At Hardin Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, we understand that your time is valuable. That’s why Dr. Chris Hardin uses advanced CEREC® technology to create custom, permanent dental crowns in just one appointment. Our same-day crowns let you walk in with a damaged tooth and leave with a permanent, natural-looking restoration in about 90 minutes.
Our restorative dentistry offers CEREC Crowns in one visit, along with traditional crowns. We serve Indianapolis, Greenwood, Southport, Center Grove, Franklin, and all of Marion and Johnson counties.
What’s a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers and protects a damaged tooth. It brings the tooth back to its normal shape, size, and strength. Crowns also improve the appearance of a cracked, worn-down, or badly decayed tooth. We often recommend crowns when a tooth is too damaged for a regular filling, but still strong enough to keep.
When Do You Need a Dental Crown?
Dr. Hardin may recommend a crown if you have:
- A cracked, chipped, or fractured tooth
- A tooth weakened by a large cavity (too big for a filling)
- A worn-down tooth from grinding (bruxism) or acid erosion
- A tooth that has recently undergone root canal therapy
- A discolored or misshapen tooth
- A dental implant that needs a visible tooth (the crown is the final step)
- A missing tooth: crowns anchor dental bridges
Crowns strengthen teeth at risk of breaking while providing a natural, aesthetically pleasing appearance.
CEREC® Same-Day Crowns: Why Two Visits Become One
In the past, getting a dental crown meant a visit for preparation and a temporary crown, 2-3 weeks of waiting with a fragile temporary, and a second visit for permanent placement. Not anymore!
CEREC (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramic) technology revolutionizes the process. CEREC allows Dr. Hardin to design, create, and place your permanent crown in a single appointment.
The CEREC Process at Hardin Dentistry
- Digital Scanning: Dr. Hardin uses CEREC’s intraoral camera to take precise 3D images of your prepared tooth. No goopy, messy impressions to deal with.
- Computer-Aided Design: The 3D images appear on the screen, and Dr. Hardin designs your custom crown using CAD software. You can even see your new crown before it’s made.
- In-Office Milling: A ceramic block matching your tooth color is placed in the milling unit. Within minutes, your permanent crown is created.
- Same-Day Placement: Dr. Hardin checks the fit, makes any necessary adjustments, and bonds your crown in place. You leave with a permanent restoration.
Benefits of CEREC Same-Day Crowns
- No temporary crown: No risk of a temporary crown falling off or feeling uncomfortable
- One appointment: Walk in with a damaged tooth, leave with a permanent crown
- No messy impressions: Digital scans are fast and comfortable
- Natural-looking results: High-quality ceramic matched to your tooth color
- Minimally invasive: Preserves more of your natural tooth structure
- Cost-effective: No lab fees, which helps keep pricing competitive
- Long-lasting: CEREC restorations can last 10+ years with proper care
Types of Dental Crowns Available
Dr. Hardin offers several crown materials, each with specific advantages. The right choice depends on which tooth needs the crown, your aesthetic goals, and your budget.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are the top choice for front teeth because they offer the most natural appearance. The material mimics the translucency of natural tooth enamel, allowing light to pass through just like a real tooth. Porcelain crowns are also stain-resistant and biocompatible. They’re ideal when aesthetics are your primary concern.
Ceramic Crowns
Ceramic crowns are another metal-free option known for both durability and aesthetic appeal. Like porcelain, ceramic crowns can be color-matched to your surrounding teeth for a seamless blend. They’re a great choice for visible teeth and for patients who prefer metal-free restorations.
Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal Crowns (PFM)
PFM crowns combine the strength of a metal inner shell with the natural look of a porcelain outer layer. The metal base provides excellent durability for high-chewing-pressure areas, while the porcelain coating gives you a natural appearance. These crowns are a popular choice for both front and back teeth because they balance strength and aesthetics.
Metal Crowns (Gold or Silver Alloys)
Metal crowns are the strongest and most durable option available. Made from gold, platinum, or other metal alloys, they withstand heavy chewing forces and rarely chip or break. The main drawback is their metallic color, which makes them less suitable for visible teeth. Metal crowns are best for molars (back teeth) where strength matters more than appearance.
Dr. Hardin will help you choose the right material based on your tooth’s location, your budget, and your aesthetic goals. During your consultation, he’ll explain the pros and cons of each option so you can make an informed decision.
How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
With proper care, dental crowns typically last 10 to 15 years, and many last even longer.
Factors that affect crown longevity include:
- Your oral hygiene habits (brushing, flossing, regular dental visits)
- Avoiding hard or sticky foods that could damage the crown
- Wearing a night guard if you grind your teeth
- Regular dental check-ups to monitor the crown’s condition
For detailed care instructions, read our guide: How to Care for a Dental Crown.
Cost of Dental Crowns in Indianapolis, IN
The cost of a dental crown varies based on the material used, the complexity of your case, and whether any additional procedures (like a root canal) are needed.
Typical crown costs in Indianapolis:
- Porcelain/ceramic crowns: 1,200 to 2,500 per tooth
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns: 800 to 1,500 per tooth
- Metal crowns: 800 to 1,500 per tooth
Does Insurance Cover Dental Crowns?
Yes. Dental crowns are considered medically necessary restorative care when a tooth is damaged, decayed, or weakened. Most dental insurance plans cover 50% of the cost after your deductible.
We accept CareCredit financing to help make treatment affordable. CareCredit offers flexible payment plans so you can get the care you need now and pay over time.
Call 317-830-0073 for a personalized cost estimate. We’ll verify your insurance benefits and provide a clear estimate before any treatment begins.
Patient Review
Why Choose Hardin Cosmetic and Family Dentistry?
- CEREC Same-day Crowns: We create permanent crowns in one visit. No temporary. No second appointment.
- Over 21 Years of Experience: Dr. Hardin has been serving Indianapolis families since graduating from IU School of Dentistry in 2003.
- Conservative Care Philosophy: We focus on “dental health care versus disease care,” preserving your natural teeth whenever possible.
- Convenient Location: Just north of Stop II Rd on Emerson Ave, close to St Francis Hospital. Same parking lot as CVS.
- Sedation Options: Oral sedation and nitrous oxide are available for anxious patients.
- Financing Available: CareCredit healthcare credit card with special financing options.
- Friendly, Judgment-free Care: We welcome patients who haven’t been to the dentist in a while. No lectures. Just compassionate care.
Dental Crowns FAQs
Will getting a crown hurt?
During the procedure, you shouldn’t feel any pain. We thoroughly numb the area. After the numbing wears off, some mild sensitivity to hot or cold is normal for a few days. This usually fades quickly.
How long do CEREC crowns last?
CEREC crowns have been shown to last over 5 years, with recent research indicating that most last more than 10 years with proper care.
Can I eat normally with a crown?
Yes. Once your crown is placed and any sensitivity subsides, you can eat most foods normally. We recommend avoiding very sticky foods (caramel, taffy) and extremely hard foods (ice, hard candy) that could damage the crown.
Does insurance cover same-day crowns?
Yes. Dental insurance codes for crowns are the same whether they’re made in-office or by an external lab. We’ll verify your benefits and provide an estimate before treatment.
Can a crown be whitened?
No, crowns don’t respond to whitening treatments – their color remains the same. If you’re planning to whiten your teeth, we recommend doing so before getting your crown, so we can match the crown to your newly whitened smile.
My crown fell out. What should I do?
Don’t panic and call our office at 317-830-0073 as soon as possible. Keep the crown safe and avoid chewing on that side. We’ll schedule an appointment to recement or replace the crown. Do not try to glue it back yourself because using the wrong adhesive can damage the tooth.
Are there alternatives to crowns?
For minor damage, fillings or inlays/onlays may be sufficient. For severely damaged teeth that can’t be saved, extraction followed by an implant or bridge may be necessary. Dr. Hardin will discuss all options with you during your consultation.
Schedule Your Same-Day Crown Consultation Today
Ready to restore your smile with a dental crown in Indianapolis, IN? Dr. Chris Hardin and our team are here to help.
Call us at 317-830-0073 or request an appointment online.
We proudly serve patients from Indianapolis, Greenwood, Southport, Center Grove, Franklin, and all surrounding communities.
Over 21 years of trusted care. Your smile is in good hands!