If you’ve ever needed a dental crown, you probably remember the old routine: two appointments, a temporary crown, and a wait of two weeks or more. For busy Chicagoans, that kind of disruption to your schedule isn’t always realistic. That’s exactly why same day crowns have become one of the most requested services at Kimberly Smiles in Wicker Park. With advanced in-office milling technology, you can walk in with a damaged or decayed tooth and walk out the same day with a permanent, custom-fit crown.
Whether you’re dealing with a cracked molar, a tooth weakened by a large filling, or decay that’s gone beyond what a simple filling can fix, same day crowns offer a faster, more convenient path to a restored smile. Here’s a detailed look at what the process involves and what you can expect at your visit.
What Are Same Day Crowns?
Same day crowns — sometimes called CEREC crowns — are ceramic dental crowns designed, milled, and placed entirely within a single appointment. Traditional crowns require your dentist to take physical impressions, send them to an off-site lab, and fit you with a temporary crown while you wait. Same day crowns eliminate all of that by using digital scanning and computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM) technology right in the dental office.
The result is a high-quality, tooth-colored ceramic crown that fits precisely and looks natural — without the extra appointments, temporary restorations, or prolonged waiting periods.
Step-by-Step: Your Same Day Crown Appointment
Step 1: Examination and Preparation
Your visit begins with a thorough examination of the affected tooth. X-rays may be taken to assess the extent of damage or decay beneath the surface. Once the dentist confirms a crown is the right solution, the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic and gently shaped to create the proper foundation for the crown. Any decay is removed during this stage.
Step 2: Digital Impressions
Instead of the goopy traditional impression material you may remember from past dental visits, a small handheld scanner is used to capture precise 3D images of your tooth and surrounding bite. This digital scan is comfortable, quick, and far more accurate than physical molds. The images are immediately transferred to the in-office design software.
Step 3: Crown Design
Using the digital scan, the dental team designs your custom crown on-screen, carefully matching the shape, size, and contour of your natural tooth. This step ensures your bite feels balanced and your crown blends seamlessly with neighboring teeth.
Step 4: In-Office Milling
Once the design is finalized, it’s sent to the in-office milling machine, which carves your crown from a high-quality ceramic block. This process typically takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The ceramic is selected to closely match the shade of your natural teeth.
Step 5: Fitting and Bonding
After any minor adjustments are made to ensure a perfect fit, the crown is polished and permanently bonded to your tooth. Your dentist will check your bite one final time before you’re ready to go. From start to finish, most same day crown appointments take between 90 minutes and two hours.
Are Same Day Crowns as Durable as Traditional Crowns?
This is one of the most common questions patients ask, and the short answer is yes. Modern ceramic materials used in same day crowns are strong, long-lasting, and designed to withstand the daily pressures of chewing. With proper care — regular brushing, flossing, and routine checkups — a same day crown can last many years, comparable to traditionally fabricated crowns.
If you’re curious about how crowns compare to other restorative and cosmetic options, it’s worth reading Dental Crowns vs. Veneers: Which Is Right for You? — a helpful overview of when each treatment makes the most sense.
Who Is a Good Candidate for a Same Day Crown?
Same day crowns work well for most patients who need a standard crown on a back or front tooth. You may be a strong candidate if you have a tooth that is cracked, significantly decayed, broken, or has a large failing filling. Patients who have had a root canal may also need a crown to protect the treated tooth, and same day technology is well-suited for that as well.
During your visit, the team at Kimberly Smiles will evaluate your specific situation and let you know whether a same day crown is the right fit. You can explore the full range of dental services available at Kimberly Smiles to get a broader sense of how restorative care fits into your overall treatment options.
What About Cost and Insurance?
Same day crowns are typically covered by dental insurance at the same benefit level as traditional crowns, since the end result — a permanent crown — is the same. Of course, coverage varies by plan, so it’s always a good idea to verify your benefits ahead of your appointment. Kimberly Smiles offers flexible payment options to help make care accessible. Visit the financial information page for details on payment solutions, or check out current patient specials that may apply to your visit.
If you’re also thinking about broader smile improvements beyond a single crown, Smile Makeover in Wicker Park: Your Local Transformation Guide is a great resource for understanding how multiple treatments can work together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does getting a same day crown hurt?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you should feel little to no discomfort during the appointment. Some mild sensitivity around the tooth is normal for a day or two after placement, but most patients find it very manageable.
How do I care for my same day crown after the appointment?
Same day crowns don’t require any special care beyond your normal oral hygiene routine. Brush twice daily, floss around the crown, and keep up with your regular dental checkups. Avoiding very hard or sticky foods in the first 24 hours is generally recommended.
Can a same day crown be placed on any tooth?
Same day crowns can be placed on most teeth, including molars and front teeth. Your dentist will assess the specific tooth and your bite during the examination to confirm that a same day crown is the most appropriate option for your situation.
How long does a same day crown last?
With good oral hygiene and regular dental visits, same day ceramic crowns are designed to last many years. The longevity of any crown also depends on factors like your bite, grinding habits, and how well the crown is maintained over time.
Is the fit of a same day crown as accurate as a lab-made crown?
Digital scanning and CAD/CAM milling technology produce highly precise restorations. Many patients and clinicians find the fit of same day crowns to be excellent, and the elimination of a temporary crown means there’s no adjustment period between restorations.
Ready to restore your smile without the wait? The team at Kimberly Smiles is here to help. Request an appointment online or call us at (773) 389-1529 to schedule your same day crown consultation at our Wicker Park office. We’d love to help you get back to smiling with confidence — in just one visit.