Traditional dental crowns typically require at least two appointments spaced weeks apart—one for tooth preparation and impressions, another for final placement after lab fabrication. With CAD-CAM same-day crown technology, patients receive their final restoration in just one visit, completely eliminating the typical waiting period. This advancement in restorative dentistry significantly changes how dental care fits into the busy lives of Marietta professionals, making it easier for those who previously struggled to find time for appointments.
At Kabani Dental, Dr. Shaila Kabani utilizes advanced CAD-CAM technology as part of the practice’s comprehensive digital dentistry approach. With over 20 years of experience and specialized training from the Pankey Institute, Dr. Kabani combines cutting-edge technology with personalized care to deliver efficient, high-quality dental restorations that meet each patient’s unique needs.
The Traditional Crown Process vs. Same-Day Technology
Conventional crown procedures follow a predictable but time-consuming timeline. During the first appointment, your dentist prepares the tooth, takes impressions using putty-like materials, and places a temporary crown. These impressions are sent to an off-site dental laboratory, where technicians fabricate your final crown over the next two to three weeks. You return for a second appointment to have the temporary removed and the final crown cemented.
CAD-CAM technology shortens this entire process into one visit. After preparing the tooth, your dentist uses a digital scanner to capture precise 3D images of your tooth structure. Specialized software designs your custom crown on-screen within minutes, and an in-office milling machine fabricates the restoration from a solid block of dental ceramic while you wait. The entire process—from preparation to final placement—typically takes two to three hours.
According to the American Dental Association, digital impression technology demonstrates comparable or superior accuracy to traditional impression methods while significantly improving patient comfort and reducing chairside time. This efficiency translates directly into fewer disruptions to your schedule and faster completion of necessary dental work.
Time Savings Beyond the Dental Chair
The most obvious benefit of same-day crowns is eliminating the need for a second appointment. For working professionals in East Cobb and surrounding areas, coordinating even one dental appointment can be challenging. Removing the need for a follow-up visit means one less day requesting time off work, arranging childcare, or rescheduling other commitments.
Beyond reducing appointments, same-day crowns eliminate the need to wear temporary restorations during the interim period. Temporary crowns serve an important protective function but come with restrictions, such as avoiding sticky or hard foods, being careful when chewing, and the possibility that the temporary crown may come loose before your final crown is ready. With same-day technology, these worries disappear entirely, as your final restoration is completely bonded and ready for regular use when you leave.
The digital workflow also reduces potential complications that can extend treatment timelines. Traditional impressions occasionally need to be retaken if the material doesn’t capture adequate detail or if the impression becomes distorted during shipping to the lab. With digital scanning, your dentist can immediately verify the quality of the scan and retake it if necessary, ensuring accuracy before moving to the design phase.
The CAD-CAM Procedure at Kabani Dental
Dr. Kabani’s approach to same-day crowns begins with a thorough examination and digital imaging to confirm that CAD-CAM technology is appropriate for your specific case. The tooth is prepared using the same techniques as traditional crown preparation, removing decay and shaping the tooth to properly support the restoration.
Instead of taking physical impressions, Dr. Kabani uses a digital intraoral scanner to capture detailed 3D images of the prepared tooth and surrounding structures. This scanning process typically takes just a few minutes and proves far more comfortable than traditional impression materials. Many patients appreciate avoiding the gagging sensation often associated with impression trays filled with putty material.
The digital design phase allows Dr. Kabani to precisely customize your crown’s shape, size, and bite alignment. The software suggests an initial design based on the scan, which she then refines to ensure optimal fit and function. This design process typically takes 10 to 15 minutes, during which you can relax in the treatment room or step out for a brief break.
Once the design is finalized, the in-office milling machine fabricates your crown from a solid block of dental ceramic. The milling process takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes, producing a restoration that matches the strength and appearance of laboratory-fabricated crowns. After milling, Dr. Kabani stains and glazes the crown to match the color and translucency of your natural teeth, then bonds it permanently in place.
Material Quality and Longevity Considerations
Some patients wonder whether same-day crowns match the quality and durability of traditional lab-fabricated crowns. Modern CAD-CAM systems use the same high-quality dental ceramics available to commercial laboratories. The milling process creates restorations from solid blocks of material, resulting in stronger crowns compared to some traditional fabrication methods that build up ceramic in layers.
Research published in dental journals indicates that CAD-CAM crowns demonstrate longevity similar to or superior to that of traditionally fabricated crowns when proper protocols are followed. The digital design process allows for precise marginal fit—the seal where the crown meets the tooth—which is critical for long-term success. A better marginal fit reduces the risk of decay under the crown and improves overall durability.
The shade-matching capabilities of CAD-CAM systems have also advanced significantly. Dr. Kabani can adjust the color and translucency of your crown to blend seamlessly with adjacent teeth. While complex anterior cases requiring extreme precision in shade matching may still benefit from laboratory fabrication, the vast majority of cosmetic dentistry cases achieve excellent aesthetic results with same-day technology.
Who Benefits Most from Same-Day Crowns
Those with busy calendars benefit most clearly from same-day crown technology. Business professionals who travel frequently, parents juggling multiple children’s activities, and anyone who struggles to block out time for dental appointments all appreciate the efficiency of completing treatment in a single visit.
Those who experience significant dental anxiety often prefer same-day crowns as well. Knowing that the entire process concludes in one appointment reduces the anticipation and worry associated with returning for a second visit. Additionally, avoiding temporary crowns eliminates concerns about them loosening or causing discomfort between appointments.
Patients who have experienced problems with traditional impressions also gravitate toward digital scanning technology. Some individuals have strong gag reflexes that make taking conventional impressions extremely uncomfortable. For patients with sensitivity, digital scanning completely eliminates this issue, making the experience significantly more comfortable.
Integrating Same-Day Crowns with Comprehensive Care
At Kabani Dental, same-day crown technology is just one component of a broader commitment to digital dentistry. Dr. Kabani’s practice utilizes 3D CBCT imaging, digital impressions, and 3D printing technology to deliver comprehensive care with maximum efficiency. This integrated approach allows for better treatment planning and more predictable outcomes across various procedures.
For patients requiring multiple restorations, digital technology significantly streamlines the process. Digital records remain permanently accessible in the system, making it easier to design additional crowns that match existing restorations or to plan future treatments that complement completed work. This consistency is particularly valuable for patients undergoing full-mouth restoration or other extensive treatment.
The digital workflow also facilitates better communication with patients about their treatment. Dr. Kabani can show you the 3D scan of your tooth, explain what needs to be addressed, and demonstrate how the crown will be designed before any work begins. This transparency helps patients make informed decisions and feel more confident about their care.
Get Your Same-Day Crown at Kabani Dental
If you’ve been delaying necessary dental work because you can’t find time for multiple appointments, same-day crowns at Kabani Dental offer a practical solution. Dr. Kabani’s commitment to digital dentistry technology, combined with over 20 years of clinical experience and advanced training from the Pankey Institute, ensures you receive efficient care without compromising on quality.
The practice accepts most major PPO insurance plans and offers flexible financing options through CareCredit and Cherry to make treatment accessible. Contact our Marietta office today to schedule your consultation and discover how same-day crown technology can fit dental care into your busy life.