as necessary, the dentist will polish your CEREC crown to a beautiful smile. The entire process takes just a few hours!

Questions About One-Visit Crowns

We’ll answer the most commonly googled questions about CEREC crowns here. If you have additional questions or would like to schedule a consultation, give us a call.

How many CEREC crowns can a patient get in one visit?

We could place many crowns in one visit, but the issue is the fabrication of the crowns. With one milling unit, we can ideally produce a crown per hour. So, if you need two or three crowns, just understand that your appointment will be longer. Multiple appointments may be a more desirable option. 

Another issue is how long your mouth can comfortably remain open for placement of the crowns. At your consultation, the dentist can advise you on whether to get more than one crown at a time. 

Can a replacement crown be made in one visit?

Yes. Whether you need a replacement for a failed restoration or a completely new crown, CEREC can handle the job!

What are the negatives of CEREC crowns?

CEREC crowns are ceramic, so they will chip and break at about the same rate as natural tooth enamel. Porcelain fused to metal (PFM), all-metal, and zirconia crowns are stronger than all-ceramic restorations. 

Another issue is fit. Sometimes, same-day dental crowns don’t fit as well as lab-made crowns. Of course, the dentist can make adjustments and improve the feel of your crown if you notice a less-than-perfect fit. 

One-visit crowns should last for 10 years if you take good care of your health and don’t experience any injury. Lab-made crowns, in contrast, can last 15+ years. It’s not unusual for a dental crown to endure 25 years before failing.

While dental insurance tends to cover a portion of the cost of crowns, including same-day crowns, a lab-made crown is less expensive than a CEREC crown. You’ll pay a bit more for the convenience of getting a crown in just one visit. 

Lastly, CEREC crowns aren’t the right restoration for every tooth. Molars often need a more durable crown, which can be achieved with a PFM, all-metal, or zirconia restoration.

How soon can I eat after getting a one-visit crown?

This is a great question. We advise that you wait until the numbness has worn off and your mouth feels “normal” again. Chewing with a numb mouth can result in chomping on the interior skin of the cheeks, as well as biting your tongue and lips. 

To allow a one-day crown sufficient time to set, we also advise patients to stay away from chewy, hard, or sticky foods for 24 to 48 hours after placement. 

How long can a CEREC crown last?

One-visit crowns should last for 10 years if you take good care of your health and do not experience injury. Lab-made crowns, in contrast, can last 15+ years. It’s not unusual for a crown to endure 25 years before failing.

How do I take care of my crown so that it lasts?

• Brush your teeth in the morning for two minutes. Use fluoridated toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Replace your toothbrush every three months. 

• Brush and floss your teeth before bed.

• Attend six-month checkups and cleanings at the dentist’s office

• If you notice any abnormalities or pain in your mouth, visit the dentist

• Wear a mouthguard when playing sports

• If you clench or grind your teeth, wear a nightguard for protection

Schedule Your Same-Day Crown Appointment

If a dentist has told you that you need a crown, you know that an existing restoration needs replacement, or you’d like to find a dentist who offers same-day crowns, give us a call at

Healthy Smiles of East Cobb today at 770-973-9765. Dr. Salasito will answer all of your questions and advise you on whether a CEREC crown is the right restoration for your case.