How to Get a Permanent Crown in Just One Visit (No Goop Required!)
Published May 12, 2026
FLASH OFFER: Mention this blog post when booking and get your same-day crown consultation entirely on us! We know your time is valuable, get back to your busy Utah life with a brand-new smile in just a couple of hours.
If you’ve ever had a dental crown before, you probably remember the "old way." It usually involves biting down on a tray of cold, messy purple goop for three minutes while trying not to gag. Then, you’re sent home with a plastic "temporary" crown that feels weird and usually falls off while you're eating a bagel. Two weeks later, you have to take another afternoon off work to finally get the real thing.
At Salt Flats Dentistry, we think your time is worth more than that.
Thanks to our cutting-edge CEREC technology, those two-week waits and messy impressions are officially a thing of the past. We can design, mill, and fit your permanent, high-quality ceramic crown right here in our office, all in a single visit. Whether you're a busy parent in Herriman or a professional commuting near our Cottonwood location, we make getting your smile back as easy as a single lunch break.
What Exactly is a "Same-Day" Crown?
Traditionally, dental crowns require a middleman. Your dentist takes a mold, sends it to a lab in another city, and you wait.
With CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics), we bring the dental lab to you. Using a 3D digital scanner, we take a "digital photo" of your tooth. Our sophisticated software then helps us design a crown that fits your unique bite perfectly. Finally, our on-site milling machine carves your crown from a solid block of high-grade ceramic while you hang out and watch Netflix.
Why Utah Families Love the CEREC Way
- No Messy Impressions: Say goodbye to the gag-inducing goop. Digital scans are fast, clean, and incredibly accurate.
- One and Done: No need to schedule multiple appointments or take more time off work. One visit, one local anesthetic, one result.
- Natural Look and Feel: We use high-quality ceramic that mimics the translucency and strength of your natural teeth.
- No Temporaries: You don't have to worry about a temporary crown breaking or falling off at the worst possible time.
Book Your Same-Day Crown Appointment Now
The Problem with the "Old Way" (And Why We Fixed It)
We’ve heard the horror stories from our patients in Bangerter. Someone gets a temporary crown, goes to a family BBQ at Liberty Park, bites into a corn on the cob, and pop, the temporary is gone. Now they’re in pain, calling an emergency dentist, and waiting for their "real" crown to arrive in the mail.
By investing in CEREC technology, we’ve removed the "temporary" stressor entirely. When you leave our office, you leave with a permanent, durable, and beautiful restoration that is bonded to your tooth for the long haul.
High-Tech Care for the "Dental-Avoidant"
We get it. The dentist isn't usually on your "Top 10 Places to Visit" list. Dental anxiety is real, and for many, the thought of sitting in a chair for a crown is enough to make them put off necessary care for years.
That’s why we’ve designed Salt Flats Dentistry to feel less like a sterile clinic and more like a high-tech lounge.
When you come in for your same-day crown, we go the extra mile to make sure you're comfortable:
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: Tune out the world and listen to your favorite podcast or music.
- Ceiling-Mounted TVs: Catch up on your favorite show while we work. You’ll be so distracted you might forget you’re at the dentist.
- Sedation Options: For those who need a little extra help relaxing, we offer gentle sedation to ensure your experience is completely stress-free.
Meet the Visionary: Brad Billings
Behind every great patient experience is a leader who cares about the details. Brad Billings, our Owner and COO, isn't just a "suit" in an office; he’s a local through and through who is passionate about bringing world-class dental technology to the Utah community.
Brad grew up with a deep appreciation for the Utah outdoors, you’ll often find him mountain biking or exploring the salt flats that inspired our name. His vision for Salt Flats Dentistry was born from a simple idea: Dentistry should be easy. He pushed to bring CEREC technology to every location because he knew that busy Utahns didn't have time for the "old way." Brad’s commitment to making care accessible means we aren't just high-tech; we’re also highly insurance-friendly, accepting a wide range of providers, including Medicaid.
Is a Same-Day Crown Right for You?
While CEREC is a game-changer for most, it’s particularly great if you are dealing with:
- A Cracked or Broken Tooth: We can fix it before it gets worse, often in the same afternoon.
- Large, Failing Fillings: When a filling is too big to be replaced, a crown provides the strength your tooth needs.
- Post-Root Canal Protection: After a root canal, your tooth is fragile. A same-day crown seals it immediately.
- Cosmetic Needs: If you have a severely discolored or misshapen tooth, a ceramic crown can completely transform your smile's appearance.
Insurance and Accessibility: We’ve Got You Covered
One of the biggest hurdles to getting a crown is the cost. At Salt Flats Dentistry, we believe high-tech care shouldn't be a luxury. We are one of the few offices in Utah that combines top-tier technology like CEREC with an insurance-friendly approach.
- Medicaid Accepted: We believe everyone deserves a healthy smile, which is why we accept Medicaid at specific locations.
- In-Network with Most Providers: Our team will do the heavy lifting for you, calling your insurance and giving you a clear, transparent cost breakdown before we ever start.
- Same-Day Savings: By finishing everything in one visit, you save on gas, time away from work, and the cost of multiple office visits.
Our Utah Locations
We are proud to serve our neighbors across the Wasatch Front. Whether you’re coming from the south end of the valley or closer to the city, we have a modern office waiting for you:
- Cottonwood: Conveniently located for those in the heart of Salt Lake. View Location
- Herriman: Perfect for the growing families in the Southwest. View Location
- Bangerter: Easy access for commuters on the go. View Location
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long does a same-day crown appointment actually take?
Typically, you’ll be in and out in about two to three hours. That includes the digital scanning, the time the machine takes to mill the crown (about 20-30 minutes), and the final fitting.
Are CEREC crowns as strong as traditional lab-made crowns?
Yes! They are made from high-grade, durable ceramic. Studies show that CEREC crowns are just as long-lasting (and sometimes even more precise) than traditional crowns because they are designed using 3D computer models of your actual bite.
Does it cost more to get it done in one day?
Actually, because we don't have to pay a third-party lab to make the crown and we save on a second appointment, the cost is usually very comparable to traditional crowns. Plus, you save on the "hidden" costs like time off work!
Will it match my other teeth?
Absolutely. We have a wide range of ceramic shades and can custom-stain your crown to match the exact color and translucency of your neighboring teeth. No one will even know it’s a crown.
Ready for Your Same-Day Smile?
Don't wait for your tooth to break further or for your schedule to magically clear up. Get the care you need today and get back to living your life.
At Salt Flats Dentistry, we combine the best of modern technology with the warmth of a local neighborhood office. We can’t wait to help you smile again!