Can You Eat After A Root Canal?
Yes, it is advised to consume soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated side of the mouth after the treatment. Dentists recommend waiting until the numbness has worn off before eating, a process that usually takes a few hours.
It is important to make healthy dietary choices to prevent tooth tenderness and minimize the chances of damaging a temporary crown after a root canal procedure. Here are some recommendations to keep in mind for your diet:
First 24 hours: Following a root canal, it is advisable to consume a diet consisting mainly of liquids for the first 24 hours. Choose beverages like smoothies and protein shakes, as well as light options like yogurt and jello. Cold foods can help reduce swelling and minimize irritation.
The next day: The following day, one may choose to have heartier and warmer meals such as soup, mashed potatoes, or scrambled eggs. It is advisable to wait for them to cool down before eating.
After 72 hours: Some gentle foods to consider experimenting with include pasta, ripe fruits, cooked vegetables, and soft bread. Although any remaining soreness may have decreased, it is still important to be cautious when eating.
Recommended Foods After Your Root Canal
It is recommended to wait until the numbing effect of the anesthesia wears off before eating following a root canal procedure. This is essential for your well-being and safety, so you don’t accidentally bit your tongue or cheek.
Following your procedure, it is recommended to wait for full sensation in your mouth to return before consuming gentle and easily digestible foods for the next 2 to 3 days.
- Yogurt
- Pudding
- Mashed potatoes
- Smoothies
- Oatmeal
- Cream of Wheat
- Macaroni and cheese
- Applesauce
- Soup
- Eggs
- Nut butter
- Beans and lentils
- Pancakes
- Pasta
Choosing soft foods that require minimal chewing can make meals easier to eat. Creative thinking can lead to delicious food combinations.
After undergoing a root canal treatment, sensitivity or changes in your bite near the treated tooth may occur as you begin to eat. Please be aware that this is a temporary issue that should be resolved within a day or two.
List of foods to avoid after a root canal
After the root canal procedure, a temporary crown was placed by the dentist to protect a tooth with a large cavity. The crown serves the purpose of protecting the tooth. It should be noted that if you have a temporary crown, it only partially restores the functionality of the tooth and may be fragile.
To prevent damage to your tooth before getting a permanent crown or filling, avoid the following certain foods:
- Ice
- Nuts
- Chewing gum
- Sticky foods
- Crunchy foods include popcorn, chips, pretzels, crackers, as well as apples, raw carrots, and celery.
- Hard or chewy candy
- Seeds
It is recommended to avoid alcohol and sugary soda.
Your current dietary restrictions are temporary. Once the permanent restoration procedure is finished and fully healed, you may resume your normal eating habits. During this time, it is important to take precautions to avoid injury.
How long does a root canal take?
The procedure’s duration can vary depending on the complexity of the case, usually lasting anywhere from 90 minutes to 3 hours. After your appointment, it is common to experience numbness in the extraction area for a few hours.
After the numbing agent wears off, you may experience some discomfort. Ibuprofen or Tylenol, both of which are available over-the-counter, can assist in reducing discomfort during the period of root canal aftercare. The discomfort is expected to decrease within a few days to a week.
It is recommended to schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist if your discomfort persists for more than a week or two, to ensure the healing process is progressing as expected.