A permanent dental crown is a custom-made cap designed to cover a damaged or weakened tooth, restoring its strength, shape, and appearance. This restorative procedure helps protect the underlying tooth from further decay or fracture, ensuring its long-term health and functionality. Many individuals receiving a new crown wonder about their eating habits after the placement. Understanding appropriate dietary precautions can help ensure the crown’s successful integration and longevity.
Eating Immediately After Placement
Following permanent crown placement, wait until local anesthesia completely wears off before eating. Anesthetics typically last one to four hours. Eating while numb can lead to accidentally biting the tongue, cheek, or lip, causing injury.
While dental cement achieves an initial set within minutes, it takes 24 to 48 hours to reach full strength. During this initial period, consume soft foods requiring minimal chewing, such as soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Chewing on the opposite side of the mouth also helps minimize stress on the crown. Avoid sticky, hard, or overly chewy foods directly after the procedure to prevent dislodging the crown or compromising the cement bond.
Foods to Be Cautious With
After the immediate post-procedure period, approach certain foods with caution to protect the permanent crown. Hard foods like ice, hard candies, nuts, or unpopped popcorn kernels can exert excessive pressure, potentially chipping, cracking, or dislodging the crown. Crowns are durable but can be damaged by such forces.
Sticky foods, including caramels, taffy, gummy candies, and chewing gum, adhere to the crown’s surface. The pulling force to remove them can loosen or dislodge the crown. Very chewy foods like tough meats or crusty breads can also strain the crowned tooth, especially in initial weeks. Extreme temperatures from hot or cold foods might cause temporary sensitivity in the crowned tooth, particularly in the days following placement.
What to Expect in the Days After
In the days following permanent crown placement, expect some sensations as the tooth and surrounding tissues adjust. Mild sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures, or pressure when biting, is common. This sensitivity typically subsides within a few days to a couple of weeks as the tooth heals.
The bite might feel slightly unfamiliar or “off” initially, as the tooth has a new surface. Minor adjustments by the dentist may be necessary for proper alignment and comfort. Gum irritation or soreness around the crowned tooth is also normal for a few days. If persistent pain, severe or worsening sensitivity, a loose crown, or a bite that does not improve after a few days occurs, contact your dentist for an evaluation.