Emergency Dental Services in Albuquerque, NM

Same-day crowns (also called single-visit crowns or chairside crowns) are full-coverage dental restorations that are designed, fabricated, and placed by your dentist during one appointment. Instead of taking a physical impression and sending the case to an external dental lab, Dr. Graham uses an intraoral scanner to capture a precise digital model of your prepared tooth. Specialized computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software designs the crown, and an in-office milling unit carves the restoration from a block of ceramic, zirconia, or other tooth-colored material. The result is a custom crown that fits accurately and looks natural — often within 60 to 90 minutes. 

Why Choose A Same-day Crown? 

Same-day crowns deliver several compelling advantages over the traditional multi-visit approach: 

• Speed and convenience. You leave the clinic with a permanent crown, the very same day — no temporary crown, no return visit for cementation, and no prolonged vulnerability of the prepared tooth. 
• Precision fit. Digital impressions and CAD/CAM design provide exceptionally accurate margins and occlusion, reducing the need for extensive adjustments. 
• Fewer appointments. Single-visit treatment is especially valuable for busy adults, caregivers, and patients who travel frequently. 
• Elimination of temporary crowns. Temporaries can be uncomfortable, break, or lead to sensitivity; same-day crowns avoid these issues. 
• Aesthetics. Modern ceramic and zirconia materials mimic natural enamel translucency and shade, producing lifelike results. 
• Durability. High-quality materials and precise fit contribute to long-lasting restorations. 

The Technology Behind Same-day Crowns 

Same-day crown workflows at Osuna Dental Care incorporate several key technologies: 

• Intraoral scanners. These handheld devices capture a high-resolution, three-dimensional digital model of the prepared tooth and surrounding dentition. The scanner replaces messy impression putty and improves patient comfort. 
• CAD software. Using the scanned data, CAD software enables Dr. Graham to design the crown digitally — adjusting contours, contacts, and occlusion while previewing the final shape in real time. 
• CAM milling units. Once the design is finalized, a robust milling machine trims the crown from a pre-shaded block of ceramic or zirconia. Newer mills are fast and accurate, producing restorations in under an hour. 
• Sintering and glazing ovens. For some materials (notably zirconia), sintering densifies the milled restoration to final strength. Glazing and staining finish the crown for an optimal color match. 
• Digital shade matching. Some systems assist in selecting an exact tooth shade, ensuring a discreet and natural appearance. 

Together, these tools allow Osuna Dental Care to deliver a crown that fits precisely, matches neighboring teeth, and meets functional demands — all within a single office visit. 

What To Expect During Your Same-day Crown Appointment 

Below is a typical same-day crown appointment flow at Osuna Dental Care. Individual cases vary depending on tooth location, complexity, and whether additional procedures (root canal, core buildup) are needed. 

Consultation and examination 

Dr. Christopher Graham evaluates the tooth, reviews radiographs, and discusses treatment goals. If there are signs of infection or other complications, treatment may be staged or coordinated with specialists. 

Tooth preparation 

Under local anesthesia, Dr. Graham removes any decay and shapes the tooth to receive the crown. If a core buildup is needed to replace missing structure, that is completed first. 

Digital impression 

An intraoral scanner captures the prepared tooth and opposing dentition. This process is quick, comfortable, and avoids traditional impression materials. 

Digital design 

Using CAD software, Dr. Graham designs the crown — refining contours, contacts, and occlusal relationships so the restoration functions harmoniously with your bite. 

Milling and finishing 

The design is sent to the in-office milling unit. While the crown is carved, you can relax in the operatory. The milled crown is then sintered (if required), stained, and glazed to match adjacent teeth. 

Try-in and adjustments. 

Dr. Graham checks fit, contour, and bite, making minor adjustments if necessary. The same precision that comes from digital workflows typically minimizes chairside adjustments. 

Cementation 

Once fit and aesthetics are validated, the crown is permanently cemented or bonded in place. 

Final evaluation 

Your dentist confirms occlusion, provides polishing if needed, and gives post-operative care instructions. 

Most patients leave Osuna Dental Care within the same appointment with a comfortable, strong, and natural-looking final crown. Contact us now. 

Materials Used For Same-day Crowns 

Choosing the right material is critical for longevity, aesthetics, and function. Dr. Graham may recommend one of several modern materials depending on the tooth’s location, bite forces, and esthetic demands: 

• Monolithic zirconia. Extremely strong and fracture-resistant, zirconia crowns are excellent for posterior teeth subject to heavy chewing forces. Newer high-translucency zirconias offer improved esthetics. 
• Lithium disilicate (e.max). A glass-ceramic renowned for its lifelike translucency and polished surface. It’s often used for anterior crowns or premolars where appearance is critical and moderate strength is required. 
• Layered ceramic. Some crowns are milled from a stronger core and layered with veneering porcelain to enhance esthetics in highly visible areas. 
• Composite resin (some systems). While less common for long-term crowns, certain chairside systems can mill resin restorations suitable for short-term or provisional use. 

Dr. Graham will discuss the advantages of each option and recommend the best material for your specific clinical situation. 

Who Is A Good Candidate For Same-day Crowns? 

Same-day crowns are appropriate for a wide range of restorative needs, including: 

• Teeth with moderate to severe decay that require full coverage. 
• Teeth weakened after root canal therapythat need reinforcement. 
• Broken, fractured, or badly worn teeth. 
• Replacement of old crowns that have failed or leaked. 
• Cosmetic improvements when full coverage is the optimal solution. 

Patients with complex occlusal issues, significant tooth misalignment, active gum disease, or inadequate tooth structure may require additional preparatory treatment or an alternative restorative approach. Nevertheless, many complex cases can still be managed with same-day technology when coordinated carefully. 

Aftercare And Maintenance 

A same-day crown requires the same ongoing care as a natural tooth to preserve both the restoration and surrounding tissues: 

• Oral hygiene. Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste and floss daily, paying attention to the crown margins. Interdental brushes can help where flossing is difficult. 
• Avoid overly hard foods initially. While modern crowns are strong, avoid chewing ice, hard candy, or other very hard objects that can damage restorations. 
• Night guards, if indicated. If you grind or clench your teeth (bruxism), a custom night guard may protect your crown and adjacent teeth from excessive forces. 
• Regular dental check-ups. Routine examinations and cleanings allow Dr. Graham to monitor crown integrity, occlusion, and gum health. X-rays help evaluate the underlying tooth structure over time. 
• Address sensitivity or discomfort promptly. Mild sensitivity for a few days is normal after crown placement. Persistent pain, a loose crown, or signs of infection should prompt an evaluation. 

With proper care, same-day crowns can last many years — often comparable to lab-fabricated crowns. 

Longevity And Success Rates 

The longevity of a crown depends on material choice, oral habits, bite forces, and oral hygiene. Modern ceramic and zirconia crowns are durable and can last a decade or more when well cared for. Because same-day crowns are fabricated with the same high-quality materials and adhesive techniques used by laboratories, their success rates are comparable to traditional crowns. The key determinants of longevity include accurate fit, proper occlusal balance, and protection from excessive forces (such as bruxism). 

Conclusion 

Same-day crowns represent a significant evolution in restorative dentistry, merging technology with clinical expertise to offer patients faster, accurate, and beautifully natural restorations in a single visit. For patients in Albuquerque, NM, who want dependable aesthetic results without the inconvenience of multiple appointments, Dr. Christopher Graham and the team at Osuna Dental Care provide thoughtful, conservative treatment using advanced CAD/CAM systems and top-quality materials. 

If you’ve been delaying crown treatment because of time constraints or concerns about temporaries and repeat visits, same-day crowns may be the perfect solution. Book a consultation with Osuna Dental Care to find out whether single-visit crowns are the right choice for your smile, and let Dr. Graham craft a durable, attractive restoration that supports both oral health and confidence. 

To learn more about the dental implant procedure offered by Osuna Dental Care, call us at (505) 884-1989 or visit our dental office located at 5900 Cubero Dr NE, Suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87109.