If you have a damaged tooth and need dental restorations, one option could be a CEREC same-day crown. Learn more about this type of restoration and how long it could take in Atlanta.
How Long Does a CEREC Same-Day Crown Appointment Take?
How long does a CEREC corona dental take? To get a clear idea of what you can expect from the process, it’s helpful to break down the various procedure steps and timing.
For the first 10 to 20 minutes of your visit to the dentist, you will fill out paperwork and have a consultation. Your dentist will ensure you’re a good candidate for same-day crowns. During this consultation, you will usually also get a bit of an overview of what you can expect cost-wise and what your payment options (including financing) may be.
The next step will be preparing the tooth for the scan that will begin the same-day crown procedure. You’ll receive local anesthesia, followed by the removal of any tooth decay or old restorations. Your dentist will prepare the tooth for the new crown. This typically takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the procedure’s complexity.
Next, an intraoral scan will be performed to obtain digital images of the tooth and surrounding structures. The digital scanner crown process takes five to 15 minutes. This scan replaces the traditional molds that would otherwise be made and sent to a lab.
For single teeth, it can take as little as five minutes, but if your dentist gets scans of the surrounding structures or your bite, it could be closer to 15 minutes. With these images and CAD/CAM technology, your crown can be created right at the office.
The technology selects the appropriate material and then begins creating the crown. For CEREC milling, 15 minutes is the norm when it comes to ceramic crowns. The entire process, from design to milling, can take between 20 and 40 minutes.
There will be an additional 10 to 20 minutes for finishing, depending on the material and your aesthetic needs.
Try-ins, adjustments, and cementation can take 15 to 30 minutes. Minor adjustments could take just five minutes, but more significant bite fixes require more time. Post-op guidance takes about 10 minutes.
Overall, CEREC crown time is between 60 and 140 minutes. In Atlanta, most of these procedures take about 90 minutes, on average, but more complex ones can be in the two-hour range.
How Do Complexity Tiers Affect Procedure Time?
Complexity tiers significantly affect CEREC crown time. Procedures that are relatively simple, like posterior tooth restorations, can take 30 to 45 minutes. Compare this with medium-complexity procedures, such as those involving multiple adjacent restorations, which take between 60 and 90 minutes.
The most complex cases, involving multiple crowns or full-arch work, can take more than 2 hours.
Simple procedures can include single posterior ceramic or composite crowns. There may be a need for a few extra minutes (up to 15) of tooth preparation time, but that’s not always necessary. If other minor work is necessary, it can add 10 to 20 minutes to the overall time.
Medium complexity procedures can involve two or three adjacent restorations. Single crowns with moderate preparation required or the need to remove amalgam can mean between 20 and 45 minutes of crown preparation, digital scanning, and design.
If moisture or isolation is a concern, an additional 15 to 20 minutes will be needed.
High-complexity cases involve multiple crowns, work under the gums, and the management of prior restorations or treatments. These cases can often add 45 to 90+ minutes to the standard
CEREC crown creation time.
Because of the difficulty of these procedures, it’s also a good idea to plan for additional time in case revisions are needed.
How Does Anesthesia Choice Change Timing and Comfort?
Local anesthesia is the most commonly used option for these procedures. It numbs the gums and teeth and takes about 5–10 minutes to take effect. This type of anesthesia typically wears off within one to four hours after administration. There are topical anesthetics, too, but they are not a substitute for injectables.
For people with dental anxiety, there is also nitrous oxide (laughing gas). It takes about 5 minutes to take effect and requires only about 30 minutes of post-op care.
In some cases, oral or IV sedatives may be a good choice. Oral sedatives require previsit dosing, while IV sedation can take a longer time to administer and recover from.
How Does CEREC Compare With Traditional Crown Workflow?
When comparing same-day dental crowns vs. traditional crowns, what can you expect in terms of time?
With CEREC same-day dental crowns, the process begins with a digital scan, which takes images of your dental structures. A CAD/CAM crown is made with in-office milling, which takes about 15 to 30 minutes.
With try-ins, adjustments, and final cementation, you can expect one-visit crowns to take 90 to 240 minutes, depending on the case’s complexity.
Traditional lab-made crowns require two visits to your dentist’s office. The first visit will include tooth preparation, molding, and the application of a temporary crown. Between one and three weeks later, you will return to the office to get the final fitting and cementation.
One of the most important benefits of same-day crowns is that you can get a great fit quickly. Still, lab-manufactured crowns may be more appropriate for people with bruxism or who require stronger, longer-lasting crowns. If you’re looking for superior aesthetics for your restoration, lab-made ceramic crowns are the better choice.
You will have to weigh the pros and cons of both options. If you’re mainly concerned about how long the entire process will take and prefer not to get temporary restorations, one-visit crowns can be the solution. If durability and maximum strength are your goals, choose lab-manufactured options.
How Should You Prepare and What Should You Bring?
To prepare for your visit, you will need to complete the patient intake forms, which are available via the clinic’s online portal. This will likely include your medical history and consent forms. Make sure to have valid identification when you come to the office and have proof of your insurance. This can make the entire check-in process faster.
Prepare a concise medical summary as well. You should list all of the medications you’re on (along with their dosages), as well as information on any allergies you have and any surgeries you’ve undergone. Mention even minor procedures.
Add your primary physician’s contact information as well so your dentist knows who to contact if they have questions. That’s especially important if you’re getting sedation or have to get an implant.
If you have previous dental records or imaging studies, you can send them to your dentist ahead of your visit. Bring any referral letters you may have and prior treatment notes. If these are not available and you have a previous dentist, ask them to send your records to your new dentist before the appointment. This can prevent delays.
When you go to your CEREC crown visit, it’s also helpful to bring a list of any questions you have. These can include questions about costs, how long the procedure will take, what sedation options would be best for your case, and whether there are financing options.
It’s always helpful to arrive about 15 minutes before your appointment to fill out final forms. Make sure to arrange to have someone ready to drive you home if you receive sedation.
What Are Common Patient Concerns About Timing and Recovery?
It’s common to have worries not only about how long the process will take but also what the recovery will look like. Knowing what to expect can help ease some of the anxiety about the process.
You will feel some pressure after getting CEREC crowns, which can last between 24 and 72 hours. You can also experience mild swelling and bleeding.
Local anesthetics will result in numbness, which can vary in duration. To keep from biting your tongue or cheeks, avoid eating until you feel sensation return. It should take between two and eight hours for the numbness to resolve. If it doesn’t get better after about 24 hours, let your dentist know.
Avoid very cold or very hot foods and drinks because you may be sensitive to the procedure. To prevent any dislodgment of the crown, you should also not use straws for 48 to 72 hours.
Most people can get back to work in about 24 hours, especially if their job only requires sedentary activities. Avoid anything too strenuous for at least five days to minimize bleeding and swelling.
Although rare, complications from these procedures may require prompt follow-ups.
If you experience substantial bleeding or the bleeding won’t stop, that could be a sign that you need further care. The same applies if you have a fever or severe pain. If you have trouble breathing or notice that there’s pus in the area, contact your dentist.
CEREC Same-Day Crown FAQs
How long does a CEREC crown take? These same-day dental crowns take about one to two hours for simple cases but can take longer for more complex situations.
Procedure steps and timing can depend on the tier of case difficulty. You can expect:
- Simple Cases: 60–75 minutes
- Medium Cases: 75–120 minutes
- Complex Cases: 120+ minutes
CEREC same-day crowns can take a bit longer if sedation is needed or if you require multiple restorations. Same-day crown procedures can vary, so give yourself a few hours to avoid stressing throughout your appointment.
Those who benefit most from these restorations are people who don’t have severe bruxism or bite issues that could put excess pressure on the restoration. With an assessment, your dentist can tell you if you’re a good candidate.
Are CEREC Crowns as Strong as Traditional Crowns?
CEREC crowns are made from the same strong materials as lab-made options. CEREC crowns’ durability will depend on the exact material they are made of, with monolithic zirconia being the strongest. A ceramic crown lifespan can be between 10 and 15 years.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for a CEREC Crown?
People with active periodontal disease or those with subgingival structure issues may not be the right candidates for these crowns. If there are serious bite issues or severe bruxism, that can put the crown at risk, too. You may also not be the right candidate if you have extensive missing tooth structure.
What Are the Common Disadvantages of CEREC Crowns?
CEREC crowns might not offer as much aesthetic beauty as layered ceramic options. If your main concern is looks, a lab-made crown could provide what you need. There are also fewer material choices, which could mean not having access to the most durable options.
For complex cases, these crowns don’t offer the full support you need. If you require a full mouth reconstruction, for example, your only option is lab-fabricated crowns.
The results can depend greatly on your dentist’s experience with the CEREC technology. That’s not something you have to worry about when you choose laboratory-made restorations.
How Should I Care for a CEREC Crown Long Term?
To extend the lifespan of a CEREC crown, you need to care for it as you would your natural teeth. Floss and brush your teeth, including those with restorations, every day. Use fluoride toothpaste and focus on the tooth-restoration margin to avoid decay. Additionally, schedule routine check-ups with your dentist.
Avoid sticky, hard, or chewy foods for about two weeks after getting the crowns. Even after that, be cautious about these types of foods.
If you have a damaged tooth and want a faster restoration option, Dr. Brett Langston can help you determine whether a CEREC same-day crown is the right solution. Contact us to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.
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