Dental Designs Clinic | Dental Articles | Singapore

From Scan to Smile: Understanding Same Day Crown Replacement

Written by Dental Designs Clinic Singapore | Apr 7, 2025 4:15:00 PM

Gone are the days of multiple dental visits, messy impressions, and long waiting periods for a dental crown. Thanks to technologies like CAD CAM crowns and CEREC digital scanners, patients can now enjoy same day crown replacement an efficient and comfortable solution that restores both function and aesthetics in just a single day.

What are same day crowns?

Same day crowns, also known as Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC) crowns, are a modern alternative to traditional crown procedures. Using digital impressions and computer-aided design, these crowns are crafted and placed within a single day, eliminating the need for temporary crowns and dental laboratory wait times.

The traditional tooth crown procedure time often takes two visits over several weeks, whereas, same day dental crowns offer patients a faster and convenient dental restoration process.

 

Comparison: Traditional vs. Same-day crowns

 

Traditional Crown

Same-Day Crown

Impressions

Physical impressions

(messy and uncomfortable)

Digital impressions

Fabrication Time

1–2 weeks (External

dental lab)

4-6 hours (In-house dental lab)

Need for Temporary Crown

Yes

No

Dental Visits

Multiple visits over weeks

Two sessions in a single day

Comfort

Moderate

Higher, as it is less invasive

Materials

Metal crowns, porcelain crowns, ceramic crowns, zirconia crowns

Ceramic crowns and zirconia crowns

 

Who needs a dental crown?

A dental crown may be necessary for patients with:

  • Decayed teeth
  • Broken tooth or damaged teeth
  • Weakened teeth after root canal treatment
  • Misshapen tooth or discolored teeth
  • Large dental fillings that compromise the natural tooth structure

 

A custom crown restores the tooth function while blending seamlessly with your natural teeth for a natural-looking smile.

 

Step-by-step: Same-day crown procedure

Here’s how the same day crown replacement process works from scan to smile:

1. Examination and Tooth Preparation

The dentist examines the dental issue, cleans the decayed tooth, and reshapes the prepared tooth. In cases involving a root canal, additional care ensures a stable base.

 

2. Digital Impressions

Using an intraoral scanner, your dentist takes a digital image of the prepared tooth and neighbouring teeth, avoiding the discomfort of messy impressions. A three-dimensional image or 3D model is then created.

 

3. Virtual Design

The 3D scan is used to create a virtual model of your custom crown using computer-aided design software. This step allows for an accurate fitting and alignment with adjacent teeth.

 

4. Fabrication of the Crown

At Dental Designs Clinic, our same day crowns are fabricated using one of two methods: the crown can either be milled directly from a porcelain block or pressed under high heat and pressure. Both techniques provide a natural appearance and long-lasting strength.

Once milled, the crown is polished and adjusted before being cemented onto the real tooth using dental adhesive or dental cement. No temporary restoration or follow-up appointments required!

 

Benefits of same-day dental crowns

Convenience for Busy Schedules: Skip the additional visit and your permanent crown is ready in just one day.

Natural Appearance: Made from ceramic materials, these crowns closely mimic the appearance of teeth and natural tooth enamel.

Comfort and Precision: No need for temporary crowns or physical molds; digital technology ensures better accuracy and patient comfort.

Preserves More Tooth Structure: The design allows for minimal tooth alteration, preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.

 

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Post-procedure care: Keeping your new crown healthy

Once your same day crown is placed, maintaining it is essential. With proper care and good oral hygiene practices, it can last for years.

Do’s and Don’ts After Crown Placement

Do’s

Don’ts

Brushing and flossing, with fluoride toothpaste

Avoid sticky foods or chewy foods initially

Maintain good oral hygiene habits

Don’t chew on hard objects

Attend regular dental check-ups

Avoid acidic foods

Use non-abrasive toothpaste

Don’t neglect flossing between adjacent teeth

 

Note: If you experience a loose crown, persistent pain, or signs of a dental issue, visit your dental office immediately.

Materials and options for same day crowns

Today’s same day dental crowns are typically made of ceramic crowns, including zirconia crowns and porcelain crowns. Your dentist will choose the type of crown recommended based on:

  • Location of the tooth (e.g., posterior teeth may need stronger materials)
  • Aesthetically pleasing
  • Oral health goals
  • Potential allergic reaction to metals

In some cases, a metal crown or a traditional crown may still be more suitable, especially for complex restorations or when matching existing artificial teeth.

 

Is same day crown right for you?

Same day crowns are an excellent choice for patients looking for an effective solution with minimal downtime. Ideal for treating a weak tooth, covering a prosthetic tooth, or restoring the entire tooth after root canal therapy, these crowns provide:

  • A beautiful smile
  • Long-term dental health
  • Quick turnaround without lengthy waiting times

 

Conclusion

Whether you're dealing with a damaged tooth, need a dental crown replacement, or just want to improve the appearance of teeth, same-day dental crowns are a pleasing solution that blends advanced digital scanning and cad cam technology with convenience and high-quality dental care.

At our clinic, our experienced dentists use CEREC digital scanners and milling technology to craft crowns that restore your healthy smile in a single visit. From the initial digital image to your final natural-looking smile, it all happens in one comfortable office visit.

Ready to experience the future of dental restoration? Feel free to book your consultation today and get back to smiling confidently.

Call us at : +65 6221 8284