Same-Day Crowns (CEREC)

What is a same-day CEREC crown?

A same-day crown is a permanent crown that is designed, made, and placed during one appointment. At Harmony Dental Care, we use the CEREC system, a computer-aided design and milling (CAD/CAM) technology, to do this in our West Covina office.

A traditional crown usually takes two visits. The tooth is prepared, an impression or digital scan is sent to a dental lab, and a temporary crown covers the tooth while the permanent one is made. With CEREC, the permanent crown is made in our office while you are here, so you do not need a temporary crown or a second appointment.

The crowns are milled from a solid block of color-matched, high-strength ceramic. They are metal-free and are designed to look like your natural teeth.

Who is a same-day crown good for?

Same-day CEREC crowns are a good fit for patients who want to fix a damaged tooth in one visit. Many of our patients are busy and cannot easily schedule two or more appointments. Patients who travel to us from City of Industry, Irwindale, Walnut, and nearby communities often choose this option for the same reason.

A crown is generally recommended when a tooth is too damaged for a filling alone to restore its strength. Common reasons include:

• A large cavity or decay that is too big for a filling
• A cracked or broken tooth
• A tooth that needs protection after a root canal
• A tooth that will support a dental implant crown
• Significant wear from grinding or clenching

Not every tooth is the right candidate for a same-day crown. Your dentist will examine your tooth, take X-rays, and explain whether CEREC or a traditional crown is the better choice for your tooth, bite, and goals.

What to expect at your visit

The full process takes about one hour in the chair. Here is how it works.

Step 1: Digital scan

The iTero scanner captures a detailed 3D image of your tooth and the teeth around it. You do not need impression trays, so there is no putty to bite into.

Step 2: Computer-aided design

Dr. Khaef designs your crown on screen using CEREC software. The shape, contours, and bite are adjusted so the crown fits your tooth and your bite.

Step 3: In-office milling

The CEREC milling unit carves your crown from a solid block of ceramic. Milling usually takes about 15 minutes. You can relax in the chair or wait in our office while it is made.

Step 4: Bonding

The finished crown is tried on, adjusted, and polished. Then it is permanently bonded to your tooth. Total chairside time is about one hour.

Recovery and aftercare

Most patients go back to their normal routine after a crown visit. Any numbness from the local anesthetic usually wears off over a few hours. Your tooth may feel a little sensitive for a short time, and this is common after crown preparation.

Your dentist will check your bite before you leave. Please tell us if the crown feels high or uncomfortable when you chew, so we can make adjustments right away. Good brushing, flossing, and regular checkups help a crown last. Your dentist will tell you what care is right for your mouth.

Because the crown is placed in the same visit, there is no temporary crown to protect, and no waiting period for a lab to return the final restoration.

What are the benefits of a same-day crown?

CEREC crowns offer several advantages over a two-visit process:

• One visit instead of two
• No temporary crown to care for or replace
• Digital scanning instead of messy impressions
• Metal-free, all-ceramic restorations
• Color-matched ceramic designed to blend with your natural teeth

We also offer traditional crowns made with porcelain, zirconia, and porcelain-fused-to-metal materials. If you prefer a different material or a lab-made crown, we will review those options with you.

Cost, insurance, and payment

The cost of a same-day CEREC crown is comparable to a traditional crown. You save the time and cost of a second visit and a temporary crown. The exact fee depends on the tooth, the materials, and the treatment your dentist recommends. We will review your fee and your payment options before treatment begins.

Whether insurance covers your crown depends on your plan. Crowns are often considered a restorative treatment, and many dental plans cover part of the cost, but coverage rules differ from plan to plan. Harmony Dental Care accepts:

• PPO and indemnity plans
• Medi-Cal and Denti-Cal
• Smile California
• CalOptima, as a direct provider
• Most major dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental and DeltaCare HMO, and several Medicare Advantage plans

We work directly with your insurance company, and we handle the paperwork so you can focus on your visit. If you call us before your appointment, we can complete a free insurance eligibility check so you know what to expect.

If you do not have insurance, our $59 new patient special includes a comprehensive exam, digital X-rays, and a professional cleaning. This offer is for new patients without insurance and is a good way to start a treatment plan.

We also offer flexible financing for elective and major procedures, with affordable monthly payment plans. Payment options include CareCredit, Sunbit, Alpheon, major credit cards, and our in-house membership plan. Ask about these options during your visit.

Why patients choose Harmony Dental Care

Harmony Dental Care has served West Covina for 20 years. Our practice was built on a simple idea: treat every patient like family. Dr. Nguyen, a DMD, leads our practice, and Dr. Khaef performs CEREC scanning and crown design. Both dentists are committed to continuing education and to staying current with dental technology and techniques.

Our office uses several tools that support same-day crowns:

• 3D CBCT imaging for detailed views of your teeth and jaw
• iTero digital scanning, which replaces traditional impressions
• CEREC same-day crown milling in our office
• 3D digital X-rays and digital impressions

We have 4.8 out of 5 stars from 148 Google reviews. Patients often mention how carefully our team explains each step and how comfortable they feel during treatment.

Our office is at 148 N Grand Ave in West Covina. We are open Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, and we are closed on weekends.

How to book your same-day crown

To ask about a same-day CEREC crown, call us at (626) 858-3305. You can also book online using the button on this page. We are welcoming new patients of all ages.

If you are new to Harmony Dental Care, you can ask about our $59 new patient special when you call. Our team will help you choose the visit that fits your schedule and your treatment needs.

Harmony Dental Care 148 N Grand Ave, West Covina, CA 91791 Phone: (626) 858-3305 Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm