Benefits of Same-Day Dental Restorations
Same-day crowns and bridges offer significant advantages over traditional restoration methods. The most obvious benefit is convenience—you’ll save time with just one appointment instead of multiple visits. This is particularly valuable for busy professionals, parents, or anyone with a packed schedule in the Porterville area.
The digital impression process is more comfortable than conventional methods that use impression material. Additionally, same-day restorations preserve more of your natural tooth structure due to the precision of digital design. Since there’s no need for temporary crowns, you avoid potential complications like sensitivity, discomfort, or temporary restorations that may fall out between appointments.
CEREC Technology for Superior Results
The cornerstone of our same-day restoration service is CEREC technology. This advanced system combines digital imaging, computer-aided design, and in-office manufacturing to create restorations with exceptional accuracy. At Dr. Hardt’s Porterville practice, we’ve invested in this technology to deliver results that match or exceed traditional laboratory-made restorations.
CEREC restorations are crafted from high-quality ceramic materials that closely mimic the appearance of natural tooth enamel, including its translucency and light-reflecting properties. These materials are also remarkably strong, offering durability comparable to that of traditional crowns and bridges. The computer-assisted design ensures a precise fit that protects your tooth while restoring full chewing function.
When to Consider Same-Day Crowns
Same-day crowns in Porterville are ideal for various dental situations. They excel at restoring teeth that are severely damaged from decay, fractures, or large old fillings that have failed. If you have a cracked or chipped tooth that’s causing pain or aesthetic concerns, a same-day crown can quickly address both issues in one appointment.
Emergencies also benefit from this technology. If you’ve broken a tooth or lost a crown unexpectedly, Dr. Hardt can provide a permanent solution immediately rather than relying on temporary measures. For patients with dental anxiety, reducing the number of appointments and eliminating the need for temporary restorations can make the entire experience more manageable and comfortable.
Same Day Bridges for Missing Teeth
When you’re missing a tooth, a dental bridge provides a stable, non-removable solution to restore your smile. Traditional bridges typically require multiple appointments, but at our Porterville practice, we can design and place custom bridges in a single visit using the same CEREC technology.
Same-day bridges effectively restore your smile’s appearance while maintaining proper spacing between teeth and supporting everyday speech and chewing function. The precision fit of digitally designed bridges ensures comfort and stability, helping to prevent the shifting of surrounding teeth that often occurs with tooth loss. For patients missing a tooth in a visible area, this immediate solution eliminates the embarrassment of an incomplete smile.
The Same Day Restoration Process
Your same-day crown or bridge appointment at our Porterville office begins with Dr. Hardt examining your tooth and preparing it for restoration. Next comes the digital scanning process, which takes just minutes and provides a detailed 3D model of your mouth. You can comfortably relax in our treatment room while your restoration is designed and milled on-site.
The entire process—from preparation to placement—typically takes between 90 minutes and two hours, depending on the complexity of your case. After your restoration is ready, Dr. Hardt will check the fit, make any necessary adjustments, and permanently bond it in place. You’ll leave with a fully functional, natural-looking restoration that’s ready for immediate use.
Restore Your Smile Today at Richard Hardt’s Live Oak Dental
Don’t let damaged or missing teeth impact your confidence or oral health any longer. At Richard Hardt’s Live Oak Dental, we combine advanced CEREC technology with the extensive experience of Dr. Hardt and Dr. Lewis to provide same-day crowns and bridges that look natural and function beautifully. Our warm, family-friendly environment and patient-centered approach ensure your comfort throughout the restoration process.
Experience the convenience and quality of same-day dental restorations in Porterville. Contact us at (559) 784-6523 or complete a contact form to schedule your appointment and discover how we can transform your smile in just one visit at our Villa Street location.
Frequently asked questions
Are same-day crowns as durable and long-lasting as traditional lab-made crowns?
Same-day CEREC crowns are made from high-quality ceramic materials that offer durability comparable to traditional laboratory crowns, often lasting 10-15 years or more with proper care. The computer-assisted design and precise milling actually provide exceptional fit and strength. CEREC materials closely mimic natural tooth enamel in both appearance and function. Some studies suggest same-day crowns may even have advantages due to their precise digital fit and the elimination of temporary crown complications. The key to longevity with any crown is good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups.
Can every tooth receive a same-day crown, or are there limitations?
Most teeth are candidates for same-day crowns, but some complex cases may still require traditional laboratory methods. Simple crowns on single teeth work excellently with CEREC technology. However, extensive bridgework involving multiple units, cases requiring significant color matching to adjacent crowns, or situations with challenging bite relationships might benefit from traditional lab fabrication. Dr. Hardt will evaluate your specific case and let you know if same-day restoration is appropriate or if traditional methods would provide better long-term results for your situation.
How do same-day crowns compare in appearance to natural teeth and lab-made crowns?
CEREC crowns offer excellent aesthetics with ceramic materials that closely match natural tooth color, translucency, and light-reflecting properties. The computer-aided design allows for precise shaping and natural-looking contours. While same-day crowns may not achieve the exact same level of detailed characterization as lab-made crowns crafted by skilled technicians, the difference is typically minimal and often unnoticeable to others. For front teeth where aesthetics are critical, Dr. Hardt will discuss whether same-day or traditional crowns would provide the best cosmetic result for your smile.
What should I expect immediately after getting a same-day crown or bridge?
You can use your same-day restoration immediately, but we recommend being gentle for the first 24 hours while the bonding cement fully sets. Some patients experience mild sensitivity to temperature or pressure for a few days, which is normal as your tooth adjusts to the restoration. Your bite should feel normal, but if it feels high or uncomfortable, contact our office for a simple adjustment. Avoid extremely hard foods initially, and maintain good oral hygiene around the new restoration. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how quickly they adapt to their new crown or bridge.
Is the digital impression process more comfortable than traditional impression materials?
Yes, most patients find digital scanning much more comfortable than traditional impression materials. The digital scanner is a small wand that captures images without requiring you to bite into messy, potentially gag-inducing impression material. The process takes only a few minutes, and you can breathe normally throughout. There’s no waiting for material to set while trying not to gag or swallow. Patients with sensitive gag reflexes especially appreciate this technology. The digital process also provides more accurate impressions, leading to better-fitting restorations that require fewer adjustments.
