How Same-Day Crowns Actually Work
The process starts with digital scanning instead of those uncomfortable impression trays filled with goopy material. Dr. Connor or Dr. Prouty uses an intraoral scanner to capture precise 3D images of your tooth and the surrounding area. These scans appear on a computer screen right away, and your dentist designs your crown digitally while you’re still in the chair.
Once the design is finalized, the information is sent to an in-house milling machine, which carves your crown from a solid block of high-quality ceramic. The milling takes about 15-20 minutes, during which you can relax, catch up on emails, or watch something on your phone. After milling, Dr. Prouty or Dr. Connor checks the fit, makes any needed adjustments, and bonds the crown permanently to your prepared tooth.
The entire appointment typically lasts two to three hours. You leave with a fully functional, natural-looking crown that’s ready for immediate use—no temporary crown, no second visit, and no waiting around wondering when you’ll finally get your permanent restoration.
Why People Choose Same-Day Crowns
Time savings represent the most obvious benefit. Instead of blocking out two separate appointments and dealing with the hassle of a temporary crown for weeks, you handle everything in one shot. This is especially valuable if you have a busy schedule, travel frequently for work, or simply prefer to spend less time in dental offices than necessary.
Same-day crowns in Watertown also mean you avoid the vulnerabilities that come with temporary crowns. Those temporaries can pop off while you’re eating, expose sensitive tooth structure, or just feel awkward in your mouth. Some people develop speech issues or avoid certain foods entirely until they get their permanent crown. With same-day treatment, you skip all those concerns completely.
The precision of digital technology often yields better results as well. Computer-aided design eliminates human error in the impression-taking process, and the milling machine cuts with accuracy that’s difficult to match through traditional lab methods. Your crown fits better from the start, which means less adjustment time and improved long-term comfort.
When You Might Need a Crown
Crowns restore teeth that are too damaged for a simple filling. Perhaps you cracked a tooth while biting into something hard, or a large cavity compromised so much tooth structure that a filling won’t be sufficient. Root canal treatment typically requires a crown afterward because the procedure removes the tooth’s internal structure, leaving the remaining shell vulnerable to fracture.
Severe wear from grinding can also necessitate the placement of crowns. If you’ve worn down your teeth significantly over the years, crowns rebuild that lost tooth structure and protect what remains. Some people get crowns for cosmetic reasons too—covering discoloured teeth that don’t respond to whitening or reshaping teeth that appear too small or misshapen.
Dr. Prouty and Dr. Connor evaluate your specific situation during your examination. They’ll explain whether a crown is the best option or if a different treatment might work better for your circumstances.
What to Expect During Your Appointment
Your same-day crown appointment at any of the three Infinity Sedation Dentistry locations starts with numbing the tooth being treated. Once you’re comfortable, your dentist removes any decay and shapes the tooth to properly receive the crown. This preparation creates enough space for the crown while maintaining adequate tooth structure for a strong bond.
The digital scanning comes next, which takes only a few minutes. You’ll see the 3D model of your tooth on the screen as your dentist designs your crown, adjusting the shape and bite to match your natural teeth. Many patients find this part interesting because they can watch their crown take shape digitally before it gets milled.
While the milling machine creates your crown, you have some downtime. Some people step out for a quick coffee run, while others just relax in the office. When the crown is ready, Dr. Connor or Dr. Prouty tries it in, checks your bite carefully, and makes any final adjustments before permanently cementing it in place.
Same-Day Crowns in Watertown
Why stretch a crown procedure across multiple weeks when you can complete it in one visit? Call Infinity Sedation Dentistry in Watertown, Dakota Dunes, or Sioux Falls to schedule your same-day crown appointment with Dr. Brian Prouty or Dr. Kevin Connor. Whether you’re dealing with a cracked tooth, need a crown after root canal treatment, or simply want to address that damaged tooth you’ve been putting off, same-day crowns allow you to get it done and get back to your life. One appointment, one crown, zero hassle—that’s how dental care should work.