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Step-by-Step Same-Day Crown Process
Get permanent dental restorations in just one visit with our advanced CEREC technology.
The traditional crown or bridge process, requiring multiple appointments, messy impressions, and weeks with a temporary restoration, no longer needs to be your only option. If you’ve been postponing necessary dental work because you can’t afford to take multiple days off work or dislike wearing fragile temporaries, same-day restorations offer a revolutionary solution. This advanced technology delivers permanent, beautiful restorations in a single comfortable visit.
South Hills Dental Arts’ Ingram / Crafton location combines 35 years of restorative dentistry expertise with cutting-edge CEREC technology to create precise, durable restorations while you wait. Our comprehensive approach at 2725 Center St means we can address complex dental needs efficiently, saving you time while delivering exceptional results that look and feel completely natural.
How Revolutionary CEREC Technology Works?
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) represents one of dentistry’s most significant technological advances. This CAD/CAM system allows us to design, create, and place permanent ceramic restorations in about two hours. The entire process takes place in our office, eliminating the need for traditional laboratory wait times and multiple appointments.
The technology begins with digital scanning that captures precise 3D images of your teeth, replacing uncomfortable impression materials. Advanced software then allows us to design your restoration on-screen, considering your bite, adjacent teeth, and aesthetic preferences. You can watch as we create your new tooth, providing input on shape and appearance. The design is then sent to our in-office milling unit, which carves your restoration from a solid block of high-quality ceramic.
These ceramic blocks come in various shades and translucencies to match your natural teeth perfectly. The material is incredibly strong, actually bonding with your tooth structure to create a restoration that can last decades with proper care. Unlike traditional crowns that may have metal bases, CEREC restorations are entirely ceramic, providing superior aesthetics and biocompatibility.
The Same-Day Crown Process
Your same-day crown experience begins with preparing the affected tooth. We remove any decay or damaged structure, shaping the tooth to receive the new crown. Our virtually painless anesthesia system ensures your comfort throughout this process. Unlike traditional methods that require taking impressions at this stage, we immediately scan your prepared tooth with our digital scanner.
The scanning process takes just minutes and captures incredibly detailed images of your tooth and surrounding teeth. These images appear instantly on our computer screen, where we design your custom crown. The software analyzes your bite and proposes an initial design, which we then refine to ensure a perfect fit and appearance. You’re welcome to watch and provide input during this fascinating process.
Once the design is finalized, our CEREC milling machine springs into action. In about 15 minutes, it precisely carves your crown from a solid ceramic block. We then polish and glaze the crown, sometimes adding custom coloring to match your teeth perfectly. After verifying the fit and your approval of the appearance, we permanently bond the crown to your tooth. You leave with a fully functional, beautiful restoration.
Same-Day Bridge Solutions
CEREC technology also enables same-day bridges for replacing one or more missing teeth. The process is similar to single crowns but involves preparing the teeth on either side of the gap to serve as anchors. Our digital scanning captures the entire area, including the space where teeth are missing.
The software designs a bridge that not only fills the gap aesthetically but also distributes chewing forces appropriately across the supporting teeth. The ability to see and adjust the design digitally ensures optimal function and appearance. We can modify contact points, adjust contours, and perfect the bite relationship before milling begins.
For longer bridges or cases requiring maximum strength, we may recommend our advanced zirconia materials. These can also be designed and milled in-office, though they may require a specialized glazing process. Even in these cases, you typically receive your permanent bridge the same day, eliminating the inconvenience and vulnerability of temporary bridges.

How Long Do Same-Day Restorations Last?
CEREC technology also enables same-day bridges for replacing one or more missing teeth. The process is similar to single crowns but involves preparing the teeth on either side of the gap to serve as anchors. Our digital scanning captures the entire area, including the space where teeth are missing.
The software designs a bridge that not only fills the gap aesthetically but also distributes chewing forces appropriately across the supporting teeth. The ability to see and adjust the design digitally ensures optimal function and appearance. We can modify contact points, adjust contours, and perfect the bite relationship before milling begins.
For longer bridges or cases requiring maximum strength, we may recommend our advanced zirconia materials. These can also be designed and milled in-office, though they may require a specialized glazing process. Even in these cases, you typically receive your permanent bridge the same day, eliminating the inconvenience and vulnerability of temporary bridges.
How Long Do Same-Day Restorations Last?
Modern CEREC ceramics rival the strength and beauty of natural teeth. The materials we use include various types of lithium disilicate and zirconia, each with specific advantages. Lithium disilicate offers exceptional aesthetics with natural translucency, making it ideal for front teeth. Zirconia provides maximum strength for molars that endure heavy chewing forces.
These materials are significantly more durable than older ceramic options. Studies show CEREC restorations have success rates of about 95% at 10 years when properly maintained. The precise milling and excellent fit reduce the risk of decay at crown margins, a common failure point for traditional crowns. The chemical bond between ceramic and tooth creates a unified structure that resists fracture.
The absence of metal in CEREC restorations eliminates concerns about allergies or the dark line that can appear at the gum line with metal-based crowns. The all-ceramic construction also provides better insulation against temperature sensitivity, making these restorations more comfortable than metal alternatives.
Advantages of Same-Day Restorations Over Traditional Methods
The most obvious advantage of same-day restorations is convenience. One appointment instead of two or three means less time off work, fewer injections, and immediate resolution of your dental problem. There’s no period of vulnerability with a temporary crown that might fall off or break. You leave our Ingram/Crafton office with your permanent restoration in place.
Digital impressions eliminate the discomfort of traditional impression materials that can trigger gagging or anxiety. The accuracy of digital scanning actually exceeds traditional impressions, resulting in better-fitting restorations requiring less adjustment. This precision means less time in the chair and restorations that feel natural from day one.
Having everything done in-house provides better quality control. We can address any concerns about fit or appearance immediately. If adjustments are needed, they occur immediately, rather than requiring an additional appointment or sending the restoration back to a lab. This direct control over the entire process ensures exceptional results.


Ideal Candidates for Same-Day Crowns and Bridges
Same-day crowns and bridges work well for most restorative situations. Ideal candidates include patients with broken or cracked teeth needing crowns, large fillings requiring upgrade to full coverage, teeth weakened by root canal treatment, cosmetic concerns about tooth shape or color, and missing teeth where adjacent teeth can support a bridge.
However, some complex cases may still benefit from traditional laboratory-fabricated restorations. Extensive full-mouth reconstructions, cases requiring specific artistic customization, or situations involving multiple units might be better served by our laboratory partners. During your consultation, we’ll recommend the approach that best serves your specific needs.
Experience the South Hills Dental Arts Difference
The ability to complete treatment in one visit reduces dental anxiety for many patients. There’s no anticipation building between appointments, no worrying about temporaries, and no need to get numb multiple times. Parents appreciate not having to arrange multiple days off work or childcare. Business professionals value the efficiency of resolving dental issues quickly.
Our comfortable Ingram/Crafton office enhances the experience with amenities like TVs in operatories, aromatherapy, and a refreshment bar. Combined with our caring team and advanced technology, we’ve transformed what was once a multi-visit ordeal into a single, comfortable experience.
Transform Your Smile Today With Same-Day Restorations at South Hills Dental Arts
Don’t let damaged teeth compromise your oral health or confidence any longer. Same-day crowns and bridges at South Hills Dental Arts’ Ingram/Crafton location provide the perfect solution for busy lifestyles. Our CEREC technology delivers permanent, beautiful restorations in just one comfortable visit.
Experience the convenience of modern dentistry at our 2725 Center St location. Take advantage of our complimentary virtual consultation to discuss your restorative needs from the comfort of your own home. Contact us today at 412-922-9292 or fill out our contact form to schedule your same-day restoration appointment.

