Same-Day Crowns in Gilbert, AZ: How CEREC Technology Gives You a New Tooth in One Visit
No temporary crown. No second appointment. No waiting weeks for a dental lab. Here's how it works.
Remember when getting a dental crown meant at least two appointments, weeks of waiting, and dealing with an uncomfortable temporary crown that might fall off at the worst possible moment? Those days are over.
At Arizona Smiles in Gilbert, we use CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) technology to design, mill, and place your permanent crown in a single visit — usually in about an hour. No impressions. No temporary. No second appointment.
In this guide, we'll explain exactly how same-day crowns work, who they're right for, and why this technology has transformed the dental crown experience for our Gilbert patients.
What Is CEREC Technology?
CEREC is a state-of-the-art CAD/CAM (computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing) system that allows us to create custom dental restorations right here in our Gilbert office. The technology includes three key components:
Digital Scanner: Instead of goopy impression material, we use a small handheld camera to capture detailed 3D images of your tooth. It's fast, comfortable, and incredibly accurate.
Design Software: Using the digital scan, we design your crown on-screen, customizing the shape, size, and fit to match your bite and adjacent teeth perfectly.
Milling Unit: Once the design is finalized, our in-office milling machine carves your crown from a solid block of dental-grade ceramic in about 15 minutes.
The result? A permanent, custom-fit crown that's ready to bond to your tooth before you leave the office.
The Same-Day Crown Process: What to Expect
Here's what your same-day crown appointment looks like from start to finish:
Tooth Preparation (15-20 minutes)
We numb the area and prepare your tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to receive the crown — just like with a traditional crown procedure.
Digital Scanning (5 minutes)
Using our intraoral scanner, we capture precise 3D images of your prepared tooth and surrounding teeth. No messy impressions, no gagging — just a quick, comfortable scan.
Crown Design (10-15 minutes)
Using CEREC software, we design your crown on-screen. You can even watch as we customize the shape and contours to match your natural teeth.
Milling (15-20 minutes)
Your crown is milled from a solid block of tooth-colored ceramic right before your eyes. This is a great time to relax, check your phone, or just enjoy a few minutes of downtime.
Bonding and Final Adjustments (15 minutes)
We try in your new crown, make any final adjustments to ensure a perfect fit, and permanently bond it to your tooth. You walk out with your final restoration — done.
Total time: Most same-day crown appointments take about 60-90 minutes from start to finish.
Same-Day Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns
How do CEREC same-day crowns compare to the traditional crown process? Here's a side-by-side comparison:
| Factor | Same-Day Crown | Traditional Crown |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Visits | 1 visit | 2+ visits |
| Temporary Crown | Not needed | Required (2-3 weeks) |
| Impressions | Digital scan (comfortable) | Goopy impression material |
| Wait Time | ~1 hour | 2-3 weeks |
| Made On-Site | Yes (in-office) | No (outside lab) |
| Durability | 10-15+ years | 10-15+ years |
| Appearance | Natural, tooth-colored | Natural, tooth-colored |
Same-day crowns aren't just more convenient — they eliminate the risk of your temporary crown falling off, sensitivity between appointments, and the need to take additional time off work or arrange childcare for a second visit.
The Benefits of Same-Day Crowns
Convenience
One appointment, one hour, done. No juggling schedules for a follow-up visit weeks later.
Comfort
Digital scans eliminate the need for uncomfortable impression trays and goopy materials.
No Temporary
Skip the temporary crown that can fall off, feel awkward, or cause sensitivity.
Precision Fit
Digital design and milling create an incredibly accurate fit — often better than lab-made crowns.
Natural Look
High-quality ceramic is color-matched to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.
Durability
CEREC crowns are just as strong and long-lasting as traditional lab-made crowns.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are one of the most versatile restorations in dentistry. You might need a crown if you have:
A cracked or fractured tooth: A crown holds the tooth together and prevents further damage.
A large filling that's failing: When a filling takes up more than half the tooth, a crown provides better protection.
A tooth after root canal: Root canal-treated teeth become brittle and need a crown for protection.
Severe decay: When decay is too extensive for a filling but the tooth can still be saved.
A dental implant: Implants are topped with crowns to create the visible tooth.
Cosmetic concerns: Crowns can improve the appearance of misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are same-day crowns as strong as traditional crowns?
Yes. CEREC crowns are milled from solid blocks of dental-grade ceramic, making them just as durable as lab-fabricated crowns. They can last 10-15 years or longer with proper care.
How long do same-day crowns last?
With proper oral hygiene and regular dental checkups, same-day crowns typically last 10-15 years — comparable to traditional crowns. Many last even longer.
Does insurance cover same-day crowns?
Yes. Same-day CEREC crowns are covered the same as traditional crowns by most dental insurance plans. We'll verify your coverage and provide a cost estimate before treatment.
Can everyone get a same-day crown?
Same-day crowns are ideal for most situations. However, in some complex cases — like crowns requiring special shading for front teeth or cases involving extensive bite issues — a lab-made crown may be recommended. We'll advise you on the best option for your specific situation.
How much do same-day crowns cost in Gilbert, AZ?
Same-day crowns are typically priced similarly to traditional crowns. The exact cost depends on your specific needs and insurance coverage. We provide transparent pricing and offer flexible payment options.
Same-Day Crowns at Arizona Smiles
At Arizona Smiles, we've invested in CEREC technology because we believe our patients deserve better than the traditional crown experience. No one should have to deal with messy impressions, uncomfortable temporaries, or multiple appointments when there's a better way.
Dr. Sam Bollwinkel and our team have extensive experience with same-day restorations, having placed thousands of CEREC crowns over the years. Combined with our commitment to personalized care, you can trust that your crown will fit perfectly, look natural, and last for years to come.
Ready to experience the convenience of same-day crowns? Whether you need a crown to restore a damaged tooth or complete a smile makeover, we're here to help.
Need a Crown? Get It Done Today.
Schedule your same-day crown appointment at Arizona Smiles in Gilbert.
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