Let’s be honest, no one plans for a dental crown. One minute you’re enjoying popcorn, the next you’re wincing and wondering why your tooth suddenly feels off. Or maybe an old filling finally gave up, and now your tooth feels sensitive, or looks less than photo-ready.
Whatever the reason, most people have the same thought: “Can we just fix this... like, today?”
The good news? These days, you often can.
A dental crown is like a protective helmet for your tooth. When a tooth is cracked, worn down, or damaged beyond what a filling can fix, a crown comes in to cover and protect it. Not only does it restore your tooth’s function, but it can also bring back its natural shape and appearance, too.
You might need a crown if:
Most modern crowns are made from porcelain, which is known for being strong, stain-resistant, and able to blend in beautifully with the rest of your smile.
Here’s the part that surprises most people: you don’t always have to wait weeks for your crown to be made. Thanks to something called CEREC (a type of dental technology that designs and creates your crown on the spot), you can walk in with a problem tooth and walk out with a permanent solution. No temporary crown. No repeat appointment.
The whole thing is more comfortable than you might expect, and kind of cool, too.
Instead of using a big, gooey tray to take a mold of your tooth, your dentist uses a small camera to scan it. It’s quick and simple.
Next, they create a digital model of your new crown right there in the office. You might even catch a glimpse on the screen, it’s like a behind-the-scenes look at your own smile makeover.
Once the design is set, a milling machine carves the crown out of a ceramic block. It takes about 30 minutes, give or take.
The final step is bonding the crown to your tooth. A little polish, a few checks to make sure the bite feels right, and you’re all set.
In one visit, you go from “uh-oh” to “all done.”
Time is the biggest reason. But there’s more to it than just saving a second trip.
For many, this process feels more personal, more transparent, and a whole lot less stressful.
Sometimes, yes, but nothing major. If the crown is for a front tooth that needs special color blending or artistic detail, your dentist might recommend a lab-made version for the best match. Also, not every dental office has CEREC equipment (though it’s becoming more common).
Some patients mention that their bite feels a little off at first, but that typically settles within a day or two. And if your dentist thinks a traditional crown would be a better choice for your specific situation, they’ll explain why, no pressure.
Plan on being at the office for about 90 minutes to two hours, start to finish. That includes everything, scanning, milling, fitting, and walking out with a fully restored tooth. And yes, you can still make it to lunch.
Compared to the traditional route, first visit, temp crown, wait a week or two, second visit, it’s easy to see why this option is growing in popularity.
If you’re someone who prefers to get things done in one go, dislikes dental visits, or just wants to avoid wearing a temporary crown that might not behave, same-day crowns could be a perfect fit. They’re especially helpful for people with packed schedules, limited mobility, or dental anxiety.
Fewer appointments mean fewer injections, less time in the chair, and less back-and-forth. It’s not just convenient, it can actually feel a little empowering.
If you're in or near Holliston and this sounds like your kind of solution, you're in luck. More and more local dentists are offering same-day crowns. It’s not a luxury, it’s simply how modern dentistry is evolving.
Wondering about insurance? Some plans cover same-day crowns just like traditional ones. And even if you’re paying out of pocket, saving time (and reducing the chance of extra dental work later) can make the investment worthwhile.
Still unsure? That’s okay. A quick consultation can help you understand your options, and your dentist can walk you through what’s right for your unique situation.
A cracked, sensitive, or damaged tooth doesn’t need to derail your day or your smile. Same-day crowns make it simple to get back to feeling like yourself again, fast.
Curious about how it works or whether you’re a good candidate? Connect withBarbara Preussner DMD in Holliston for a consultation. No pressure, just real answers, and a simpler path to a healthier, stronger smile.