Excruciating dental pain, cavities or inflamed gum are all signs you may need root canal therapy. All the questions that come with it are about pain, healing time, and what the procedure will look like. Among the myriad of concerns, one common question remains ‘What to eat after your root canal procedure.
This is a valid question as choosing the wrong foods might worsen the condition. Let’s talk more about the do’s and don’ts of post root canal eating.
What is Root Canal Therapy?
Root canal is a common dental procedure aimed at treating infections within the tooth’s pulp. The procedure starts off by surgically removing infected pulp. After that the site is set to heal. Once healing is complete, a prosthetic tooth cap is placed over. This is a viable and cost-effective alternative for tooth extraction and replacement.
When Can You Eat After Root Canal?
Hunger doesn’t have a clock. You might start feeling hungry right after treatment. However, we suggest waiting until the effects of anesthesia wear off. Biting on a vulnerable tooth site may lead to more discomfort and pain.
What Can You Eat Right After Surgery?
Once your mouth sensation returns, you may proceed with caution. As your first meal after treatment, we recommend you have something soft and doesn’t require heavy chewing. You must avoid hot or cold foods that can susceptible harm the temporary filling of the tooth.
Some food options that are okay for you to have after treatment are fruit smoothies, boiled chicken or other softer options that will not affect your mouth, aid healing and ease out hunger.
Safe To Eat Foods After Root Canal
It is important to stick to a soft diet after getting a root canal. Here is a list you can refer to!
- Yogurt
- Soft cereals
- Boiled vegetables
- Cooked or canned fruits
- Pudding
- Bread
- Tuna salad
- Pancakes
- Hummus
- Meatloaf
- Tofu
- Pasta
- Noodles
- Lukewarm soup
Foods To Avoid After Root Canal
In order to prevent pain and potential damage, it is recommended to avoid the following foods:
- Hard or crunchy foods like nuts and carrots.
- Chewy foods such as gum or taffy.
- Hot or cold temperature foods or drinks.
- Spicy foods like ramen.
- Alcohol
- Smoking
Root Canal Aftercare Tips
Watching your diet is one component of taking care after surgery. However, maintaining good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing holds equal or more importance. You must brush gently and avoid flossing around the temporary filling or crown to prevent any dislodge.
Rinse your mouth with lukewarm salt water which can help reduce any instances of inflammation and discomfort.
When To Seek Dental Assistance
While some pain or discomfort is expected, certain symptoms might signal a dental emergency, such as:
- Persistent pain or pressure
- Visible swelling
- Allergic reactions like rash
- Dislodged crown or filling
- Uneven bite
- Fever
Final Words
Root canal treatment can take time to heal. During this time, one should take care of their diet. Especially, right after treatment you must only have soft foods which are also high in nutrition. It is suggested to avoid hard, crunchy, chewy and spicy foods.
At Lake Elsinore Dentistry, we prioritize our clients’ comfort during root canal treatment. For more information, call us at (951) 579-1010.