Eating After a Root Canal

April 16, 2024, ACE Dental of Temple

Eating After a Root Canal

You can start eating about 30 to 45 minutes later. This time span allows the temporary filling to harden in place fully.

However, our expert, Dr. Aditi Gupta, generally recommends waiting until the anesthesia completely wears off to avoid accidental cheek biting or tongue cuts.

Recovering from a root canal is different from other oral surgeries. It is easy to return to your daily routine, be it work or school, almost right after the procedure. However, you must remain vigilant when it comes to your mouth and keep in mind that your treated tooth might be sensitive for a few days.

Finally, maintain proper oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing to keep the treated area free of debris and plaque.

Foods to Eat After a Root Canal

Fortunately, you can enjoy multiple soft foods without having the fear of irritating your treated tooth. Here is a list of foods that can help you put together a well-balanced meal:

• Eggs
• Canned tuna
• Hummus
• Tofu
• Meatloaf
• Mashed potatoes
• Baked sweet potato
• Pureed winter squash
• Pasta
• Polenta
• Soft bread
• Peanut butter
• Applesauce
• Smoothies
• Bananas
• Mangos
• Pears

Foods to Avoid Eating After Getting a Root Canal

While you munch on these soft foods with pleasure, steer clear of those that might damage your temporary filling or irritate your sensitive tooth. Do not indulge in foods that are:

• Extremely hot and/or very cold foods and drinks
• Sticky items like gum and candy
• Chewy foods such as crusty sourdough bread or tough cuts of meat
• Hard foods like nuts
• Crunchy foods like pretzels and chips

You might be thinking about when it would be safe to eat these foods again. Well, once your permanent crown or final restoration is complete, you shall return to your regular diet with some caution.

Aftercare Tips

Here are some essential aftercare tips to keep in mind:

• Always talk to your dentist for the best aftercare plan tailored to your specific needs.
• After your root canal, wait until your mouth is no longer numb, which usually takes a few hours before you start eating. This will help you avoid biting your cheek or tongue and eating foods that are too hot or cold.

Closing Note
Eating regime after a root canal is not rocket science. Following these guidelines and aftercare tips makes the process smooth for a speedy recovery. Talk to one of our dental care experts from Ace Dental of Temple for more details and insights on what we have in store for you.

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