Can you eat after a temporary crown?

Yes, you can eat after a temporary crown, but it requires careful attention to your diet and chewing habits, especially in the initial hours and days following its placement.

Eating After a Temporary Crown: What You Need to Know

While a temporary crown allows you to maintain functionality and aesthetics before your permanent crown is ready, it's not as strong or securely bonded as the final restoration. Therefore, exercising caution with your food choices is crucial to prevent damage or dislodgement.

The First 24 Hours: Soft Foods and Gentle Chewing

The period immediately following your temporary crown placement is the most critical. As stated in dental guidelines, "In the first 24 hours after your temporary crown placement, your mouth might still be sensitive. Anesthetics used during the procedure can cause numbness, making it easy to accidentally bite your tongue or cheek. For this reason, sticking to soft foods is advisable." (July 23, 2024)

This initial window requires extra care to allow the temporary adhesive to set and to avoid irritating the treated area.

• Recommended Soft Foods for the First 24 Hours:

  • Soups and broths: Ensure they are lukewarm, not piping hot.
  • Yogurt and puddings: Smooth, dairy-based options.
  • Smoothies and milkshakes: Avoid using straws, as suction can dislodge the crown.
  • Mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes: Soft and easy to swallow.
  • Scrambled eggs: Light and non-chewy.
  • Cooked cereals: Such as oatmeal or cream of wheat.
  • Soft fruits: Like mashed bananas or applesauce.

• Foods to Avoid Immediately After Placement:

  • Hard foods: Nuts, ice, hard candies, crunchy vegetables (carrots, celery).
  • Sticky foods: Caramel, taffy, chewing gum, gummy candies. These can pull the temporary crown off.
  • Chewy foods: Steaks, bagels, crusty bread.
  • Extremely hot or cold foods/drinks: These can increase sensitivity.
  • Alcohol: Can interfere with healing.

Beyond 24 Hours: Continued Precautions

Even after the first day, your temporary crown remains susceptible to damage. It's essential to continue being mindful of your eating habits until your permanent crown is cemented into place.

• General Eating Guidelines Until Permanent Crown:
  • Chew on the Opposite Side: Whenever possible, try to chew food on the side of your mouth opposite to the temporary crown.
  • Cut Food into Small Pieces: This reduces the amount of chewing force required.
  • Avoid Biting Directly: Do not use the temporary crown to bite into hard items like apples or corn on the cob.
  • Be Aware of Temperature: While less critical than the first 24 hours, extreme temperatures can still cause sensitivity.

Why Eating Carefully Matters

Taking precautions with your diet protects both your temporary crown and the underlying tooth.

• Preventing Dislodgement: The adhesive used for temporary crowns is designed for easy removal by your dentist, making it vulnerable to strong chewing forces.
• Avoiding Damage: Temporary crowns are made from a softer material than permanent ones, making them prone to cracks or fractures.
• Minimizing Discomfort: Chewing carefully reduces pressure on the sensitive tooth and surrounding gums.
• Protecting the Underlying Tooth: If the temporary crown comes off, the prepared tooth can be exposed to bacteria, temperature changes, and potential damage, leading to pain or infection.

Practical Tips for Eating with a Temporary Crown

By following these guidelines, you can comfortably eat while protecting your temporary crown and ensuring a smooth transition to your permanent restoration.