If you’ve ever had a traditional dental crown procedure, you probably remember the uncomfortable sensation of having thick impression material placed in your mouth. Fortunately, modern dentistry has evolved dramatically, and same-day crowns with digital scanning technology have revolutionized how dentists create dental restorations, potentially eliminating the need for those messy impressions altogether.
At Floss & Co., our trusted team uses advanced digital technology to make your experience as comfortable and efficient as possible. With years of combined experience and a patient-focused approach, we’re committed to providing you with state-of-the-art dental crown treatment that eliminates many of the discomforts associated with traditional methods.
How Digital Scanning Technology Works
Instead of using impression trays filled with putty-like material for dental crowns, dentists now use an intraoral scanner that captures thousands of images of your tooth in just minutes. The scanner resembles a wand and is moved around your mouth to create a highly accurate 3D digital model of your teeth and gums. This technology captures precise measurements that are often more accurate than traditional impressions, allowing for better-fitting crowns and less adjustment time.
The digital impression process is significantly faster and more comfortable than conventional methods. Research from the National Library of Medicine shows that intraoral digital scanners have substantially higher accuracy than the conventional method, making them a reliable alternative for increasing the accuracy of impression taking. Most digital scans take only 5 to 10 minutes to complete, compared to the 15 to 20 minutes often required for traditional impressions.
Benefits of Eliminating Traditional Impressions
The advantages of digital scanning offer more benefits than simply avoiding uncomfortable impression material. Many patients experience a strong gag reflex when impression trays are placed in their mouths, making the traditional process stressful and sometimes impossible to complete. Digital scanning eliminates this issue entirely because the scanner requires no bulky trays or materials that trigger gagging. The process is also more hygienic, as there’s no risk of impression material contaminating your mouth or causing allergic reactions.
Digital technology also improves the overall fit of your crown. Traditional impressions can be distorted during removal from the mouth or affected by temperature changes during shipping to the dental laboratory. Digital impressions remain perfectly accurate from the moment they’re captured, ensuring your crown fits precisely. This precision means fewer adjustments at your final appointment and a more comfortable restoration that feels natural in your mouth.
The Same-Day Crown Advantage
When digital scanning is combined with same-day crown technology, patients receive even more benefits. Instead of waiting weeks for a laboratory to fabricate your crown and wearing a temporary restoration in the meantime, you can walk out with your permanent crown the same day. The digital scan is sent to an in-office milling machine that precisely carves your custom crown from a solid block of dental ceramic. This process typically takes about one to two hours, allowing you to complete your entire restoration in a single visit.
Same-day crowns eliminate the need for multiple appointments, temporary crowns, and additional anesthetic injections. This makes it easier to fit the dental care you need into your busy schedule. The technology also allows you to see your new crown before it’s permanently cemented, ensuring you’re completely satisfied with the color and shape. This creates better outcomes and higher patient satisfaction compared to traditional multi-visit crown procedures.
Are There Any Situations Where Traditional Impressions Are Still Used?
While digital scanning has become the standard for most crown procedures, there are occasional situations where traditional impressions might still be necessary. Some complex cases involving dental bridges that span multiple teeth or full-mouth reconstructions may benefit from the tactile feedback that traditional impressions provide.
However, the dental field is rapidly moving toward complete digital workflows. Our modern practice has adopted this technology because of its numerous advantages. The improved accuracy, enhanced comfort, and streamlined workflow make digital scanning the preferred choice for the vast majority of crown procedures. If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry treatments or restorative work, asking about digital impression technology can help you understand what to expect during your procedure.
Experience Modern Dentistry With Digital Scanning at Floss & Co.
At Floss & Co., we believe in investing in technology that improves your dental experience and delivers superior results. Our commitment to state-of-the-art equipment means you can enjoy the benefits of digital scanning and modern restorative techniques. We understand that dental visits can be stressful, so we’ve designed our practice to prioritize your comfort while providing the highest quality care.
Our experienced team takes the time to explain every step of your treatment and answer any questions you may have about the procedures we recommend. Whether you need a dental crown, veneers, or other restorative work, we work closely with you to determine the best treatment option that suits your needs and achieves an optimal outcome. Contact us today to schedule your appointment and discover how modern dental technology can make your next visit more comfortable than you ever imagined.