Same-Day Crowns

same day crownA tooth that has been structurally damaged by decay or trauma sometimes needs to be crowned or “capped” so that it can look good and function properly again. A crown is a durable covering that is custom-made to fit over the entire tooth from the gum line up.

Getting a crown used to mean multiple office visits and weeks of waiting time, but now there is a much more convenient option—same-day crowns. Same-day crowns and other tooth restorations can be made in the dentist’s office and often in minutes using technology known as Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAD/CAM).

Benefits of Same-Day Crowns

  • Saves you time and money

Traditional crowns require you to get temporary crowns while you wait for the permanent crown to be made. Same-day crowns eliminate the expense of the temporary crown, and the expense of the multiple appointments that traditional crowns require.

  • Restores function to your mouth and teeth immediately

With temporary crowns, you have to be careful how you eat so that the temporary crown doesn’t fall out. With same-day crowns, you will have full functioning of your teeth again.

Same-Day Crown Process

  • Your dentist will remove any decay or debris from the affected area, and then shape the tooth or teeth so it will fit with the crown.
  • With the help of a small scanning wand, your dentist will take digital pictures of your mouth that will assist in generating a 3D model of your teeth.
  • The CAD/CAM software uses this 3D model to create your crown. It can even use a mirror-image twin of the other side of your mouth to create the most natural-looking crown possible.
  • A block of ceramic material is chosen to match the color of your teeth, and the computer’s digital design is transmitted to a milling machine that carves the crown from the ceramic block in about five minutes.
  • The crown is then bonded to your tooth.

Caring for your crown is very similar to caring for your natural teeth. As always, you need to regularly brush and floss. With crowns, it’s even more important to maintain a regular schedule of professional cleanings at the dental office. If you have a grinding habit, talk to your dentist about a mouthguard to protect your teeth and crowns.

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

History of Our Practice

Dr. Gary Cook started our practice in 1975. Dr. Cook grew up in Kent City and attended the University of Michigan Dental School. After 4 years of general practice, he sold his practice to Dr. Lee McFall in 1979, and went back to U of M to specialize in Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Cook later returned to Grand Rapids to practice in Pediatrics.

Dr. McFall graduated from Sparta High School in 1970, Albion College in 1974 and the University of Michigan in 1978. He practiced in Sheridan, Michigan for one year as an associate before buying Dr. Cook’s practice at 9161 Sparta Avenue. In the beginning, he practiced with one chair for himself and one for a hygienist. He had 3 employees: a hygienist, an assistant and a receptionist. In 1981 Dr. McFall bought his first computer system to be used to print and track insurance claims. The practice grew and a second chair for the doctor’s patients was added. In 1985 a second computer system was installed and was still used mainly for printing insurance forms at the reception desk. The practice continued to grow and a 4th chair was added for a second hygienist. By this time there were 10 employees.

In 1995 a networked computer system was installed with a dedicated file server, and with software that could be used in the treatment rooms as well as the front desk. This computer and software system was the beginning of a long-range technology plan to completely change how the practice would deliver dental care. We began using this system at the front desk to send insurance claims electronically. At that time we were one of the first offices in West Michigan using electronic submission of insurance claims for our patients. In January of 1997 a complete remodeling of the office was done and an intraoral camera system was installed to use for patient education and for photos to send to insurance companies for our patients.

In July of 1999 Dr. Andrew Knowlton joined our practice. Dr. Knowlton graduated from Belding High School in 1991, Andrews University in 1995, and University of Michigan Dental School in 1999. In the year 2000 we placed computers in the treatment rooms to more accurately and efficiently record treatment. We were also able to schedule appointments in the treatment rooms. This shortened the amount of time it took for our patients to “check out” after treatment. At this time we had 14 employees.

The practice grew steadily between 2000 & 2004 and in October of 2004, Dr. Knowlton & Dr. McFall became equal partners. The name of the practice changed from C. Lee McFall DDS PC to Knowlton & McFall Dentistry, PLLC. In 2005 we added a 5th treatment room but by that time we actually needed even more space than the rented building had room for. In 2006 we purchased land at 9654 Sparta Ave. and began plans for a new office. The office was completed in late 2008 and is one of the most technologically advanced general practices in West Michigan. Digital records, digital x-rays, and digital photographs are all utilized in the new facility. We believe it is a beautiful and comfortable place for patients to come for their oral health care.

In 2013, Dr. McFall was searching for a dentist to replace him as he was nearing retirement.   Dr. Jordan Masson fit the bill.  Dr. Masson graduated from Lake Orion High School in 2000, Western Michigan University in 2004, and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 2008.  He was first hired as an associate dentist, but in July of 2014, Dr. Masson purchased Dr. McFall’s portion of the practice and officially became equal partners with Dr. Knowlton.  The name of the practice was changed from Knowlton & McFall Dentistry, PLLC to Knowlton & Masson Dentistry, PLLC.

Though our practice has evolved over the years, we remain committed to providing the best, individualized, and comprehensive care that we can for our valued patients.