Feb 1, 2026
How Same-Day Crowns Work
Redefining Dental Restorations in Smyrna
For decades, getting a dental crown was a multi-week ordeal. Patients had to endure uncomfortable physical impressions, wear a fragile temporary crown for two weeks, and return for a second appointment to have the permanent restoration fitted. At Smyrna Dental Studio, we believe your time is as valuable as your dental health. By integrating same-day crowns into our practice, we have streamlined the restorative process to fit into a single visit. Led by Dr. Raheel Thobhani, our team uses state-of-the-art digital workflows to ensure that your restoration is precise, beautiful, and ready the moment you leave our chair.
The Science of CEREC Technology
What is CEREC?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It is a sophisticated CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacturing) system that allows dentists to create dental restorations right in the office. Instead of sending data to an off-site laboratory, we perform the entire fabrication process on-site.
Digital Precision vs. Traditional Putty
The "old way" of taking impressions involved a tray filled with cold, goopy putty that often triggered a gag reflex in patients. CEREC replaces this with a handheld digital scanner. This intraoral camera captures thousands of high-definition images of your teeth in seconds, creating a 3D digital model that is far more accurate than any physical mold.
Step-by-Step: Your Same-Day Appointment
Step 1: Preparation and Scanning
Once Dr. Thobhani determines a crown is necessary, the tooth is prepared by removing decay or old filling material. We then use the CEREC Omnicam to scan the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. This ensures the new crown will fit perfectly within your natural bite alignment.
Step 2: Custom Digital Design
Using the 3D model, we design your crown on a computer screen right in front of you. We can customize the shape, size, and ridges of the crown to match your existing teeth. This digital precision allows us to account for the smallest nuances in your anatomy, ensuring a seamless blend with your natural smile.
Step 3: On-Site Milling
Once the design is finalized, the data is sent to our in-office milling machine. A solid block of high-quality, tooth-colored ceramic is placed into the machine. Over the next 15 to 20 minutes, diamond-coated burs carve the block into the exact shape of your custom crown.
Step 4: Finishing and Placement
After the milling is complete, the crown is polished and, if necessary, stained to match the exact shade of your neighboring teeth. Dr. Thobhani then checks the fit and bonds the crown permanently to your tooth. You walk out of our Smyrna office with a fully restored, functional tooth in about two hours.
Why Smyrna Patients Prefer Same-Day Crowns
Unmatched Convenience for Busy Lifestyles
In a world as fast-paced as 2026, taking two separate days off work for a single tooth can be a major hurdle. Whether you are preparing for a local event or simply want to resolve a toothache quickly, the "one and done" nature of same-day crowns is the ultimate convenience.
No More Temporary Crown Troubles
Traditional temporary crowns are notorious for falling off, breaking, or feeling "off" in your mouth. Because we place the permanent ceramic crown immediately, you never have to worry about the discomfort or the emergency "re-gluing" appointments that often come with temporaries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are same-day crowns as strong as lab-made crowns?
Yes. CEREC crowns are milled from a solid block of high-grade ceramic or zirconia, which is incredibly durable and resistant to wear. They are designed to withstand the same biting forces as traditional crowns.
Does insurance cover same-day crowns?
Most insurance plans treat same-day crowns the same way they treat traditional ones. Our team at Smyrna Dental Studio can help you verify your benefits to ensure you maximize your coverage.
Will the crown look natural?
Absolutely. We offer a wide range of ceramic shades and can customize the finish to ensure the crown is indistinguishable from your natural teeth.
Schedule Your Restoration at Smyrna Dental Studio
Don't wait weeks for a healthy smile. Experience the future of dentistry with Dr. Thobhani and our expert team. If you need a crown, choose the efficiency and precision of CEREC technology. Contact Smyrna Dental Studio today to schedule your same-day crown consultation.
