If you need a dental crown, you might assume the process requires at least two visits, temporary crowns, and weeks of waiting. But thanks to modern technology, that’s no longer your only option.
At Valley Dental Health in Cockeysville, Dr. Ashley Izadi and Dr. Roham Rafat offer CEREC same-day crowns. The right choice depends on your specific situation, timeline, and goals. Here’s everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Traditional Crowns: The Tried-and-True Approach
For decades, the standard crown process has remained largely unchanged. During your first visit, your dentist numbs the area and reshapes your tooth to make room for the crown. Impressions are taken using putty-like material, and a temporary crown is placed to protect your tooth while you wait.
Those impressions are then sent to an off-site dental lab, where a technician fabricates your crown over two to three weeks. During that time, you wear a temporary crown that may feel bulky or irritate your gums.
Once your permanent crown is ready, you return for a second visit, where the temporary is removed, and your new crown is tried in, adjusted if needed, and finally cemented into place. From start to finish, the process takes about two to three weeks and requires two separate appointments.
When Traditional Crowns are Best
Traditional crowns remain an excellent option in certain situations. If your case is highly complex and would benefit from a master ceramist’s artistry, a lab-fabricated crown may be the better choice. Similarly, if your dentist recommends a specific material not available for same-day milling, traditional fabrication allows for a wider range of options.
And of course, if you don’t mind the extra visit and aren’t in a hurry to complete your treatment, the traditional approach has decades of proven success behind it.
CEREC Same-Day Crowns: Modern Convenience
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) technology has revolutionized crown dentistry. At Valley Dental Health, we use CEREC to complete your entire crown procedure in a single appointment.
The process begins just as it would with a traditional crown. Dr. Izadi or Dr. Rafat numbs the area and gently prepares your tooth. But from there, everything is different.
Instead of messy putty impressions, we use a digital wand to capture a precise 3D image of your prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. Our CEREC software instantly converts that image into a virtual model of your new crown. You can see the design on screen before it’s even made.
Once you and your dentist are satisfied with the look, we wirelessly send the digital file to our in-office milling unit. A solid block of high-quality ceramic is carved into your custom crown in about 10 to 20 minutes.
Your new crown is then polished, stained, and glazed to match the shade and translucency of your surrounding teeth. Finally, Dr. Izadi or Dr. Rafat permanently bonds it in place. You leave our Cockeysville office with a beautiful new crown in just one visit.
When CEREC Same-Day Crowns Are Best
CEREC same-day crowns are an ideal choice for patients who want to avoid the hassle and worry of a temporary crown. Consider same-day treatment if you need your crown quickly before travel, a special event, or simply because you want to be done with it. If your schedule makes a second visit difficult, same-day technology delivers.
Many patients also prefer the comfort of digital impressions over traditional putty. And if your tooth is a good candidate for ceramic material, a CEREC crown offers strength, aesthetics, and convenience all in one.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Traditional Crowns | CEREC Same-Day Crowns |
|---|---|---|
| Number of visits | 2 (sometimes 3) | 1 |
| Total time | 2-3 weeks | About 2 hours |
| Temporary crown | Yes—worn for weeks | No temporary needed |
| Impressions | Putty material (can cause gagging) | Digital scan (comfortable) |
| Fabrication location | Off-site dental lab | In-office, while you wait |
| Materials | Wide range (porcelain, gold, zirconia, etc.) | High-quality ceramic blocks |
| Strength | Excellent | Excellent (comparable to lab crowns) |
| Aesthetics | Excellent | Excellent & highly natural-looking |
| Cost | Varies by material and lab | Comparable to traditional crowns |
What About Strength? Are CEREC Crowns Durable?
This is one of the most common questions we hear. Patients want to know: Is a crown milled in an hour as strong as one made in a lab over weeks? The answer is yes.
CEREC crowns are milled from solid blocks of high-quality ceramic that are manufactured under strict industrial standards. These blocks are uniform, dense, and incredibly strong. Multiple studies have shown that CEREC crowns have success rates comparable to traditional lab-fabricated crowns. They exceed 95% over 5-10 years.
With proper brushing twice daily, flossing, and regular checkups, your CEREC crown can last 10-15 years or longer.
The Valley Dental Health Difference
When you choose a crown at Valley Dental Health, you’re not just choosing a technology. You’re choosing two of the most highly trained dentists in the Baltimore area.
Dr. Ashley Izadi brings elite credentials to every crown she places:
- Chief Resident, Advanced General Dentistry, University of Maryland
- Faculty member, University of Maryland School of Dentistry
- Baltimore Magazine Top Dentist
- Fellow, American Academy of Clear Aligners
- Nationally recognized dental educator
Dr. Roham Rafat offers specialized expertise as both a periodontist and prosthodontist:
- Dual specialties in Periodontics AND Implant & Periodontal Prosthodontics
- Master of Science, University of Maryland
- Dean’s Faculty, University of Maryland, Advanced General Dentistry residency
- Baltimore Magazine Top Dentist
Together, they ensure your crown fits and works perfectly, and seamlessly matches your real teeth.
Which Crown Is Right for You?
Still unsure? That’s completely normal. The best way to answer this question is with a personalized evaluation.
During your consultation, Dr. Izadi or Dr. Rafat will:
- Examine your tooth and discuss your goals
- Review your options based on your specific situation
- Explain the costs and timeline for each approach
- Help you choose the crown that fits your needs and lifestyle
Both traditional and CEREC crowns are excellent options. The “right” choice depends on what matters most to you: speed, convenience, material options, or scheduling.
Ready to Restore Your Smile?
Whether you choose the convenience of a same-day CEREC crown or the traditional lab-fabricated approach, Valley Dental Health is your trusted partner for exceptional restorative care.
Dr. Izadi, Dr. Rafat, and our team are here to answer your questions and deliver a crown that looks beautiful, fits comfortably, and lasts for years.
Call us today at 443-733-6613 or request an appointment online.
We proudly serve patients from Cockeysville, Hunt Valley, Timonium, Phoenix, Sparks, and all the surrounding communities.