What Can I Eat After a Root Canal?

What Can I Eat After a Root Canal?

January 1, 2023

Since the dentist uses local anesthesia to numb the treated region, it can take several hours to wear off after a root canal. Till then, you must avoid certain beverages and foods. Once the anesthesia fades away, you will enjoy soft food varieties comfortably. The dentist will give you instructions to follow after the treatment. So, follow up with him/her before and after the root canal therapy.

When to Eat After a Root Canal?

Many dental professionals will advise waiting for some time until your gums and teeth no longer feel numb. It will typically last for several hours. Therefore, avoid it immediately because it could result in biting on the tongue and inside of the teeth. It could also damage the temporary dental filling. According to the American Association of Endodontists, patients should avoid eating till numbness fades away.

Foods to Eat After a Root Canal

Dr. Gabriela Vila typically recommends soft foods like:

Proteins:

  • Tofu.
  • Peanut butter.
  • Legumes.
  • Canned tuna.
  • Chicken.
  • Scrambled eggs
  • Hummus.

Grains:

  • Oatmeal.
  • Pasta.
  • Polenta.
  • Quinoa.
  • Cream of wheat.
  • Couscous.
  • Soft bread.

Vegetables and Fruits:

  • Ripe pears.
  • Peaches.
  • Apple sauce.
  • Mangoes.
  • Pureed soup.
  • Bananas.
  • Pureed winter squash.
  • Baked sweet potatoes.
  • Smoothies.
  • Mashed potatoes.
  • Avocado.

Dairy:

  • Cottage cheese.
  • Frozen yogurt.
  • Soft cheese.

Note: As your gums and teeth feel less sore, you can advance your time.

Eating After a Root Canal: Best Care Tips to Follow

Follow the tips below when you start eating after the root canal treatment:

  • Avoid extremely hot beverages and foods like hot tea, coffee, hot soups, etc.
  • Eat soft foods slowly.
  • Prefer eating on the opposite side of the treatment.
  • Once you resume drinking and eating, do not bite or chew on the treated region till the professional at Largo dentist office puts a permanent dental restoration. The temporary crown or filling is a soft composite and more prone to fractures.

Foods to Skip in the Week After Root Canal

Avoid the following foods immediately after receiving the endodontic treatment:

  • Spicy foods as they cause sensitivity pain or other discomforts in the treated area.
  • Sticky and chewy foods like gums, caramels, and candies. It could pull out the temporary dental fillings.
  • Alcohol because it could lead to bleeding.
  • Crunchy foods like apples, carrots, etc. They could cause plaque build-up and damage the treated tooth.
  • Hard foods like seeds, nuts, ice, etc. These foods could lead to unnecessary pain and damage to the surgical area.

If the dentist puts on a temporary crown, refrain from certain food types till he/she puts on a permanent crown. The timeline will typically stay from several hours to a full day, depending on the dental adhesive.

After the dentist in Largo places the permanent crown, you can get back to your normal diet. However, if your canaled tooth has tenderness when eating a specific food, stop consuming it right away. You can eat it after it’s gone. If soreness and sensitivity continue after one week or more, get in touch with emergency dentist Largo at our clinic today.

See Us at Largo Dental One and Discover How We Are Changing the Reputation of Root Canal

Earlier, the root canal had a bad reputation. Many people believe it relies on outdated procedures and creates a lot of pain. However, that is not true at all. State-of-the-art dental technology and improved techniques help in minimizing the discomfort of the patients. The root canal treatment typically fixes the damage or infection that causes unbearable pain rather than pain.

A modern root canal therapy near you will help to save the affected tooth. Sticking to good oral hygiene could make it last for longer without requiring any further treatment. The patient typically feels some discomfort after a root canal. It might be swelling, pain, or sensitivity. When this happens, the dentist will inform you ahead of time.

At our clinic, we have experienced endodontists. They perform root canals using special equipment to ensure they are pain-free and successful. The pain the patient feels comes from the infection, not the treatment. Most root canals are successful. We have a friendly and comfortable atmosphere for the patients. If you need relief from your infected tooth, book a root canal today.

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