Like others, I've done this more than once. Of course, Rule #1 is to avoid chewing on the side where you crown is located.

On a related note, years ago, Mrs Flies and I traveled to OZ right after she had emergency laser surgery to repair a torn retina. Our doc recommended that we check out relevant professional medical society websites and try to find member docs in the areas in which we were traveling. If you are fortunate enough to find someone, you have a leg up because you know they have to meet certain internationally-recognized standards just to gain membership. I'm sure similar organizations exist for restorative dentists.

Another key point is that, even in countries with single-payer health care systems, people who show up with a credit card go to the head of the line.