Will I be able to eat normally with a crown on my front tooth?

Question

So I broke my front tooth (called #8 or something?) and I had to get a root canal and a crown. I'm just wondering if I'll ever be able to eat normal again. Would I be able to eat hard foods? I'm not even sure what is considered "hard". Would I be able to eat ribs and such where I need my front teeth to pull food apart? Thanks.

Scott Young, DDS · Answer

I steer patients away from eating hard foods such as apples, nuts, etc with crowned teeth that have had a root canal.  I feel that over time these types of foods can weaken the root structure on a compromised tooth, potentially  leading to early failure of that tooth.  Softer foods, such as sandwiches and burgers  are all fine to eat.  Good luck.

Norman Huefner, DDS · Answer

The answer is "yes", most of the time.  However, remember that the tooth has had a lot of damage with the fracture and root canal, so it is certainly weaker than a normal tooth.  Thus, it is more susceptible to breakage if overloaded with forces again.  I would advise that you eat and chew normally, however USE GOOD JUDGMENT!  Don't tax or overload the tooth any more than necessary.  If your tooth breaks underneath, it may end up being unrestorable and would require either an implant with crown or bridge.  So the bottom line is be careful, use your other teeth more than the new crowned tooth, and with some good dentistry and luck your crown should serve and protect your remaining tooth for years to come.

Graham T. Egger, DDS · Answer

I would recommend using caution when eating hard foods or foods that require you to use your teeth as tools, such as to separate the meat from a rib bone. Your front tooth has been restored likely very well but because it has had a root canal and been crowned it will never be as strong as a vital healthy tooth so using some caution will increase the longevity of the crown and tooth.

Edward L. Loev, DMD · Answer

I would recommend using caution when eating hard foods on a root canal treated front tooth even though it is covered with a crown. The strength of the tooth is still compromised and could fracture at the gum line. I would break hard foods into smaller pieces and chew with caution

Will I be able to eat normally with a crown on my front tooth?

Answers (4)

Answer: Compromised chewing on front tooth which has had root canal therapy and crown

Answer: Compromised chewing on front tooth which has had root canal therapy and crown

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Will I be able to eat normally with a crown on my front tooth?

Answers (4)

Answer: Compromised chewing on front tooth which has had root canal therapy and crown

Answer: Compromised chewing on front tooth which has had root canal therapy and crown

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Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.