You Just Got a New Crown—Now What?
You’ve just had a dental crown placed by Smiley Dental of Lowell, and you’re wondering… What can I eat?
Excellent question—and one we get asked all the time. Regardless of whether you were fitted with a temporary or final permanent crown, what you eat the first few days can really impact your comfort and healing.
📞 Call (978) 999-9000 with questions regarding your crown or to schedule a follow-up
Right After Your Crown Appointment
If your mouth still feels numb, wait until the sensation returns before you eat. We don’t want you accidentally biting your cheek or tongue.
Once the numbness has worn off, stick to soft, cool or lukewarm foods for the next day or two. This avoids any unnecessary pressure or discomfort.
Best Foods to Eat After a Dental Crown
Some patient-approved, tried-and-true options include:
- Regular mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
- Smoothies (use a spoon, not a straw!)
- Cooked veggies
- Pasta or soft rice
- Applesauce
- Soup (as long as it’s not too hot)
Generally, try anything soft and easy that doesn’t need aggressive chewing.
Foods to Avoid (At Least for a Few Days)
To protect your crown while it sets—and prevent pain or pressure—steer clear of the following:
- Sticky sweets (taffy, caramels, gum)
- Hard foods (nuts, popcorn, crusty bread)
- Extremely crunchy snacks (chips, raw veggies)
- Ice (never chew it!)
- Very hot or cold foods if your tooth is still sensitive
If you received a temporary crown, it is even more crucial to avoid sticky or hard foods—these can dislodge the temporary material or crack it.
How Long Should You Stick to Soft Foods?
Most patients return to their normal diet within a few days or a week. If you still have some discomfort or sensitivity when biting, wait a little longer—or let us know.
If your crown is biting “high” or hurts, we can make the adjustment easily and quickly.
Taking Care of Your Crown in the Long Term
After your crown settles, you’ll need to:
- Brush and floss normally (yes, you should floss around a crown)
- Don’t bite fingernails or use your crowned tooth to open packages
- Come for checkups as often as we recommend so everything stays in wonderful condition
Crowns will last 10–15 years or longer with proper care—sometimes longer!
📞 Call (978) 999-9000 if you’re experiencing pain or just want to double-check your crown is fine
Final Thoughts
A crown is a great option for saving and supporting your tooth, and it’s what you eat during those first few days that can help make it last. When in doubt, opt for soft, bland foods and slowly return to normal chewing.
At Smiley Dental Lowell, we’re always pleased to address questions, make changes, and have you smiling confidently.
📞 Call (978) 999-9000 today if you need a crown or would like to schedule your next appointment.
