What do you do when a crown breaks or you lose a filling that causes significant paint? Traditional treatments could take months and leave you in agony. However, same-day crowns offer more instant relief. You still have to eat, though. What are some foods to avoid after getting a same-day crown, and what’s safe to consume?
Dental work is expensive, and you want yours to last. A crown averages between $1,000 and $2,500, depending on your unique mouth configuration. That’s a tidy lump of change, and following the right dietary restrictions after completing yours can increase its longevity.
Fortunately, we have your handy guide. Here are 20 foods to avoid after getting a same-day crown — and what you should eat.
What Are Same-Day Crowns and How Do They Work?
Traditional crowns require multiple trips to the dentist. Your professional will evaluate and measure your teeth, sending the order to a lab to complete the crowns, which they affix. Your first appointment handles measurements, matching your shade to your natural teeth and addressing any additional issues, such as necessary bridges if you’re missing teeth.
You later return to have the crown affixed. On rare occasions, you might need multiple visits if the lab doesn’t cut the crown to fit perfectly when your dentist places it on the tooth.
In the meantime, you endure considerable pain. While your dentist may affix a temporary crown, they greatly restrict your eating. A same-day crown cuts your agony considerably.
Differences Between Same-Day and Traditional Crowns
Same-day crowns combine the two steps, including custom crown creation on your initial visit. There’s no need for a temporary crown or living on a broth and pudding diet. Appointments often take two hours or less. Computers and a special measuring pen ensure an accurate measurement of your tooth, avoiding disappointment from having to return after a traditional crown doesn’t fit.
Your doctor may sedate you, meaning you’ll need to bring a friend to drive you home. However, most patients find the convenience of getting the problem diagnosed and treated in a single day far superior to waiting weeks for relief.
Foods to Avoid After Getting a Same-Day Crown
You’ll be able to eat after your procedure, although you may wish to wait a few hours until the worst of the swelling and pain subsides. Once it does, you should choose your diet carefully. You should avoid the following foods after a same-day crown if you want your dental device to last. After a few days, when the crown settles, you can resume a normal diet.
1. Hard Foods
Hard foods give a decided crunch when you bite down on them. They encompass many snack foods. The impact may dislodge your crown. Many of these foods also tend to stick in your teeth, allowing bacteria to flourish. Examples of hard foods to avoid after getting a same-day crown include the following:
- Granola bars: You may find some softer versions suitable. However, ensure they don’t fall into the sticky foods category.
- Hard candy: One of the worst foods for your teeth, as the high sugar content increases your cavity risk.
- Ice: If you can’t resist the urge to munch, take your drinks neat for the next few days.
- Nuts
- Chips and pretzels: Including corn chips.
- Crackers
2. Sticky Foods
Sticky foods are those that adhere to your tooth’s surface. They can yank your crown out of place or even send it tumbling down your throat. This situation presents a choking risk — not to mention the financial pain you might feel. Avoid the following foods after getting a same-day crown:
- Taffy
- Gum
- Caramel: A drizzle in your coffee is okay, but avoid the candy kind that clings to your teeth. However, skipping the sugary drinks altogether wouldn’t hurt, at least for the first 24 hours after your procedure.
3. Foods That Are Extremely Hot or Cold
You might not need advice on avoiding these foods — your teeth will likely be sensitive post-procedure. However, you should steer clear of anything extremely hot or cold, which can cause unnecessary discomfort, such as the following:
- Tea and coffee: Maybe saving the coffee shop run for the next day is best.
- Iced drinks
- Popsicles: Ice cream is also too cold, although yogurt is a great substitute if you let it warm closer to room temperature. The probiotics it contains may aid healing.
- Soup: Your dentist may advise you to eat soft foods like soup, but ensure they aren’t boiling. Let them cool to closer to room temperature before consuming them.
4. Foods That Are Tough
Anything that makes you bite down and rip is a no-go after a same-day crown. These foods can yank your new dental device right out or dislodge it, allowing bacteria to enter and cause cavities.
- Steak: You’re best off avoiding all meat other than soft-boiled chicken.
- Sourdough bread
- Jerky
What to Eat After Getting a Same-Day Crown
It might seem like everything is off-limits after getting a same-day crown. However, you can eat plenty — and remember that you can resume a normal diet in a few days.
- Smoothies and shakes: A great way to get fruits and veggies. Green drink, anyone?
- Noodles and pasta: Whole-grain pasta is far better than bleached flour. Ensure other alternative flour noodles aren’t too chewy.
- Eggs
- Soups and stews: Ensure they’re not too hot and free of chewy meats like steak. If you must have beef, try hobo soup with ground hamburger.
- Soft fruits and vegetables: While you should steer clear of apples and carrots, grapes and lettuce are fine.
- Whole grain cereal: Crunchy cereals may be too much. However, soft ones like oatmeal are ideal and often fortified with vitamins to aid recovery.
Foods to Eat and Avoid After Getting a Same-Day Crown
Same-day crowns can get you back to work faster and avoid unnecessary pain and suffering. They’re an ideal solution for patients with a cracked crown or lost filling. However, you should know what foods to avoid after getting a same-day crown to preserve the life of your investment.
Use this list as your guide of foods to avoid after getting a same-day crown. Stick to the safe foods on the latter list, and in a few days, you’ll smile brighter than ever.
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