Most people assume getting a dental crown takes two appointments, a temporary crown in the meantime, and at least a week or two of waiting. That assumption is outdated. Thanks to advances in dental technology, it is now possible to have a permanent crown designed, milled, and placed in a single visit, all without a temporary restoration or a second trip to the dental chair.
At Boston Smile Center in Brookline, our CEREC same-day crowns give patients a more efficient path to restoring a damaged or decayed tooth. For professionals and active adults who value their time, this approach can make a meaningful difference in how dental care fits into a busy life.
How CEREC Technology Works
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It is a computer-aided design and manufacturing system that allows us to create a custom ceramic crown right here in our office.
The process begins with a digital scan of your tooth. Rather than using traditional putty impressions, we use a small handheld scanner to capture a precise 3D image of the tooth and surrounding area. That image is then used to digitally design a crown that matches the shape, size, and color of your natural teeth.
Once the design is finalized, our in-office milling machine carves the crown from a solid block of dental ceramic. The result is a restoration that fits accurately, looks natural, and is ready to be placed the same day.
What the Appointment Looks Like
A same-day crown appointment typically runs a few hours from start to finish. Here is a general outline of what you can expect:
- The tooth is numbed, and any decay or damage is removed, and the surface is prepared to receive the crown.
- A digital scan is taken to capture a detailed image of the prepared tooth and neighboring teeth.
- The crown is designed using CAD/CAM software, and you may be able to preview the design before milling begins.
- The milling unit fabricates the crown from a ceramic block while you wait.
- We check the fit, make any minor adjustments, and bond the crown permanently in place.
Most patients leave their appointment with a fully restored tooth and no need to return for a second procedure.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Same-day crowns work well for a wide range of situations. You may be a good candidate if you need a crown following a root canal, have a tooth with significant decay or a cracked cusp, or are replacing an old crown that has worn down or broken. Patients who have difficulty scheduling multiple appointments or who prefer to limit their time in the dental chair often find this option particularly appealing.
That said, not every tooth is the right fit for a same-day approach. Our team evaluates each case individually to determine whether CEREC is the most appropriate option or whether a traditional crown process would better serve your needs.
How Same-Day Crowns Compare to Traditional Crowns
With a traditional crown, the process involves two separate appointments. During the first stage, the tooth is prepared, and an impression is sent to an outside dental lab. A temporary crown protects the tooth while you wait, which typically takes one to two weeks. At the second appointment, the temporary is removed, and the permanent crown is placed.
CEREC eliminates the lab wait and the temporary crown entirely. The ceramic material used is durable and closely matches the appearance of natural enamel. Both approaches can produce strong, lasting results, but the same-day method removes many of the inconveniences associated with the traditional timeline.
Our dental technology at Boston Smile Center is designed with exactly this kind of efficiency in mind. We invest in tools that allow us to provide high-quality restorative dentistry without asking patients to sacrifice more time than necessary.
Caring for Your Crown After Placement
A same-day crown requires no special aftercare beyond what you would do for any other crown. Brushing twice daily, flossing once a day, and attending regular hygiene visits help protect both the crown and the surrounding teeth. It is also worth avoiding habits like chewing ice or grinding your teeth, both of which can shorten the lifespan of any dental restoration.
If you receive a nightguard recommendation from our team, it is worth taking seriously. Protecting your investment in your dental health is part of the bigger picture.
Schedule Your Appointment at Boston Smile Center
Dr. Sasson has been serving the Greater Boston area for over 35 years, and our team includes Dr. Abugad, who has advanced training in CEREC crown technology. Our Brookline practice has earned Best of Boston recognition annually and is built around bringing the latest technology to patients who expect a higher standard of care.
If you have a damaged tooth and want to explore whether a same-day crown is right for you, we would be glad to walk you through your options. Contact our office to schedule a consultation at Boston Smile Center.