Have you just placed a temporary dental crown and are concerned about the aftercare and restrictions? Do not panic! We are here to help you with all your queries.

For example, one of the most common questions that we often get from our patients is, “How long do you have to wait to eat after a temporary crown?” or What is the best way to maintain the temporary crowns? So here we have written all you need to know about temporary crowns once you get them.

Read along with us and find your answers regarding the food intake after a crown placement and what foods to avoid to better settle the crown.

What are temporary crowns?

While discussing the ways to have a speedy healing, let us first understand what temporary crowns are and what purpose they serve. A crown, what is it?

Dental crowns are placed as a cover or a protective barrier over the decayed tooth so they can protect the damaged tooth underneath it from further decaying. Dental crowns are used to restore the size, appearance, or health of a tooth that is damaged.

Sometimes, your permanent dental crowns may take a while to prepare according to the size and shape of your tooth. So, In the meantime, your dentist will fit a temporary crown so your tooth stays protected.

As they are not meant for long-term use, temporary crowns are less strong and more prone to damage than permanent crowns, and thus, their care and post-procedure instructions should be adhered to. They can easily be dislodged from the tooth and even cause infection in some cases.

For this reason, you must avoid certain foods initially and take care of your dental hygiene will increase the longevity of the temporary crown.

How Long to Wait Before Eating?

As part of the process, your dentist will inject an anesthetic injection into your mouth so that you will not feel any sensation for 5 hours. It’s advisable to avoid eating anything till the numbness subsides since there is a risk of patients biting their tongue and even the cheeks, resulting in internal trauma.

On the other hand, we suggest having some food thirty minutes to one hour after the effects of the anesthesia have worn off. This chewing mechanism will enable proper settling down of the crown on top of your tooth.

Foods to Avoid After Getting a Temporary Crown

Once you start eating, you should know what foods you should take so that the crown settles properly.

Here we are listing some foods that you should not eat for a day or two. Firstly, start with a softer diet and then gradually introduce more solids in your diet.

• Sticky foods:

Make sure to avoid foods like caramel, gum, and sticky candies because such food contents put a strain on the crown and can pull it apart.

• Hard Foods:

Avoid foods like nuts, hard candies, and raw vegetables that can put pressure on the crown and dislodge or crack it, even causing an infection.

• Chewy Foods:

Avoid foods that require excessive chewing, like steak or crusty bread, as they can cause the crown to shift from its place.

• Crunchy Foods:

Avoid foods with an extra crunch, like chips, pretzels, and crackers, that may enforce pressure on the crown to dislodge it.

• Extreme Temperatures:

Don’t take extremely hot or cold foods that can cause sensitivity or discomfort. Also, avoid drinking extremely cold or hot beverages.

Foods That Are Safe to Eat with a Temporary Crown

As we discussed the foods to avoid, let’s take a look at the foods you should have once the numbing is gone. Here are some foods that you can enjoy.

• Soft foods:

Include mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and smoothies that are gentle on your crown and gums.

• Room-Temperature Foods:

Foods like soups (that aren’t too hot), oatmeal, and soft-cooked vegetables are good options once the numbing is decreased.

• Cut Foods into Small Pieces:

We will advise that cutting food into smaller pieces can help minimize chewing and reduce the risk of crown displacement.

• Gentle Protein Sources:

Introduce protein in your diet to feel better quickly. Foods like fish, tofu, and soft beans are great sources of protein.

• Dairy:

Food elements like yogurt, soft cheese, and pudding can be soothing after a crown placement.

• Pasta and Grain:

Rice, soft-cooked pasta, and even quinoa will make a healthy meal after a dental procedure.

Additional Tips for Caring for Your Temporary Crown

One of the postoperative recommendations after the placement of a temporary crown involves eating soft food only; however, a few other things should also be kept in mind.

Consciously consider chewing on the opposing side of the mouth to protect the temporary crown. Excess pressure over the temporary crown should also be avoided since it may cause the crown to be dislodged.

In addition, it is important to maintain proper oral hygiene. Make sure to brush and floss after every meal. This is because food particles are likely to get trapped in the space created between the crowned tooth and the other adjacent teeth, leading to an infection. Brushing after each meal helps to minimize this problem.

When to Call Your Dentist?

In case you have any persistent pain or swelling, or if the crown dislodges or becomes loose, you must seek help from your dentist without delay because neglecting a crown issue can result in an infection that can even prove fatal at times.

After the placement of your permanent crown, do not miss any subsequent dental appointments so that any potential issues with your oral hygiene can be identified and remedied before becoming painful and requiring extensive repairs.

Conclusion

Be mindful when taking care of your temporary crown. The crown needs to remain intact. Keep recalling to not eat anything after the procedure. Avoid sticky, chewy, hard, and crunchy food items to protect your crown. Keep practicing good oral and dental hygiene. These tips and guidelines will be essential to avoid any complications with your crown.

If you experience any persistent pain, or swelling, or if your crown is loose, call your dentist immediately. Attend all your follow-up appointments to smoothly transition to a permanent crown.

For those looking to enhance their smile and ensure long-lasting dental health, consider exploring permanent crown options. Call Pro Dental in Blaine, MN, today to schedule your dental crown consultation. Discover all the options for creating your ideal smile at 763-265-8388.