Can I see an emergency dentist and get a new crown right away?

Posted by AllSmiles

My old crown fell off my left front teeth, and I think I need a new one. I’m going out of town next Friday to visit my family in NY. I will be gone until January. If I can get in to see an emergency dentist, will I be able to get a new crown within the next three days? I don’t want to take the risk of being out of town with a loose crown and having my vacation ruined. Thanks. Ezra from Colorado

Ezra– An emergency dentist will examine your crown and bond it back to your natural tooth if possible. Unless the emergency dentist provides same-day crowns—and you are a candidate for one—it is unlikely that you will be able to get a new crown right away. And still, the dentist may not have time in their schedule to make the crown during your visit.

Is a Same-Day Crown the Best Option for a Front Tooth?

Additionally, the location of the crowned tooth affects the type of crown that is best to use as a replacement. If a front tooth is involved, a porcelain crown made by a laboratory will produce more natural-looking results than a crown that a dentist completes the same day. A ceramist at a lab can add a layer of porcelain over a crown to ensure it looks like a natural tooth.

If you have a dentist that you regularly see, schedule an appointment with your current dentist instead of visiting an emergency dentist. Dentists arrange time in their daily schedules for emergency appointments. They will see you promptly and be able to make a recommendation for you.

You can likely receive a temporary crown to protect your tooth. A durable temporary crown can last for months. It can help you avoid making a rushed decision that you may later regret.

Thomas J. Goebel, DDS, of Moline, Illinois, sponsors this post.