What if you could repair a cracked or decayed tooth and walk out the same day with a durable, natural-looking crown—no messy impressions, no temporary that pops off at the worst time, and no second appointment? That’s the promise of CEREC same-day crowns, and it’s changing how busy Sherwood families take care of their smiles.
Why Do Teeth Need Crowns?
Crowns reinforce teeth that are cracked, heavily filled, or weakened after root canal treatment. They restore shape, strength, and appearance—like a protective helmet for a tooth. Without a crown, a compromised tooth is at higher risk for fractures that can lead to sensitivity or even tooth loss.
How CEREC Technology Works
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic. Instead of taking a physical impression and sending it to an outside lab, your dentist scans your tooth with a small digital camera to capture a precise 3D model. Using CAD/CAM software, a custom crown design is created right in the office. Then a compact milling unit carves the crown from a high-strength ceramic block. After a color check and polish, the crown is bonded to your tooth—often in about two hours.
Benefits You’ll Notice Right Away
- One appointment. Fix your tooth and get back to your day.
- No temporary crown. Skip weeks of babying a fragile placeholder.
- Digital precision. A close, comfortable fit reduces post-op adjustments.
- Natural esthetics. Modern ceramics mimic the translucency of real enamel.
- Long-term strength. These materials are engineered to handle everyday chewing.
Is a Same-Day Crown as Strong as a Lab Crown?
For many cases, yes. Today’s chairside ceramics offer excellent strength and wear resistance. For teeth that need added reinforcement or special cosmetic layering—like certain front teeth—your dentist may still recommend a lab-crafted restoration. The key is matching the material to the job.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
- Evaluation and preparation. Your dentist removes decay or old filling material and shapes the tooth.
- Digital scan. A small scanner captures an exact 3D image—no goopy impressions.
- Design and milling. Your crown is designed on-screen, then shaped from a ceramic block.
- Try-in and bonding. Fit and bite are checked, shade is refined, and the crown is bonded permanently.
- Final polish. You leave with a strong, beautiful crown ready for dinner.
Comfort and Recovery
Local anesthetic keeps you comfortable. Mild sensitivity is possible for a day or two as the tooth settles, but most people return to normal routines immediately. If you grind your teeth at night, a custom nightguard can protect your new crown and your natural teeth.
How Long Do CEREC Crowns Last?
With good home care and regular checkups, crowns often last many years. Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste, floss around the crown margins, and avoid habits like chewing ice. Your dental team will monitor the crown and your bite at each visit.
Who’s a Good Candidate?
If you have a cracked tooth, a large failing filling, or need a crown after root canal therapy, you’re likely a candidate for CEREC. Your dentist will evaluate the tooth’s structure and your bite to confirm the best material choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I still need a root canal with a crown?
Not necessarily. A crown protects the tooth structure. A root canal is only needed if the nerve is inflamed or infected.
Will the color match my other teeth?
Yes. Ceramic blocks come in a range of shades, and the final polish creates a natural look that blends with your smile.
How does CEREC compare to temporary same-day “caps” online?
Those DIY options are not custom, not bonded, and not strong. A professionally designed and bonded crown restores strength and function safely.
Benefits You Can Feel—Summarized
- Comfort: Digital scanning eliminates gaggy impressions and improves fit.
- Strength: Modern ceramics are engineered for chewing forces and long-term wear.
- Health: A well-sealed crown protects against recurrent decay.
- Efficiency: One-visit dentistry reduces numbing episodes and time away from work or school.
Sherwood FAQs About Same-Day Crowns
Will my tooth be numb afterward? Yes, temporarily. Plan soft foods until sensation returns.
Can I floss around the new crown? Please do—gentle daily flossing protects the margins where decay can start.
What if I grind my teeth? A custom nightguard shields your new crown and helps prevent future cracks.
Better Care, Close to Home
Same-day technology means your crown is designed, milled, and adjusted by the team that knows your bite best. That continuity delivers comfort now and fewer surprises later.
Your Next Step
Don’t wait for a small crack to become a big headache. Contact New Smiles Dental in Sherwood, OR at Call Us Today to book an appointment and learn whether a CEREC same-day crown is the right fix for your tooth. You can also Contact Us online.
