Same-Day CEREC
Crowns, done in one visit.

When You Need One

A crown is the right call when…

Dr. Mark will only recommend a crown when it's the best long-term option for your tooth. Common reasons include:

• A large filling has failed

  Too much natural tooth structure has been lost for another filling to hold.

• A cracked or fractured tooth

  A crown holds a fractured tooth together and prevents the crack from worsening.

• After a root canal

  Root-canaled teeth become brittle and benefit from full coverage.

• Cosmetic reshaping

  To repair a worn, discolored, or misshapen front tooth.

• To anchor a bridge

  Crowns on the teeth on either side of a missing tooth support a bridge.

• To finish an implant

  A crown is the visible top portion of a dental implant.

FAQ

Same-Day CEREC Crowns — questions answered.

• What is a same-day CEREC crown?

  A same-day CEREC crown is a custom porcelain dental crown that is designed, milled, and bonded to the tooth in a single visit — typically two to three hours from start to finish. Unlike a traditional crown, there is no temporary, no second appointment, and no goopy impression material. CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics.

• How long does a same-day crown appointment take?

  Most same-day CEREC crown appointments at Blaskovich Family Dental take about 2 to 2.5 hours. The breakdown is roughly: 30–45 minutes for numbing and tooth preparation, 5–10 minutes for the digital scan, 15–25 minutes of milling time (during which you can rest, watch TV, or step out), 10–15 minutes of glazing in the furnace, and 20–30 minutes for try-in and bonding.

• Are CEREC crowns as strong as traditional lab crowns?

  Yes. Same-day CEREC crowns are milled from solid blocks of dental-grade porcelain (often lithium disilicate or zirconia) and have comparable or superior strength and longevity to traditional lab-fabricated crowns. Multiple long-term clinical studies have shown 10-year survival rates exceeding 90% for properly placed CEREC crowns.

• How much does a same-day CEREC crown cost in Pueblo West?

  In the Pueblo West area, dental crowns generally range from approximately $1,000 to $1,800, depending on the tooth, the material, and your insurance coverage. Most PPO dental insurance plans cover crowns at 50% after the deductible. Blaskovich Family Dental accepts most major PPO plans, bills your insurance directly, and offers an in-house savings plan for patients without insurance.

• Is a CEREC crown covered by insurance?

  Yes. Same-day CEREC crowns are coded the same as traditional crowns (D2740 for porcelain/ceramic, D2750 for porcelain-fused-to-metal) and are covered by dental insurance the same way. Insurance does not pay more or less based on whether the crown is made same-day or by a traditional lab.

• Will the crown match my other teeth?

  Yes. The CEREC porcelain is selected to match the shade of your surrounding teeth. After milling, Dr. Mark characterizes and glazes the crown in a small furnace to add subtle color depth, translucency, and surface texture so it blends naturally with the rest of your smile.

• Does getting a same-day crown hurt?

  The procedure itself is performed under local anesthetic, so you should not feel pain during the appointment. Some patients experience mild soreness for a day or two afterward, similar to having a filling done. Sensitivity to cold can occur for a few weeks but typically resolves on its own.

• How long does a same-day crown last?

  With proper care — twice-daily brushing, daily flossing, and routine 6-month dental checkups — a CEREC crown typically lasts 10 to 15 years or longer. The longevity depends largely on your bite, hygiene, and grinding habits. A custom night guard is often recommended for patients who clench or grind their teeth.

• Can I drive home and eat normally after the appointment?

  Yes. Because no sedation is required for a routine crown, you can drive yourself home and resume normal activities immediately. Wait until the local anesthetic fully wears off (usually 2–3 hours) before eating to avoid biting your cheek or tongue. Once feeling returns, you can eat normally — the crown is fully bonded and ready to function.