Dental Crowns & Crown Replacement in Prairieville
Whether you need a first-time crown or you're looking for a dentist for crown replacement because an old one has worn out, cracked, or come loose, Dr. Bailey designs, mills, and places your restoration right here in Prairieville — in most cases the same day you come in.
CEREC Same-Day Crowns
CEREC is an acronym for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. This high-tech equipment can restore damaged teeth with beautiful custom ceramic crowns in a single visit, completely eliminating the need for multiple appointments over a several-week period. The process can create a ceramic dental crown, inlays, onlays or veneers using a variety of technologies like 3D photography, and a computer-aided design and manufacturing process known as CAD/CAM.
An intraoral camera is used to photograph the tooth, and the picture is loaded onto the computer. Using Computer Aided Design (CAD) technology the image is transformed into a three-dimensional model. This makes it possible to easily calculate appropriate restoration shape and size to create a near-perfect restoration. When the model is ready, a milling machine creates the restoration using a high-speed diamond bur and calculated precision. The restoration is then bonded to the tooth using a resin material. The result is a beautiful restoration made to fit your mouth perfectly. CEREC crowns are metal-free and have been used for more than 20 years.
Crown Replacement
Crowns don't last forever. Between grinding, decay at the edge where a crown meets the tooth, and years of ordinary wear, most patients eventually need an old crown replacement — and searching for a dentist for crown replacement near me usually starts with one of the signs below.
Signs Your Crown Needs Replacing
- Pain, sensitivity, or a dull ache around a tooth that has a crown
- A crown that feels loose, shifts, or has come off entirely
- A visible crack, chip, or worn-through spot on the crown
- Decay or a dark line at the margin where the crown meets your natural tooth
- A crown that's simply old — discolored, ill-fitting, or placed years ago in a different material
How We Replace a Dental Crown
We start by removing the old crown and checking the tooth underneath for decay or damage that wasn't visible from the outside. If the tooth is sound, we take a new digital scan on the spot and move straight into designing your replacement crown with CEREC. Because the crown is milled in-house, most crown replacements are finished in one appointment — no temporary crown, no second visit weeks later.
Cost & Insurance for Crown Replacement
What a crown replacement costs depends on the condition of the tooth underneath. We're out-of-network with every insurance company by choice, but we file claims as a courtesy so you can use whatever benefits you have. Our financial coordinator can also walk you through in-house membership and financing options before any work begins, so there are no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crown Replacement
- How do I know if my crown needs replacing?
- Common signs include pain or sensitivity around the crowned tooth, a crown that feels loose or shifts, a visible crack or chip, decay at the edge where the crown meets the tooth, or a crown that's simply old and worn down. If you notice any of these, it's worth having it checked.
- How long do dental crowns last?
- Crowns are built to last for years, but none last forever. Grinding, decay at the margin, gum recession, and ordinary wear all shorten a crown's lifespan. Regular checkups let us catch a failing crown before it becomes a bigger problem.
- How much does crown replacement cost?
- Cost depends on the condition of the tooth underneath and what the replacement involves. We're out-of-network with insurance companies by choice, but we file claims as a courtesy, and our financial coordinator can walk you through in-house membership and financing options before treatment starts.
- Can you replace a crown in one visit?
- In most cases, yes. We design, mill, and place same-day CEREC crowns in-house, so an old crown replacement can often be finished in a single appointment instead of the two-visit, temporary-crown process.
- What happens to the tooth under an old crown?
- Once the old crown is removed, we check the tooth underneath for decay or damage that isn't visible from the outside. If the tooth is healthy, we take a new digital scan and move straight to designing your replacement crown.
- Can a loose crown be re-cemented instead of replaced?
- Sometimes. If the crown itself is in good shape and the underlying tooth is healthy, re-cementing may be enough. If the crown is worn, cracked, or the tooth has decayed underneath, replacement is usually the better long-term fix. We'll tell you honestly which one your tooth needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Same-Day Crowns
- What key technology does Absolute Quality Dental Care use for Same-Day Crowns?
- Dr. Bailey utilizes Glidewell In-Office Solution, a CAD/CAM system that allows a dental practice to create crowns on-site during a single appointment.
- How long does the CEREC process take?
- The CEREC process typically takes about 2–3 hours from start to finish. This includes tooth preparation, digital impressions, design, milling, and placement of the final restoration.
- Is CEREC suitable for all types of dental restorations?
- CEREC is suitable for a variety of restorations, including crowns, inlays, onlays, and veneers. However, its application may depend on the specific case and the dentist's recommendation.
- How durable are CEREC Same-Day Crowns?
- CEREC crowns are known for their durability and longevity. When properly cared for with regular oral hygiene practices and dental check-ups, they can last for many years.
- Is the CEREC technology safe?
- Yes, CEREC technology is considered safe. The materials used for CEREC restorations are biocompatible, and the digital impression process eliminates the need for traditional, potentially uncomfortable impression materials.
- Does insurance cover CEREC Same-Day Crowns?
- Coverage may vary depending on your dental insurance plan. It's advisable to check with your insurance provider to determine the extent of coverage for CEREC restorations.
- Can anyone get CEREC Same-Day Crowns?
- While CEREC is suitable for many patients, there may be specific cases where traditional crowns or other restorative options are recommended. Your dentist will assess your individual needs and advise on the most appropriate treatment.
- Are there any post-placement care instructions for CEREC crowns?
- Generally, caring for CEREC crowns involves regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups. Your dentist will provide specific instructions based on your oral health needs.
Same-day emergencies
Tooth broke at lunch? Call us.
We keep room in our schedule because emergencies don't make appointments. In most cases — chipped, broken, or cracked tooth — we can address the problem the same day.