You’ve just had a dental crown fitted, and now you’re wondering what you can eat. Can you have your usual lunch? Should you stick to soft foods? What about your morning coffee?
The good news is that many people can return to eating fairly normally after getting a permanent dental crown. You just need to be careful during the first few hours, particularly while your mouth is still numb.
Knowing what to eat after a dental crown can help you avoid unnecessary discomfort and protect your new restoration.
The advice can vary depending on whether you have a temporary crown, a traditional permanent crown or a same-day CEREC crown. Here’s what to know before your next meal.
How Soon Can You Eat After Getting a Dental Crown?
It depends on the type of crown you received, how it was fitted and whether your dentist used local anaesthetic.
If your mouth is still numb, wait until the feeling returns before chewing. Otherwise, you could accidentally bite your tongue, cheek or lip without realising it.
Numbness can last several hours, depending on the anaesthetic used.
Your dentist may also recommend waiting before eating to allow the cement or bonding material securing your crown to set appropriately.
Once the numbness has worn off and your dentist has confirmed it’s safe to eat, start with something soft and easy to chew.
There’s no need to rush back into crunchy or chewy foods straight away.
What Are the Best Foods to Eat After a Dental Crown?
For the first day, softer foods are often a more comfortable option. They require less chewing pressure and may be less likely to irritate a tooth that feels sensitive after treatment.
Some suitable choices include:
- Scrambled eggs: Soft, easy to chew and suitable for breakfast or lunch.
- Yoghurt: A simple option if your tooth feels tender. Choose a temperature that feels comfortable.
- Mashed potatoes: Filling without requiring much chewing.
- Soft pasta: Well-cooked pasta with a mild sauce can make an easy meal.
- Rice: Soft, well-cooked rice is generally easy to manage.
- Soup: A good option, provided it’s warm rather than very hot.
- Bananas: Soft enough to eat without putting much pressure on the crown.
- Steamed vegetables: Cooked until tender, they’re easier to chew than raw vegetables.
- Soft fish: A useful option when you want something more substantial.
You don’t have to eat only liquids. The idea is to choose foods that feel comfortable and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the treated tooth.
Which Foods Should You Avoid After Getting a Crown?
Although dental crowns are designed to help restore the function of damaged teeth, some foods are better avoided immediately after treatment.
Hard and Crunchy Foods
Hard foods can place considerable pressure on a newly fitted crown.
Be cautious with ice, hard lollies, popcorn kernels, whole nuts and very crusty bread.
Biting directly into hard foods can also put pressure on the underlying tooth. It’s generally better to avoid chewing ice or similarly hard objects even after your crown has settled.
Sticky and Chewy Foods
Caramels, toffees, chewing gum and sticky lollies can pull against a restoration.
This is particularly concerning with temporary crowns, which are attached using cement designed for later removal.
For a permanent crown, your dentist may recommend avoiding these foods during the first 24 hours, depending on how the crown was fitted.
Very Hot or Cold Foods
Some people experience temporary sensitivity after crown treatment.
Hot coffee, iced drinks or frozen desserts may feel uncomfortable if the treated tooth is sensitive.
You don’t necessarily need to avoid them long term. For now, choose temperatures that feel comfortable.
Is Eating After a CEREC Crown Different?
Eating after a CEREC crown may be more straightforward because the final restoration can be completed during a single appointment in suitable cases.
CEREC technology uses digital scanning and computer-guided design to create a custom dental crown. The crown can then be manufactured and fitted at the practice.
At Cairns Family & Cosmetic Dental Group, same-day CEREC crowns are available at the Earlville and Mount Sheridan clinics for suitable patients.
One advantage is that you may not need a temporary crown while waiting for a laboratory-made restoration.
However, a same-day crown still requires appropriate aftercare.
Your dentist will explain when you can start eating based on the material used to secure the crown, your anaesthetic and your individual treatment.
Once you’re cleared to eat, softer foods are a sensible starting point.
What If You Have a Temporary Crown?
A temporary crown needs extra care.
Unlike a permanent restoration, it’s usually held in place with temporary cement so your dentist can remove it when the final crown is ready.
This makes it more vulnerable to becoming loose.
Avoid sticky foods such as caramel and chewing gum. Hard bread, nuts and crunchy snacks may also place too much pressure on the temporary crown.
Try chewing on the opposite side of your mouth until your permanent restoration has been fitted.
If your temporary crown becomes loose or falls off, contact your dentist rather than attempting to glue it back yourself.
What Should You Eat During the First 24 Hours?
Think about comfort rather than following a complicated meal plan.
For breakfast, scrambled eggs or yoghurt may be suitable. Lunch could be a bowl of warm soup or soft pasta. For dinner, consider rice with tender vegetables and soft fish.
Take smaller bites and chew slowly.
If one side of your mouth feels tender, try using the other side where practical.
Your dentist may give you specific instructions about avoiding hard or sticky foods during the first 24 hours. Follow those instructions even if your crown feels comfortable.
Is Tooth Sensitivity Normal After a Crown?
Some sensitivity after dental crown treatment can occur.
The tooth has been prepared to accommodate the restoration, and the surrounding gum tissue may also feel tender.
You might notice sensitivity when drinking something cold, eating hot food or biting down.
Mild sensitivity may settle gradually, although the timeframe varies depending on the tooth and the treatment performed.
According to Healthdirect Australia’s dental crown information, possible complications include discomfort caused by a crown that doesn’t fit properly, as well as problems affecting the crown or underlying tooth.
If your crown feels too high when you bite, chewing causes significant pain, or discomfort gets worse rather than better, contact your dentist for an assessment.
Your dentist can examine the restoration, check your bite and determine whether any adjustments or further treatment are needed.
When Can You Return to Your Normal Diet?
Many people can gradually return to their usual meals within the first day or two after receiving a permanent crown.
However, the timing depends on your comfort, the type of restoration and your dentist’s instructions.
Start with softer meals, then introduce firmer foods as chewing becomes comfortable.
Remember that a dental crown is strong, but it isn’t indestructible. Avoid using your teeth to crack nuts, chew ice or bite objects that could damage the restoration.
If you’re unsure whether you’re ready to eat certain foods, speak with your dentist before placing additional pressure on the treated tooth.
How Can You Look After Your Dental Crown?
Good crown aftercare involves more than choosing the right meals.
Continue brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth every day. Pay attention to the gumline around the crown, where plaque can still collect.
Dental crowns cover the visible part of a tooth, but the underlying tooth and surrounding gums still need regular care.
The Australian Dental Association’s guidance on caring for crowns explains that crowned teeth can still develop decay and may require further treatment over time.
Routine dental appointments also allow your dentist to check the crown’s condition, fit and surrounding tissues.
If you notice a loose crown, persistent sensitivity or discomfort when chewing, arrange an assessment rather than waiting for your next routine appointment.
Need Advice About Your Dental Crown?
Choosing gentle foods after treatment can make the first day more comfortable.
Whether you’ve received a traditional crown or a same-day CEREC restoration, follow your dentist’s instructions and give yourself time to adjust.
At Cairns Family & Cosmetic Dental Group, our experienced dental team at Earlville and Mount Sheridan can assess your tooth, discuss your concerns and explain which crown options may be suitable for your individual needs.
If you have questions about your restoration, eating after treatment or ongoing sensitivity, contact our practice for advice.
You can also arrange an appointment at your preferred location:
Our dentists can assess your oral health and recommend appropriate care based on your individual circumstances.
FAQs
Can I eat normally after a dental crown?
Most people can gradually return to their normal diet after receiving a permanent crown. Wait until any numbness has worn off and follow your dentist’s instructions about when to start eating. Softer foods may be more comfortable initially.
Can I drink coffee after getting a dental crown?
You may be able to drink coffee once your dentist says it’s safe. Avoid very hot drinks while your mouth is numb, and choose a comfortable temperature if your tooth feels sensitive.
Can I eat rice after a dental crown?
Yes. Soft, well-cooked rice is generally a suitable choice once you’ve been cleared to eat. Avoid very hard or crunchy rice dishes during the initial recovery period.
Can I eat pizza after getting a dental crown?
Soft pizza may be manageable once you’re comfortable chewing. Be cautious with hard crusts and chewy toppings, especially during the first day. Follow your dentist’s instructions if you’ve been advised to avoid certain foods.
Can I eat straight after a CEREC crown?
Some patients can eat relatively soon after a CEREC crown is fitted. However, you should wait until your anaesthetic has worn off and follow your dentist’s instructions about bonding materials and chewing.
How long should I avoid hard foods after getting a dental crown?
Your dentist may recommend avoiding hard or sticky foods for the first 24 hours after a permanent crown is fitted. The recommended timeframe depends on your treatment. Temporary crowns generally require more caution until the final restoration is placed.