CEREC Same-Day Crowns in New Bern, NC

Get a New Crown in One Visit at McCarthy Dental

When a tooth has too much damage to fix with a filling, a dental crown covers the affected area and restores it back to full function. It's made from tooth-friendly materials like porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, and gold so that it looks and feels natural to your mouth.

The traditional crown process requires two separate office visits, which means scheduling out for weeks and waiting on an outside lab to finish the work. But life is busy, and we get that.

At McCarthy Dental, we have same-day crown technology that lets our team design, mill, and place a custom ceramic crown in a single visit. No temporary crown. No second appointment. Just one visit, start to finish.

Wondering how that works? Let's walk you through it below.

Quick Takeaways

• Same-day crowns are completed in a single appointment.
• Your crown is custom-designed and milled in-office while you wait.
• Restorations are made from ceramic matched to your existing teeth.
• A good option for cracked, decayed, or broken teeth when you want a faster, simpler process.
• Available in New Bern, NC at McCarthy Dental.
• Call (252) 633-1715 and our team will walk you through next steps.

Is a Same-Day Crown Right for You?

Most patients who need a crown are good candidates for a same-day restoration. If any of the following sounds familiar, this approach is likely a fit for you:

• A cracked or fractured tooth that's become sensitive or uncomfortable
• A large cavity that's too extensive for a standard filling
• A broken or failing filling that's left the tooth structurally compromised
• A tooth that's worn down from grinding or years of heavy use
• A tooth that's recently had a root canal and needs permanent protection

Same-day crowns work well for the vast majority of standard crown cases. That said, there are situations where a traditional lab-fabricated crown is still the better clinical choice, such as certain back molar restorations or cases involving complex bite considerations. If that applies to you, the team will be let you know and walk you through the options.

What Are McCarthy Dental Crowns Made Of?

Not every tooth needs the same type of crown. At McCarthy Dental, we offer three material options, and the right choice depends on which tooth is being restored, how visible it is, and how much wear it needs to handle.

• Porcelain is the most natural-looking option. It's color-matched to your surrounding teeth, making it a common choice for front teeth where appearance matters most.
• Porcelain fused to metal combines a metal base with a porcelain outer layer. It offers a balance of durability and aesthetics and also works well for teeth that need extra strength without sacrificing a natural look.
• Full gold is the most durable option and holds up well under heavy chewing forces. It's typically used for back molars where it's less visible and long-term strength is the priority.

Our doctors will recommend the best material for your specific tooth and situation during your exam.

What Happens During Your CEREC Appointment

Most patients are surprised by how straightforward the whole visit feels. Here's what you can expect from start to finish at McCarthy Dental.

1. Once it's confirmed that a same-day crown is the right fit for your tooth, the area is numbed and any decay or damage is carefully removed. That part feels like a standard dental appointment. What comes next is where things change.
2. Instead of biting down on a tray full of impression material, a small handheld scanner is moved gently around your tooth. It captures a precise 3D image in minutes. No mess, no gagging, no waiting days for a lab to process a mold.
3. From that scan, your crown is designed right here in the office. While the design is finalized and the crown is milled from a ceramic block, you simply wait. Some patients catch up on their phones. Others just relax. The whole milling process takes a short while, and then your new crown is ready to be checked for fit.
4. The fitting is where it all comes together. The crown is tried in, adjusted if needed, and bonded into place. Your bite is checked, everything is smoothed and polished, and you're done.

How Long Does the Whole Process Take?

Appointments for same-day crowns are typically completed in about one to two hours from start to finish. That includes the exam, digital imaging, crown design, milling, and final placement, all in a single visit.

With same-day crowns at McCarthy Dental, there's no temporary restoration and no second appointment to clear your schedule for. The crown is designed, crafted, and seated while you're here. You leave with a finished, permanent restoration that fits your bite and matches your surrounding teeth.

Cost, Insurance, and Payment Options

The cost of a dental crown varies depending on which tooth is being restored and the complexity of your case. There's no single number that applies to everyone, and we'd rather be upfront about that than quote a figure that doesn't reflect your actual situation.

Same-day crowns are typically covered by dental insurance at the same level as traditional lab-fabricated crowns. Most plans treat the crown itself, not how it was made, which means you're not penalized for choosing the faster, more convenient option. That said, every plan is different, and coverage details matter. To avoid any surprises, reach out to us at (252) 633-1715 and we'll help you verify your benefits before your appointment.

If out-of-pocket costs are a concern, a payment plan is available to help spread the cost over time. You can also explore the dental savings plan offered through the practice as an alternative to traditional insurance.

Common Questions About Same-Day Crowns

Do same-day crowns look natural?

Yes. The ceramic material is color-matched to your surrounding teeth, so the finished crown blends in rather than standing out. Most people can't tell the difference between a same-day ceramic crown and a natural tooth.

Is the procedure painful?

The preparation process is done under local anesthetic, so you shouldn't feel anything during the work itself. Some mild sensitivity in the days following is normal and typically short-lived.

How long do same-day crowns last?

With good home care and regular checkups, ceramic crowns are built to hold up for many years. Longevity depends on factors like bite forces, oral hygiene habits, and the location of the crown in your mouth.

Will my insurance cover it?

Many dental insurance plans cover crowns regardless of whether they're made in-office or at an outside lab. Coverage depends on your specific plan and the reason the crown is needed. Our team can help you understand your benefits before treatment begins. 

What's the difference between a same-day crown and a traditional crown?

The core difference is timing and process. A traditional crown requires two appointments, a temporary crown in between, and an outside dental lab. A same-day crown is designed, milled, and placed in a single visit using in-office technology.

Do I need to see a specialist for this?

No. Same-day crowns are placed by trained general dentists who have the in-office milling equipment and the clinical experience to use it well. It's the combination of technology and skill that determines the outcome.

Ready to Skip the Wait? Let's Get Your Crown Done Today.

If a same-day crown sounds like the right fit for you, the next step is simple. Request an appointment online or give us a call, and we'll get you scheduled. 

The team at McCarthy Dental is here when you're ready. Reach us at (252) 633-1715 or use our online scheduling form to pick a time that works for you.

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