Short answer
Richmond Dental Care does not make same-day (single-visit) crowns. Our crowns take two visits: we prepare the tooth and fit a temporary crown at the first, and place the final crown about 5 days later. Both visits can be booked on a Saturday, and crowns start at $1,199 self-pay. If a tooth is broken or painful, we can often see you the same day during office hours to relieve pain and protect it.
What is a same-day crown?
A same-day crown is designed from a digital scan and cut from a block of ceramic by a milling machine in the dental office, then bonded in place before you leave. The main appeal is skipping the temporary crown and the second visit.
Many people searching for a same-day crown really want three things: to get out of pain fast, to protect a broken tooth, and to avoid taking extra days off work. We can help with all three, just not with a one-visit crown.
How does a crown work at our office?
Our dental crowns are made to fit your tooth and bite over two visits, about 5 days apart. The dental lab takes about 5 days to make your final crown.
| Step | What happens | Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Exam and X-rays | We check the tooth, look for decay or infection and explain your options and cost | First visit |
| Preparing the tooth | The tooth is numbed with local anesthetic and shaped so the crown can fit over it | First visit |
| Impression and shade | We record the shape of your tooth and pick a color that matches your other teeth | First visit |
| Temporary crown | A temporary crown covers and protects the tooth while the final crown is made | First visit |
| Final crown | We remove the temporary, check the fit, bite and color, then cement the new crown | Second visit, about 5 days later |
If the tooth has a deep infection, it may need root canal treatment before the crown. We will tell you up front if that is the case.
Same-day crown vs. a two-visit crown
| Feature | Same-day (milled in office) | Two-visit (our approach) |
|---|---|---|
| Number of visits | One | Two, about 5 days apart |
| Temporary crown | Not needed | Worn for about 5 days between visits |
| How it’s made | Milled from a ceramic block during your visit | Made to fit your tooth between visits |
| Offered at Richmond Dental Care | No | Yes |
Both kinds of crowns can last many years with good care. How long a crown lasts depends more on your bite, grinding habits and home care than on how many visits it took. Our post on how long a dental crown lasts covers this in more detail.
Can I get help the same day if my tooth just broke?
Yes, during office hours. We see same-day emergencies on Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 9am–3pm. Call first. At that visit we can usually:
- Find out why the tooth broke or hurts
- Smooth sharp edges or place a temporary filling
- Start the crown process if the tooth is ready
- Treat infection or pain so you are comfortable while you wait for the final crown
You leave with your tooth protected, even though the final crown comes later. If the tooth broke when we are closed, see our emergency dental care page for first-aid steps.
Can I get a crown on a Saturday?
Yes. We offer Saturday appointments for crowns, cleanings, emergencies and more, so you may not have to miss work or school for either crown visit. Read Saturday crown appointments in Richmond for how people plan around a busy week.
How much does a crown cost?
Our self-pay crowns start at $1,199. If your tooth needs a root canal first, root canals start at $899. If you need to replace a missing tooth rather than cap a damaged one, a 3-unit dental bridge starts at $3,499. All published prices are on our dental prices page.
We accept most PPO plans and check your benefits before the visit. In-network carriers include Guardian, Best Life and Ameritas. Financing is available through Cherry, Sunbit and CareCredit, and you can use FSA or HSA funds.
How do I care for a temporary crown?
- Chew on the other side when you can.
- Avoid sticky foods like caramel and gum, and very hard foods like ice or nuts.
- When flossing, slide the floss out to the side instead of pulling it up, so the temporary stays in place.
- If the temporary comes off, keep it, and call us. You can hold it in with a little denture adhesive or toothpaste until you are seen.
After your final crown is placed, brush and floss as usual and keep up with regular checkups so we can check the edges of the crown.
When to call us
Call us if a tooth is cracked or broken, if a large filling has come out, if a tooth hurts when you bite, or if your temporary crown falls off. Call (832) 612-2831 — we’re open Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday, 9am–3pm. You can also book online.
Frequently asked questions
No. Our crowns take two visits, with a temporary crown in between and the final crown placed about 5 days later. We can often see you the same day during office hours to relieve pain and protect the tooth.
The tooth is numbed with local anesthetic, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Some sensitivity or gum soreness for a few days afterward is common.
You can eat, but chew on the other side when possible and skip sticky or very hard foods until your final crown is in place.
We choose a shade that blends with your nearby teeth and check the color before cementing the final crown.
Sources
This guide is general information, not a diagnosis. Every mouth is different — the right treatment for you depends on an exam.