Can I get a permanent dental crown in a single visit in downtown Denver?

Written by: Dr. Kenneth Burson

Yes, in many cases, we can make and place a permanent dental crown in a single visit!

For a long time, getting a crown meant at least two appointments. You would come in, have the tooth prepared, sit through a traditional impression, leave with a temporary crown, and then return a couple of weeks later once the dental lab finished the permanent one.

That process still has its place, and there are times when I may still recommend a lab-made crown. But for many back teeth, same-day crown technology has changed the experience in a meaningful way. With the right tools, materials, and training, I can now design, create, and place a strong permanent crown in one appointment here at The Denver Dentists & Implant Center.

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What is a same-day dental crown?

A same-day dental crown is a permanent crown that is designed and made in our office using digital scanning and CAD/CAM technology. CAD/CAM stands for computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing, which is essentially the technology that allows me to design your crown digitally and mill it in-office.

Instead of using traditional impression material, I scan your tooth with an intraoral scanner. That scan creates a detailed digital model of your tooth, your bite, and the surrounding teeth. From there, I design the crown on the computer, refine the shape and fit, and send it to our in-office milling unit.

Once the crown is made, I check the fit, make sure the bite feels right, and bond it into place. In many cases, the entire process takes about two hours.

Why same-day crowns have improved so much

Same-day crown technology has actually been around since the 1980s, but early versions were not always at the same level as what a skilled dental lab technician could create by hand. The concept was there, but the scans, milling, and materials were still catching up.

That has changed significantly. The scanning is more accurate, the design software is smarter, and the materials have become stronger and more reliable. We are now able to use high-quality zirconia, which is a very durable material that works especially well for back teeth that handle a lot of chewing pressure.

The technology matters, but the dentist’s training and experience matter too. The software can design a crown, but it still needs a clinician’s eye. I review the design, adjust it where needed, and make sure the shape, margins, and bite are where they need to be before we move forward.

What happens during a same-day crown appointment?

A same-day crown appointment starts by getting you comfortable and numb. Once the area is numb, I prepare the tooth by removing the damaged or weakened structure and shaping it so the crown can fit securely over it. This usually involves reducing a small amount of tooth structure around the sides and chewing surface.

After the tooth is prepared, we scan it digitally. This replaces the traditional impression material many patients remember as the goopy, rubber-like material that sits in your mouth while it sets. The digital scan gives us a detailed view of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth, so I can design a crown that fits your bite and functions properly.

From there, the design software helps create the crown. It looks at the prepared tooth, the neighboring teeth, and the way your bite comes together. I then make any needed refinements before sending the design to the milling unit.

The crown is milled right here in the office. With certain zirconia crowns, milling can take about nine minutes. After that, the crown goes through a finishing process in a special oven so it reaches its proper strength and final appearance. Once it is ready, I try it in, check the fit, adjust the bite if needed, and bond it into place.

Why patients like same-day crowns

The main reason patients like same-day crowns is simple: they save time and make the experience easier. Many people do not want to take time off work for multiple appointments, especially if they already have a packed schedule. Others come in because a tooth broke or an old restoration failed, and they want the problem taken care of as efficiently as possible.

The temporary crown stage can also be frustrating. Temporary crowns can come loose, feel sensitive, or make it harder to eat normally. If a temporary pops off, you may need another visit just to have it re-cemented. Same-day crowns allow us to skip that phase in many cases, which means fewer appointments and less disruption.

For patients who work or live in downtown Denver, that convenience can be a big deal. You can come in, get the tooth restored, and move on with your day without scheduling a second appointment weeks later.

Are same-day crowns as good as traditional crowns?

For many teeth, especially back teeth, same-day crowns can be an excellent option. The fit, seal, strength, and function we can achieve with today’s technology are very strong, and I feel confident recommending them when they are the right fit for the case.

That said, I do not believe every tooth should automatically be treated the same way. If we are restoring a front tooth where the highest level of cosmetic shading and characterization is needed, a lab-made crown may still be the better choice. A talented dental lab technician can customize porcelain in a very detailed way, which can matter more in highly visible areas of the smile.

For back teeth, where strength and function are usually the biggest priorities, same-day zirconia crowns often do a wonderful job. They are strong, efficient, and designed to fit precisely.

Is a same-day crown more expensive?

In our office, a same-day crown is typically not more expensive than a traditional lab-made crown. That is one of the reasons patients appreciate this option. In many cases, you get the convenience of a single appointment without an added cost simply because the crown was made in-office.

Of course, every situation is different. Before we begin treatment, I’ll explain what I recommend, why I recommend it, and what the cost looks like so you can make an informed decision.

Need a same-day crown in downtown Denver?

If you have a broken tooth, a cracked tooth, an old filling that is failing, or a tooth that needs more protection, a same-day dental crown may be a good option. The best way to know is to come in so I can evaluate the tooth, talk through what I’m seeing, and help you decide what makes the most sense.

I know dental issues do not always happen at a convenient time, so we do our best to see patients quickly when something feels urgent. You can call, text, or email us, but calling is usually the best way to get the process started.

To schedule a same-day crown consultation in Denver, CO, call The Denver Dentists & Implant Center at (303) 731-2005.