Top 10 Salt Lake City Dental Trends: How We Use Same Day Crowns to Save You Time
Published July 12, 2026
Stop wasting your PTO on multiple dental visits. At Salt Flats Dentistry, we can restore your smile with permanent, high-quality same day crowns in a single appointment. No temporary crowns, no messy impressions, and no second shots.
Living in Salt Lake City means life moves fast: whether you're commuting through the valley or heading up the canyon for a weekend hike. The last thing you want is a dental procedure that drags on for weeks. Modern dentistry is changing rapidly, and as your local dentist in Salt Lake City, we are leading the charge by bringing the latest technology directly to our neighbors in Herriman, Murray, and beyond.
From AI-powered diagnostics to "sleeping" through your cleaning, here are the top 10 trends shaping Utah dental care in 2026.
1. The Death of the "Two-Week Wait": Same Day Crowns
The biggest trend in SLC dentistry is efficiency. Traditionally, getting a crown meant two appointments, two rounds of numbing, and two weeks wearing a "temp" that usually fell off during dinner.
Using same day crowns technology (like CEREC), Dr. Todd Vincent can scan your tooth, design your crown on a computer, and mill it right here in the office. You walk in with a broken tooth and walk out with a permanent, beautiful restoration in about 90 minutes.
- Benefit: Save time and avoid the hassle of temporary crowns.
- Best for: Cracked teeth, large fillings, or emergency repairs.
2. 3D Digital Scanners (Bye-Bye, Goopy Impressions)
Remember that tray of cold, gag-inducing "goop" used to take molds of your teeth? It’s officially a thing of the past. Modern offices now use digital scanners. These handheld "wands" take thousands of photos per second to create a perfect 3D map of your mouth. It’s faster, more comfortable, and significantly more accurate for things like porcelain veneers and all on 4 dental implants.
3. CBCT 3D X-Rays for Precision Planning
We don't just see your teeth in 2D anymore. With CBCT 3D X-rays, we can see the exact density of your jawbone, the position of your nerves, and the roots of your teeth in three dimensions. This is a game-changer for dental implants in Utah, allowing for safer, more predictable surgeries with faster healing times.
4. Sedation Dentistry: The "Nap" That Saves Your Smile
Dental anxiety is one of the biggest reasons people avoid the dentist. In 2026, sedation dentistry in Utah has become a standard request. Whether it’s light "laughing gas" or oral sedation that lets you drift off, we make sure you don't feel a thing. It’s perfect for patients who need extensive work like dentures or multiple fillings but have a hard time sitting in the chair.
5. The "Dental Spa" Experience
Who says a dental visit has to be clinical and cold? The trend in SLC is toward a more hospitality-focused environment. At Salt Flats Dentistry, we provide:
- Noise-canceling headphones to drown out the sounds of the office.
- Ceiling-mounted TVs so you can catch up on your favorite Netflix show.
- Comfortable blankets to keep you cozy.
6. AI-Powered Cavity Detection
Artificial Intelligence isn't just for ChatGPT; it's helping us find cavities earlier than ever. AI software analyzes your X-rays to highlight "shadows" that might indicate early-stage decay. This allows for smaller, cheaper fillings and prevents more expensive problems like root canals later on.
7. Holistic Oral-Mental Health
We’re seeing a massive shift toward understanding how your mouth affects your whole body. From the link between gum disease (periodontal disease) and heart health to how dental anxiety impacts your overall well-being, we treat you as a whole person, not just a set of teeth.
8. Same-Day Emergency Care
Life doesn't happen on a schedule. If you have a toothache at 4:00 PM on a Friday, you need an emergency dentist near me who can actually see you now. The trend is shifting toward "same-day starts," meaning if you come in for an emergency, we try our best to fix the problem that same day rather than just giving you a prescription and a follow-up date.
9. Cosmetic Transformations with Minimal Invasiveness
Gone are the days of "chicklet" teeth. Modern porcelain veneers are thinner and more natural than ever. We use digital smile design to show you exactly what your new smile will look like before we even touch a tooth. This conservative approach preserves more of your natural enamel while giving you that "Hollywood Smile."
10. Financial Accessibility: Medicaid and Insurance Ease
High-quality care shouldn't be reserved for the wealthy. We are proud to be a medicaid dentist in Utah, accepting Medicaid at specific locations to ensure families throughout the valley have access to the care they need. We also offer transparent billing and work with a wide range of insurance providers to maximize your benefits before they expire at the end of the year.
Meet the Expert: Dr. Todd Vincent
Behind the tech is a team that truly cares about the Salt Lake community. Dr. Todd Vincent (known simply as Dr. Vincent to his patients) is the heartbeat of Salt Flats Dentistry. A proud Utah local, Dr. Vincent grew up with a passion for the outdoors and a commitment to helping his neighbors.
When he isn’t perfecting a same day crown or helping a nervous patient feel at ease, you can find him exploring the nearby mountain trails or spending time with his family. His clinical expertise is matched only by his warm, approachable nature: he understands that a trip to the dentist is a big deal, and he treats every patient like a member of his own family.
Ready to Experience the Future of Dentistry?
If you’ve been putting off a visit because of time, fear, or cost, it’s time to see how much has changed. Whether you need a simple cleaning from a family dentist in Salt Lake City or a full smile restoration with all on 4 dental implants, we are here to help.
Call us today or click below to schedule your visit!
- Book Now at our Herriman Location
- Book Now at our Fashion Place (Murray) Location
- Book Now at our South Bangerter Location
Frequently Asked Questions about Same Day Crowns
Are same day crowns as strong as lab-made ones?
Absolutely. We use high-quality ceramic blocks that are just as durable (and often more precise) than traditional lab-made crowns.
Does insurance cover CEREC/Same Day Crowns?
In most cases, yes. Insurance typically covers the procedure of a crown, regardless of the technology used to make it. We are highly insurance-friendly and will help you check your coverage.
How long does the appointment take?
Expect to be with us for about 90 minutes to two hours. While the machine mills your crown, you can relax under a blanket and watch TV!
Is it painful?
Not at all. We use local anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable, and because we use digital scanners, there is no gagging on impression goop.