Same Day Crowns: Procedure & What To Expect in Holliston, MA

Cracked tooth, worn filling, or sudden dental surprise? Needing a crown used to mean weeks of waiting and multiple appointments—now, thanks to CEREC technology, you can restore your tooth in a single visit right here in Holliston. At Barbara A. Preussner, DMD, we believe every patient deserves efficient, beautiful, and long-lasting dental solutions without sacrificing the personal, detail-oriented touch our practice is known for. This comprehensive guide explains how same-day crowns work, what to expect during your appointment, how they compare to traditional crowns, and how to decide if a dental crown is right for you.

We’ll cover:

• What a dental crown is and when you might need one
• How CEREC crowns streamline the process
• A step-by-step walk-through of the procedure
• The pros and cons of same-day crowns vs. traditional crowns
• Frequently asked patient questions—from eating after your visit to insurance and cost

Let’s make the experience of getting a crown as transparent and comfortable as possible. Here’s everything you need to know.

Quick Takeaway

Dental crowns, made with CEREC technology, let you repair and restore your tooth in just one appointment. They’re strong, natural-looking, and you’ll walk out grinning, with no need for a temporary crown and no waiting weeks for a lab to finish the job.

Why Crowns Matter for Your Smile

Dental crowns protect and strengthen teeth that have been damaged by decay, injury, or large restorations. In the past, getting a crown was a drawn-out process: two (or more) visits, gooey molds, a plastic “temporary,” and weeks of limbo while an outside lab crafted your new tooth.

With CEREC’s state-of-the-art system, Dr. Preussner designs, mills, and places your permanent crown—all in a single, comfortable session. No second trip, no messy impressions, no settling for less than a custom-fit solution that’s tailored just for you.

Modern dentistry should fit your schedule and your standards for care. Single-day crowns aren’t just a convenience—they represent a higher level of service and technology that puts your health, comfort, and time first (Healthline overview; learn more about our difference).

What Are Dental Crowns—and Who Needs One?

A dental crown is a custom “cap” that covers and restores a tooth’s shape, stability, and appearance. Crowns are a great solution for:

• Teeth weakened by large cavities or fillings
• After a root canal therapy
• Broken or worn-down teeth
• Cosmetic improvements, like misshapen or deeply discolored teeth

Crowns can be made from a variety of materials (porcelain, ceramic, metal, even gold). CEREC same-day crowns at our practice are crafted from high-strength ceramic designed to blend in seamlessly with your smile (more on types of crowns).

What Makes CEREC Crowns Special?

CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) crowns use advanced digital scanning and in-office 3D milling to create your new crown while you relax in the dental chair. There’s no need for traditional molds or temporary crowns.

Benefits include:

• Speed: Restoration is completed in a single visit—no need for a temporary crown or waiting weeks for a lab.
• Precision: Digital impressions yield a crown with a custom fit, matching the shade and contours of your natural teeth.
• Durability and Aesthetics: Made from high-quality ceramic, CEREC crowns are both strong and beautiful.
• Comfort: Fewer injections, less time in the chair overall, and no sticky impression trays.

You can even watch your new tooth being milled right in the office. For many patients, it feels like magic—but it’s simply the latest in dental innovation.

Step-by-Step: What to Expect During Your Crown Appointment

At Barbara Preussner, DMD in Holliston, we’ve refined our same-day crown procedure so you feel informed and secure from start to finish.

1. Initial Assessment and Digital Imaging

Dr. Preussner will first examine your tooth to confirm that a crown is the right solution. Using a digital intraoral scanner (no more gooey molds!), she creates a 3D model of your tooth and bite.

2. Preparing the Tooth

Your tooth is gently shaped to make room for the crown. Numbing is administered to ensure your comfort—most people describe it as similar to getting a dental filling.

3. Designing Your New Crown

With CEREC software, Dr. Preussner artistically designs a precise, customized crown. You can even peek at the screen if you’re curious (we love educating patients!).

4. Milling Right in the Office

Your crown is crafted from a durable ceramic block right here in our practice, using our CEREC milling unit. This process takes about 15–30 minutes.

5. Trying In, Adjustments, and Final Placement

Once milled, the crown is checked for fit and natural appearance. Dr. Preussner will make sure your bite feels perfect. If needed, minor tweaks are done, then the crown is permanently bonded to your tooth.

6. Smile and Go!

You leave with a fully restored tooth on one single day. Most people can eat comfortably as soon as the numbing wears off.

For an inside look at our approach, visit our The Difference page.

CEREC Crowns vs. Traditional Crowns: Pros, Cons, and Key Differences

Knowing your options helps you make the best choice for your oral health and your life.

CEREC Same-Day Crowns

Pros:

• One appointment, one day.
• No temporary crown to worry about.
• Precision digital fit, no messy impressions.
• Strong, natural-looking ceramic.
• Less time off work or away from family.

Cons:

• Not every case qualifies (for example, some complex bridges or back-teeth needing extra strength).
• Rarely, shade matching for front teeth may be trickier if you need a multi-layered look.

Traditional Crowns

Pros:

• Can offer additional material choices (like gold or layered porcelain for ultra-custom color).
• Sometimes better for certain complex cases.

Cons:

• Typically requires at least two visits.
• Temporary crown can come loose, feel sensitive, or look mismatched.
• Messy molds and more time in the chair.
• Lab-made crowns can take 2–3 weeks (or more) before final delivery (see more comparisons).

For most patients who want a convenient, quick, and attractive result, same day dental crowns in Holliston are a fantastic solution.

Decision Guide: Is a Dental Crown Right for You?

Ask yourself:

• Would you prefer to finish treatment in a single visit?
• Do you want to avoid wearing a temporary crown?
• Does your schedule make it hard to come back for multiple appointments?
• Are you looking for an aesthetic, natural-looking result?

If your situation is unusual, such as needing a gold crown or having a very complex bite, Dr. Preussner will discuss all options with you—always putting your long-term oral health and satisfaction first (learn more about our team’s philosophy).

FAQs:

How long does a CEREC same-day crown appointment take?

The whole process usually takes about two hours from start to finish. You leave with your permanent crown the very same day.

Can I eat the day I get my crown?

Yes! Once the numbness wears off, you can eat as usual. We recommend starting with softer foods until you get used to the new crown.

Are same day crowns as strong as lab-made crowns?

CEREC crowns are milled from a high-strength ceramic designed to stand up to daily chewing and wear. For most patients, they’re every bit as durable as a traditional crown (see this Healthline article), but Dr. Preussner will discuss any exceptions with you.

Do I still need a temporary crown?

No—one of the biggest perks of same day crowns is skipping the temporary altogether.

What do same day dental crowns cost?

Costs vary based on tooth location and complexity, but same day crowns are generally comparable in price to traditional crowns. At our practice, we’re fee-for-service, but we offer an in-house savings plan to help patients access quality care.

Will dental insurance cover dental crowns?

Many dental insurance plans cover crowns, regardless of whether they’re made same day or by a lab. Our team is happy to help explain your plan and maximize your benefits.

Are there any disadvantages?

Few, but worth noting: CEREC crowns may not be suitable for every clinical need. Occasionally, for very front-facing teeth needing special color layering, a lab crown may look even more natural. Dr. Preussner will walk you through every option.

How do I care for my crown?

Care for your crown just like a natural tooth: brush, floss, and stay consistent with routine checkups. Crowns do not protect against gum disease or new decay on the underlying tooth.

What about “silver teeth", do you offer metal crowns?

For most adult patients, we recommend tooth-colored CEREC crowns for reliable strength and natural appearance. However, in rare situations where metal is best, Dr. Preussner will discuss all your options.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Crowns with CEREC technology are transforming how we restore smiles in Holliston: it’s fast, comfortable, and delivers lasting results. With Dr. Preussner’s caring, detail-oriented approach and artistic eye, you can trust your dental crown will not only function beautifully, but sparkle like your natural teeth, too. If you’re ready to repair a damaged tooth or want to learn about modern restorative dentistry, request your consultation today. We’re here to help you love your smile, every single day.