If you’ve just received a new dental crown, or are about to, the good news is that life with a dental crown doesn’t require any major lifestyle changes. However, it’s always important to treat the crown carefully during the first few days and weeks after it’s placed. Our Grant Park practice offers different dental crowns to fit your budget and cosmetic goals. Dr. Abbey Lee and our team walk through post-procedure care instructions with each patient after a dental crown is placed. However, below is a good reference of what foods to avoid soon after your dental crown procedure.

Questions about dental crowns or restorative dentistry? We’re happy to help. Reach out to a member of our staff at 404.328.7177.

Your New Dental Crown

Typically, dental crowns are placed by Dr. Abbey Lee to restore a smile after:

• A tooth cracks or fractures
• Root canal therapy
• Dental implant placement
• Preparation for a dental bridge

For your convenience, our practice offers three types of dental crowns, to help achieve your smile goals. These include:

• Porcelain
• Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal
• Gold

Though all three versions are quite durable, it’s important to take care of dental crowns just like you would a natural tooth. Care and cleaning after the procedure can ensure the crown maintains a secure bond to the natural tooth and remains viable for years down the road. Eating the right foods can help protect your crown, and prevent an emergency dental appointment.

Snack on This, Not That

After your procedure, and as regularly as possible, stick to foods low in sugar and starches that can be chewed without excessive force or pressure. Stick to a diet of fruits, veggies, lean meats, and whole grains.

During that time, try to avoid:

• Popcorn: though it can be a healthy snack if prepared correctly, popcorn can mean stray kernels that can be hard on teeth and dental crowns. Don’t risk the sensitivity or potential damage you could incur from biting down on hard, un-popped kernel.
• Sticky candies or dried fruits: caramels, chewy candies, or dried fruits can stick to dental restorations and exert a pulling force on them which could eventually lead to a lost or loose crown. If you are craving something sweet, reach for hard candies or chocolates, but try to keep sugary treats to a minimum.
• Hard nuts: nuts like almonds and walnuts are harder for teeth to break down, and your handful of trail mix or mixed nuts could contain a stray shell fragment. If you do indulge, chew carefully and keep an eye out for shell fragments that could mean a cracked dental crown.
• Tough foods, such as steak or jerky: tough foods require extra chewing and pressure to break down for digestion. If you do enjoy a steak, cut it into smaller pieces and avoid chewing directly on the crown when possible.
• Gum: constant chewing from gum not only can mean a sore jaw, but can put stress on your dental crown. If you do chew, always opt for a sugar-free option to keep sugary starches off your teeth between meals.

Contact Smiles 4 Grant Park today!

Dental crowns are one of the best ways to restore damaged teeth and maintain a seamless, beautiful smile. With proper care, you can extend the life of your crown up to fifteen or twenty years! Call to schedule your restorative appointment or next dental cleaning now at 404.328.7177.