Same-Day Crowns in Bargersville, IN

When a tooth is cracked, badly damaged, or has an old filling that is no longer holding up, a crown can restore its shape, function, and protection. Traditionally, getting a crown meant at least two appointments, a temporary restoration, and a wait while a dental laboratory made the final crown.

At Modern Roots Dental, Dr. Holly Austgen uses CEREC technology to design and mill certain crowns right here in our office. When your tooth is a good candidate for a same-day crown, we can often prepare the tooth, create the restoration, check the fit, and place the permanent crown during one appointment. That means you may be able to leave with your finished restoration rather than wearing a temporary crown while you wait for another visit.

Call us at (317) 885-6400 to schedule an appointment in Bargersville, or continue reading to understand how same-day crowns work.

Quick Takeaways

• Some crowns can be completed in one visit. When a tooth is an appropriate candidate, we can complete the preparation, digital scan, design, milling, fitting, and placement in our office.
• You may not need a temporary crown. Same-day treatment can eliminate the temporary stage used with many traditional crown procedures.
• Digital scanning replaces traditional impression material. We use a handheld digital scanner to capture the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth.
• Not every tooth is a same-day crown candidate. The condition of the tooth, its location, your bite, and the type of restoration needed all matter.
• We'll review the treatment and estimated cost first. If you have dental insurance, we'll discuss how your benefits may apply. People without insurance can also ask about our membership plan.

What Is a Same-Day Crown?

A dental crown is a restoration that covers a damaged or weakened tooth. It can help restore a tooth when there isn't enough healthy structure remaining for a filling or bonding to provide the support needed.

A same-day crown uses digital technology to complete several steps in the office that may traditionally involve an outside dental laboratory.

At Modern Roots Dental, we use a digital scan of your teeth to design the crown. The design is then sent to our in-office milling system, where the restoration is made from a block of dental ceramic. Once it is ready, we evaluate the fit, make any necessary adjustments, and place the crown.

The benefit isn't simply that the process is faster. Keeping the process in one office also allows us to handle the design, fabrication, and placement as part of the same treatment sequence.

How the Same-Day Crown Process Works

1. We examine the tooth first

We look at the condition of the tooth, the surrounding gums, and how the tooth comes together with the rest of your bite. A tooth may be damaged because of decay, a fracture, a failing restoration, or significant wear. Grinding and clenching can also place additional stress on teeth and restorations.

Understanding those factors helps us determine whether a crown is appropriate and what we need to consider when designing it.

In some situations, another treatment needs to happen first. For example, a tooth with significant decay may require additional treatment, and a tooth with an extensive crack may need to be evaluated carefully to determine whether it can be restored.

2. We prepare the tooth

Once we've determined that a crown is appropriate, we numb the area and prepare the tooth. We remove decay and weakened tooth structure and shape the remaining tooth so the crown can fit securely. The goal is to create enough room for the restoration while preserving as much healthy tooth structure as reasonably possible.

3. We take a digital scan

Instead of traditional impression trays filled with impression material, we use a handheld digital scanner. The scanner captures the prepared tooth as well as the surrounding teeth and bite. This creates a digital model that we can use to design the restoration.

4. We design and mill the crown in our office

The digital scan is used to design the crown based on the shape of your tooth and the way it needs to function within your bite. The restoration is then milled from dental ceramic using our in-office CEREC technology while you're still at the office.

5. We check the fit and place the crown

Before the crown is permanently placed, we check how it fits and how it contacts the surrounding teeth. We'll evaluate your bite and make any necessary adjustments. Once everything is satisfactory, the crown is bonded or cemented into place according to the restoration and clinical requirements.

What Are the Benefits of a Same-Day Crown?

One of the biggest advantages is convenience. Traditional crown treatment often involves a preparation appointment, a temporary crown, a laboratory waiting period, and another appointment to place the final restoration.

With a same-day crown, those steps can often be consolidated into one visit.

No temporary crown

When your crown can be completed in one visit, you may not need a temporary restoration while waiting for the permanent crown.

Less time between appointments

You may be able to avoid a second visit just to have the final crown placed.

Digital scanning

We use a digital scanner instead of traditional impression material to capture your tooth and bite.

In-office fabrication

Your crown is designed and milled in our Bargersville office, allowing our team to manage the process from preparation through placement.

Designed for your tooth

We consider your tooth's shape, position, surrounding teeth, and bite when designing the restoration.

Who Is a Candidate for a Same-Day Crown?

A crown may be recommended when a tooth has more structural damage than a filling or bonding can reliably address.

Common reasons for a crown include:

• A cracked or fractured tooth
• Significant tooth decay
• A broken cusp
• A large or failing filling
• A weakened tooth that needs additional protection
• A tooth that needs full coverage following root canal treatment

The decision depends on the individual tooth. Two people can have similar-looking damage but require different treatments based on how much healthy tooth structure remains and how the tooth functions within the bite.

Some cases may also require treatment before a crown can be placed. If a tooth is severely broken down, has an extensive crack, or needs another procedure, we may recommend a different sequence of care.

If the tooth cannot be predictably restored, we may discuss replacement options such as an implant rather than placing a crown on a tooth that cannot support one.

The important thing is that we determine this before beginning the crown procedure. Dr. Holly Austgen will explain what she sees, why she recommends a particular approach, and what alternatives may be available.

How Long Does a Same-Day Crown Appointment Take?

A same-day crown requires several steps, so you should plan to spend a few hours at our office.

A typical appointment may include:

• Examination and planning: We evaluate the tooth, discuss your concerns, and check your bite.
• Preparation: We numb and prepare the tooth, removing decay and weakened structure.
• Digital scanning: We capture the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth.
• Design and milling: Your crown is designed and fabricated using our in-office CEREC technology.
• Final fitting: We check the restoration, evaluate your bite, make adjustments, and place the crown.

The exact timing varies based on the tooth and the complexity of the case. We'll explain what to expect when we schedule your appointment.

Preparing for Your Appointment

There usually isn't much special preparation required for a same-day crown. Unless we've given you different instructions, eating a normal meal before your appointment can be helpful because your mouth will remain numb for some time afterward.

Most importantly, let us know about any symptoms you've noticed, including sensitivity, pain when biting, a loose filling, or a tooth that has recently cracked. Those details can help us understand what's happening before we begin treatment.

Caring for Your Crown

After your crown is placed, care for it like a natural tooth. Wait until the numbness wears off before eating, and contact us if you have persistent sensitivity or discomfort.

• Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss or clean between your teeth every day.
• Keep regular dental visits.
• Avoid biting hard objects or using your teeth to open packages.
• Ask about a nightguard if you grind or clench.
• Contact us if the crown feels loose or your bite feels uneven.

Cost, Insurance, and Payment Options

The cost of a crown depends on the tooth being treated, how much healthy tooth structure remains, and the treatment required.

Rather than giving everyone the same price, we evaluate the tooth and provide an estimate based on the recommended treatment. We'll discuss the expected cost before treatment begins so you can make an informed decision.

Dental insurance may provide coverage for crowns when they meet the requirements of your individual plan. Coverage varies between plans, so we'll help you understand how your benefits may apply and what you can expect to pay. If you don't have dental insurance, ask us about our membership plan.

Why Choose Modern Roots Dental for Same-Day Crowns?

At Modern Roots Dental, we combine in-office CEREC technology with personalized restorative care. We design and mill certain crowns here in our Bargersville office, allowing the process to move from digital scan to final placement without an outside laboratory.

We also look beyond the damaged tooth. Your bite, tooth wear, grinding or clenching, and overall oral health can all affect your treatment. Using digital records, including iTero scans, we can evaluate your teeth and monitor changes over time.

Not every damaged tooth needs a crown, and not every crown should be completed the same way. Dr. Holly Austgen considers your individual needs and explains your options clearly so you can make an informed decision about your care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are same-day crowns as strong as traditional crowns?

A crown's strength depends on its material, the tooth supporting it, your bite, and habits such as grinding or clenching. Same-day crowns can be a reliable option when they're appropriate for your tooth.

Will my insurance cover a same-day crown?

Insurance coverage varies by plan. We'll review your benefits and discuss your estimated cost before treatment begins.

Does getting a same-day crown hurt?

We numb the tooth before preparing it, so you shouldn't feel the procedure. Some temporary sensitivity may occur afterward. Oral conscious sedation may also be available if you're anxious.

How long does a same-day crown last?

With proper care, a crown can last for many years. Its lifespan depends on your oral hygiene, bite, habits, and the condition of the tooth underneath.

What if my tooth needs a root canal?

If the tooth is infected or deeply damaged, it may need a root canal before receiving a crown. We'll evaluate the tooth and explain your treatment options.

Can a same-day crown match my other teeth?

Yes. We select the ceramic shade and design the crown to blend with your surrounding teeth as closely as possible.

Will I need a temporary crown?

If your tooth is a good candidate for a same-day CEREC crown, you may not need a temporary crown. We'll explain what to expect before treatment.

Ready to Find Out If a Same-Day Crown Is Right for You?

If you've been dealing with a cracked tooth, a failing filling, or a tooth that has become difficult to chew with, we'd be happy to take a look.

At Modern Roots Dental, Dr. Holly Austgen will evaluate the tooth, explain what's happening, and discuss whether a same-day crown is appropriate or whether another treatment would be a better fit. Contact us online or call (317) 885-6400 to schedule an appointment in Bargersville, whenever you're ready!