Same Day Crowns 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Skipping the Temporary Cap
Published June 21, 2026
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Let’s be honest: nobody actually wants to spend two weeks wearing a "temporary" tooth that feels like a piece of chewing gum and might pop off while you’re eating a bagel. If you’ve been told you need a crown, the traditional process, multiple shots, messy impressions, and that dreaded two-week waiting period, can feel like a major hurdle.
But what if you could walk into a dentist in Salt Lake City with a damaged tooth and walk out two hours later with a permanent, high-strength porcelain restoration?
Welcome to the world of same day crowns. At Salt Flats Dentistry, we use state-of-the-art CEREC technology to make the "temporary crown era" a thing of the past. Here is everything you need to know as a beginner.
What is a Same Day Crown?
A same day crown is exactly what it sounds like: a custom-made, permanent dental crown that is designed, created, and placed in a single appointment.
Traditionally, getting a crown meant:
- Appointment 1: Numbing, drilling, messy putty impressions, and a flimsy temporary crown.
- The Wait: Two weeks of hoping your temporary doesn't fall off while the lab builds your real tooth.
- Appointment 2: More numbing, removing the temporary, and finally fitting the permanent crown.
With same day crowns, we cut out the middleman (and the second appointment). We use digital scanners to take a 3D picture of your mouth, and our in-office milling machine carves your new tooth right in front of your eyes.
The "Temporary Trap": Why Modern Patients are Skipping the Wait
The biggest headache with traditional dentistry is the temporary crown. They are often made of acrylic or thin composite, which means they aren't nearly as strong as the real thing. Many of our patients in Salt Lake City come to us specifically because they’ve had a "temporary" fail them in the past.
Common Problems with Temporary Crowns:
- Sensitivity: They don't always seal the tooth perfectly, leading to zings when you drink cold water.
- The "Pop-Off": They are designed to come off easily, which unfortunately means they often come off at the worst times, like during a Sunday dinner.
- Dietary Restrictions: You have to avoid sticky or crunchy foods for two weeks.
- Gum Irritation: Temporaries can sometimes trap bacteria or irritate the gum line.
By choosing a same day crown, you bypass these issues entirely. You get the strength and beauty of a permanent porcelain crown immediately.
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How It Works: Your Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re feeling a little nervous about the process, don't worry. We’ve designed our workflow at Salt Flats Dentistry to be as relaxing and efficient as possible.
1. Digital Scanning (No More Goo!)
First, Dr. Todd Vincent or one of our expert team members will use a small, handheld digital camera to scan your tooth. If you have a strong gag reflex or just hate the taste of dental putty, you’ll love this part. It’s fast, clean, and incredibly accurate.
2. 3D Design
We take those digital images and upload them into our CEREC software. You can actually watch on the monitor as we design your new tooth in 3D, ensuring it matches your bite and the shape of your surrounding teeth perfectly.
3. In-Office Milling
Once the design is ready, we send it to our milling unit. Think of it like a 3D printer for teeth. It carves your crown out of a solid block of high-quality ceramic that matches the shade of your natural smile.
4. Final Placement
We check the fit, polish it up, and bond it permanently into place. You leave our office with a fully functional tooth. No "come back in two weeks," no "be careful what you eat," and no second round of numbing.
Why Same Day Crowns are Perfect for Anxious Patients
We know that for many, a trip to the dentist in Salt Lake City isn't exactly a highlight of the week. Dental anxiety is real, and we take it seriously.
Same day crowns are a massive win for nervous patients for a few reasons:
- One and Done: You only have to get "worked up" for the appointment once. No need to dread a second visit.
- Less Time in the Chair: The process is streamlined and efficient.
- Comfort Options: While your crown is being milled, you can hang out in our comfortable operatory, put on a pair of our noise-canceling headphones, and watch your favorite show on our ceiling TVs.
- Sedation Available: If you’re still feeling uneasy, we offer various sedation options to make the experience completely stress-free.
Meet Your Local Expert: Dr. Todd Vincent
When you visit us, you’ll likely be meeting with Dr. Todd Vincent. Dr. Vincent grew up right here in the Salt Lake Valley and has a deep connection to the Utah community. He attended dental school with a mission to bring high-tech, compassionate care back to his hometown.
When he’s not busy perfecting smiles with CEREC technology, you can find Dr. Vincent hiking the trails in Big Cottonwood Canyon or spending time with his family. He’s known for his "gentle touch" and his ability to explain complex dental procedures in a way that actually makes sense. Dr. Vincent believes that everyone deserves a healthy smile without the stress, which is why he’s invested so heavily in same-day technology.
Real Stories: Overcoming the Fear
"I avoided the dentist for five years because I was terrified of needles and multiple appointments. When a molar finally cracked, I found Salt Flats Dentistry. Dr. Vincent was so patient with me. I got my crown done in one morning, watched a movie on the ceiling the whole time, and I didn't even have to come back for a second shot. It changed how I think about the dentist."
, Sarah M., Salt Lake City Resident
FAQ: Everything You’re Wondering About
Are same day crowns as strong as traditional lab crowns?
Absolutely. CEREC crowns are milled from a solid block of ceramic, which is incredibly durable and designed to last for many years with proper care.
Does insurance cover same day crowns?
In most cases, yes! Insurance companies typically cover crowns based on the procedure (restoring a tooth), not the method of manufacturing. We are highly insurance-friendly and even accept Medicaid at specific locations. Our team will help you navigate your benefits to ensure you get the best price.
Does it hurt more because it's faster?
Not at all. In fact, many patients find it less painful because you only have to be numbed once. The digital scanning process is also much more comfortable than traditional impressions.
How long does the appointment take?
A typical same day crown appointment takes about 90 minutes to two hours from start to finish. Most of that time is spent with you relaxing while the machine does the work!
Ready to Skip the Wait?
Don't let a damaged tooth slow you down or force you into a two-week "temporary" nightmare. Experience the convenience and comfort of same day crowns at Salt Flats Dentistry.
Call us today at (801) 555-0123 or Book Your Appointment Online.
Our Locations:
- Cottonwood: View Location
- Herriman: View Location
- Bangerter: View Location
Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Saturday: By Appointment