Caring for an Elderly Parent With Special Dental Needs

Don't Get Too Broken Up: You Can Still Eat And Drink Normally After Broken Tooth Repair!

22 July 2015

Joe Lawrence

The only thing that some people may dread more than having a broken tooth is having the dental repairs needed for that broken tooth. Perhaps the biggest reason for this is that many people may imagine that post–tooth repair, they won't be able to eat or drink normally for a protracted period. In fact, this is a misconception and is nothing to get too broken up about. While every broken tooth repair may be different, in most cases you can start eating and drinking normally again within a very short time. Read on to learn the specifics.

If You Got a Crown or Veneer

If you got a crown or veneer fitted over a broken tooth, there are typically very few restrictions. Crowns and veneers are designed to both look and function like your natural teeth, so most people can eat and drink normally after having them installed. At most, there may be just a few simple precautions regarding food and drink.

• Your dentist may recommend that you stay away from super chewy foods like caramel for the first day, as it might attach to the crown or veneer and pull it loose before it's fully set in your mouth.
• Some dentists recommend that you avoid extremely hard foods like raw veggies for a day or so after a new crown or veneer is placed, as this can cause the crown to shift.

If You Got Bonding

Bonding is often used to repair teeth with smaller chips or breaks. When a tooth is bonded, a dental resin is applied and then molded into the shape that the tooth had before the break. Once the tooth is in the proper shape, the material is permanently bonded to the remainder of the tooth using a special curing light.

Once the dental bonding material is adhered to the tooth, it can be treated just as you treated your natural tooth prior to the break. You can usually eat and drink in the same way that you used to as soon as you feel ready. However, bonding material may be more susceptible to stains than your natural tooth enamel is, so keep this in mind when drinking coffee, tea, and other similar liquids. As with crowns or veneers, your dentist may tell you to avoid very hard or chewy foods for a short period after your tooth is bonded.

For more information, contact a dentist in your area.

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