If you’ve ever been told you need a crown, you probably know you’ll have two appointments and a temporary crown that never quite feels right. Then you spend a few weeks avoiding anything crunchy on that side of your mouth, and you make a second trip back to the dentist when the permanent crown is ready.
For patients who live in Greenwood, Franklin, or anywhere on the south side of Indianapolis, that routine comes with an extra headache. Getting to a dental office downtown means fighting traffic on I-65 or I-465, finding parking, and losing half a day. Twice.
That’s why same-day crowns have become such a big deal for patients in this area. With CEREC technology, Dr. Chris Hardin can design, mill, and place a permanent crown in a single visit. Here’s how it works and why it matters if you live south of Indianapolis.
What Is CEREC and How Does It Work?
CEREC stands for Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics. It’s a system that lets dentists create custom dental restorations in the office, on the same day as your appointment.
Here’s the process in plain terms:
- Digital scanning. Instead of using messy impression trays, we use a digital scanner to create a precise 3D model of your tooth and surrounding area. The scan takes just a few minutes.
- Design. Dr. Hardin uses CAD software to design your crown. He can adjust the shape, size, and bite to match your natural teeth. This is where his engineering background comes into play. The design process is part precision, part artistry, and his mechanical engineering training at Purdue gives him a real edge.
- Milling. The design is sent to an in-office milling unit, which carves your crown from a solid block of high-quality ceramic. This takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Placement. Once the crown is finished, Dr. Hardin checks the fit, adjusts the bite if needed, and cements it in place. You walk out with a permanent crown the same day.
The whole appointment usually takes about two hours, start to finish.
Why This Matters for Greenwood and Franklin Patients
The convenience factor is obvious. One visit instead of two, no temporary to worry about, and no restrictions on what you can eat between appointments.
But for patients in Greenwood, Franklin, and Center Grove, the point is bigger. This area is growing fast, and dental care needs to keep up. Families here are busy. Parents are juggling work, school pickups, and weekend activities. Taking two half-days off for a crown isn’t realistic for most people. Same-day crowns solve that problem. You come in once, and you leave with a finished restoration.
There’s also the practical geography. Our office is on Emerson Ave, just north of Stop II Rd, near St. Francis Hospital. If you’re coming from Greenwood or Franklin, the drive is short. You won’t have to navigate downtown traffic or pay for parking. You’re stopping by a familiar part of the south side on your way to or from something else.
What Makes a Good Same-Day Crown Candidate?
Most patients who need a crown are good candidates for CEREC. Dr. Hardin typically recommends same-day crowns for:
- Cracked or broken teeth that need structural support
- Teeth with large cavities that can’t be fixed with a filling
- Teeth that have had root canal treatment and need protection
- Worn or weakened teeth from grinding
- Cosmetic restorations on back teeth
In some situations, a traditional lab-made crown is a better choice. If a tooth needs extensive rebuilding before the crown is placed, or if the crown needs to match a very specific shade for a front tooth, Dr. Hardin may recommend the traditional approach. He’ll walk you through the options during your consultation and explain which path makes the most sense for your situation.
What to Expect During Your Visit
If you’ve never had a same-day crown before, here’s what to expect:
- The exam. Dr. Hardin starts by examining your tooth and taking digital X-rays. This helps him confirm the tooth can be restored and plan the crown design.
- Numbing. You’ll receive local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the appointment. If you’re nervous about dental work, we also offer nitrous oxide and oral sedation.
- Preparation. Dr. Hardin reshapes the tooth to make room for the crown. This usually involves removing about 1 to 2 millimeters of tooth structure.
- Scanning and design. The digital scanner captures your tooth in 3D. Dr. Hardin designs the crown while you relax. This is the part where the engineering mindset really shows. He considers how the crown will fit your bite, wear over time, and look in your smile.
- Milling and placement. The office mills the ceramic crown, then Dr. Hardin checks the fit and bite before cementing it in place. You’ll leave with a permanent crown and care instructions.
What About the CEREC Crown Quality?
Some patients wonder whether an in-office crown is as good as one made in a dental lab. The short answer is yes!
CEREC crowns are made from high-quality ceramic that matches the strength and appearance of lab-made crowns. The digital design process actually gives the dentist more control over the fit and bite than traditional impression-based methods. Because the crown is placed the same day, there’s no risk of a temporary coming loose or delaying your treatment.
Dr. Hardin has placed CEREC crowns for years and has seen how they hold up over time. When the fit and bite are right, a CEREC crown can last just as long as any other restoration.
Why Dr. Hardin Is a Good Fit for This Technology
Dr. Hardin’s background is unusual for a dentist. Before dental school, he studied mechanical engineering and biology at Purdue University. That training in design and construction carries over into the CEREC process.
CAD software, 3D scanning, and precision milling are technical tools. They require a dentist who’s comfortable with technology and understands how small design variations affect the final result. Dr. Hardin’s engineering background makes him a natural fit for this kind of work.
He’s also been practicing on the south side of Indianapolis for over 14 years. He grew up in Center Grove and graduated from Center Grove High School in 1995. He’s not a dentist who moved here for a job. He’s a neighbor, and he’s treating patients from the same community he calls home.
A Note for Patients Who’ve Been Putting This Off
If you’ve been dealing with a cracked tooth or a large cavity and you’ve been waiting to schedule a crown, same-day technology makes it easier to finally get it done. One visit, one appointment, and you’re finished.
Our office is at 7855 S. Emerson Ave, Suite F, Indianapolis, IN 46237. We’re in the same parking lot as CVS, just north of Stop II Rd and near St. Francis Hospital. If you’re coming from Greenwood, Franklin, Southport, or Center Grove, we’re easy to reach.
Call us at 317-830-0073 to schedule a consultation and find out if a same-day crown is right for you. You can also request an appointment online.
