How Can I Get My Dental Crown Completed in Just One Appointment?

For busy families and working adults in Tigard, OR, finding time for multiple dental appointments can feel nearly impossible. Between coordinating schedules, taking time off work, and managing family responsibilities, the traditional dental crown process—requiring two or three separate visits—often gets postponed longer than it should. If you've been putting off necessary dental restoration because you simply don't have the time for multiple appointments, Tualatin Valley Dental has a solution that might surprise you: same-day dental crowns that let you walk in with a damaged tooth and leave with a fully restored smile in a single visit.

Dr. Kerri Smith understands that your time is valuable, which is why Tualatin Valley Dental has invested in advanced technology that eliminates the waiting period, temporary crowns, and multiple appointments that used to be standard with crown procedures. This single-visit approach doesn't just save you time—it delivers the same quality, durability, and natural appearance you'd expect from traditional crowns, all while reducing the anxiety that comes with extended dental treatments.

If you're wondering whether same-day crowns could be the right solution for your dental needs, let's explore how this innovative approach works and why families throughout Tigard have come to trust this efficient, effective option for dental restoration.

What Makes Same-Day Crowns Different From Traditional Crown Procedures?

The traditional crown process has remained largely unchanged for decades. Typically, your dentist would prepare your tooth, take impressions using uncomfortable putty-like materials, place a temporary crown, and send your case to an outside laboratory. You'd then wait two to three weeks wearing that temporary crown before returning for a second appointment to have the permanent crown placed. During that waiting period, temporary crowns could become loose, fall off, or cause discomfort—not to mention the inconvenience of scheduling and attending that follow-up visit.

At Tualatin Valley Dental, Dr. Kerri Smith offers a completely different experience with same-day crown technology. Using state-of-the-art digital imaging and in-office milling equipment, the entire process happens right here in our Tigard location. After preparing your tooth, Dr. Smith uses a digital scanner to create a precise 3D image of your tooth—no messy impressions required. This digital model is then used to design your custom crown using specialized software, ensuring a perfect fit and natural appearance that complements your existing teeth.

Once the design is finalized, the information is sent to our in-office milling unit, which fabricates your permanent crown from a solid block of high-quality dental ceramic in about an hour. While your crown is being created, you can relax in our comfortable office. When it's ready, Dr. Kerri Smith carefully fits and bonds the crown to your prepared tooth, making any necessary adjustments to ensure your bite feels completely natural. You walk out the same day with a fully restored tooth—no temporary crown, no second appointment, no waiting weeks for your final restoration.

Who Benefits Most From Single-Visit Crown Restoration?

Same-day crowns at Tualatin Valley Dental are ideal for nearly anyone who needs crown restoration, but they're particularly beneficial for busy families and working professionals who struggle to find time for multiple dental visits. Parents managing children's schedules, professionals with demanding work commitments, and anyone who experiences dental anxiety all find this streamlined approach significantly less stressful than traditional methods.

If you're someone who tends to postpone dental work because of time constraints, the single-visit option removes one of the biggest barriers to getting the care you need. There's no need to coordinate multiple days off work or arrange childcare for several appointments. Everything happens in one comprehensive visit, typically lasting about two to three hours from start to finish. For patients seeking quality dental care that respects their busy schedules, this efficiency is transformative.

Additionally, patients who experience dental anxiety often find same-day crowns less stressful because there's no prolonged treatment period. At Tualatin Valley Dental, we specialize in anxiety-free care, and our sedation options can be combined with same-day crown procedures to ensure your complete comfort throughout the process. Rather than worrying about your dental work over several weeks, you can address the issue in a single appointment and move forward with confidence in your restored smile.

What Should You Expect During Your Same-Day Crown Appointment?

When you arrive at Tualatin Valley Dental for your same-day crown procedure, Dr. Kerri Smith will begin with a thorough examination to confirm that a crown is the appropriate treatment for your specific situation. She'll discuss the procedure with you in detail, answer any questions you might have, and ensure you feel completely comfortable before beginning. If you've chosen sedation options to help you relax during the procedure, those will be administered according to your personalized treatment plan.

The first step involves preparing your tooth by removing any decay and shaping it to properly receive the crown. This preparation is similar to what would happen with a traditional crown, but instead of taking physical impressions, Dr. Smith uses a digital scanner to capture detailed images of your prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. This digital approach is not only more comfortable but also more accurate, resulting in crowns that fit better and require fewer adjustments.

While your crown is being milled in our on-site facility, you can relax in our comfortable office environment. Many patients use this time to catch up on reading, listen to music, or simply rest. Once your crown is ready, Dr. Smith will try it in your mouth, check the fit and your bite, and make any refinements needed. When everything is perfect, she'll bond the crown permanently to your tooth using strong dental adhesive. Before you leave, she'll provide you with care instructions to help your new crown last for many years—typically fifteen years or longer with proper maintenance.

Why Choose Tualatin Valley Dental for Your Crown Restoration?

Choosing where to receive dental care is an important decision for you and your family. At Tualatin Valley Dental, our commitment to combining advanced technology with compassionate, personalized care sets us apart. Our investment in same-day crown technology reflects our understanding that your time matters and that quality dental care should fit into your life, not disrupt it.

Dr. Kerri Smith brings both expertise and a gentle approach to every procedure, taking time to explain your options and ensure you feel confident in your treatment decisions. Our established presence in the Tigard community means we're here for the long term, building lasting relationships with the families we serve. When you choose Tualatin Valley Dental, you're choosing a practice that views you as more than just a patient—you're a valued member of our dental family.

Our focus on anxiety-free care means we've created an environment where even the most nervous patients can receive the treatment they need with minimal stress. Whether through gentle techniques, clear communication, or sedation options tailored to your comfort level, we're committed to making your dental experience as positive as possible. Combined with the efficiency of same-day crowns, this approach to care has helped countless Tigard residents overcome barriers to dental treatment and achieve healthier, more confident smiles.

Take the Next Step Toward Same-Day Smile Restoration

If you have a damaged, weakened, or heavily restored tooth that needs a crown, there's no need to dread weeks of temporary crowns and multiple appointments. Tualatin Valley Dental offers a better way—one that respects your time, prioritizes your comfort, and delivers exceptional results in a single visit. Dr. Kerri Smith and our experienced team are ready to answer your questions about same-day crowns and help you determine whether this innovative approach is right for your specific dental needs.

Don't let a busy schedule prevent you from getting the dental care you deserve. Contact Tualatin Valley Dental today at 503-620-6133 to schedule your consultation and discover how same-day crown technology can restore your smile with unprecedented convenience. Our Tigard, OR office is ready to welcome you and your family with the trustworthy, established care that has made us a cornerstone of dental health in our community. Your healthier, more confident smile is just one appointment away.