Having a root canal procedure is the first step you can take in saving a decaying tooth. This procedure is a bit invasive as it is crucial to clean out the infection from all the tiny root canals deep within your tooth. So, when it comes to healing, a few precautions are necessary - especially when it involves eating.
Eating After a Root Canal
As a rule of thumb, eating after a root canal should involve soft foods. Your tooth is going to be very sensitive to pressure so eating anything hard could really cause you pain. In addition, you are currently working with a temporary sealant and not a crown or permanent filling so do your best to chew on the opposite side of your mouth regardless of what you are eating.
Keep in mind that you shouldn’t eat until you no longer feel numbness from the local anesthesia. And, you should continue eating soft foods for a couple of days after your root canal to give your tooth time to begin healing.
Foods to Avoid After a Root Canal
Following a root canal, there are certain foods that you will absolutely want to avoid. They include:
- Chewing gum
- Crunchy fruits and vegetables
- Candy - especially hard or sticky candy
- Nuts and seeds
- Sodas
- Alcohol
- Hard pretzels or crackers
- Ice
Be sure to talk to your dentist to determine when it will be ok to return to eating all sorts of hard foods again.
Root Canal Recovery Food Ideas
Now that you know what you should avoid, we thought it could be beneficial to give you a few ideas of what you can eat. After all, just because you have made the wise decision to have a root canal doesn’t mean you should have to go hungry. Just look at all these choices:
- Smoothies
- Yogurt
- Pudding
- Tuna salad
- Tofu
- Hummus
- Pancakes
- Sushi
- Mangoes
- Bananas
- Ice cream
- Oatmeal
- Cream of Wheat
- Eggs
- Pasta
- Applesauce
- Macaroni and cheese
- Pear
- Peaches
- Soup
- Mashed potatoes
- Sorbet
- Avocado
- Nut butter
- Beans
- Lentils
- Quinoa
- Fish
Root Canal Recovery at Eagle Endodontics
At Eagle Endodontics, we want to ensure that you heal in the best way possible. Getting root canal therapy is a step in the right direction when it comes to maintaining your oral health. And, at the end of the procedure, we will leave you with the best environment for healing.
You can continue your healing at home by eating the right foods - and avoiding others. This can help protect the area until it begins to heal. Feel free to ask us any questions or voice any concerns. Dr. Sarraf and the entire team are here to make sure you recover fully - and with ease.
Our expert team is waiting to give you a comfortable dental experience that will relieve your pain and send you home feeling good and confident that you made the right choice with Eagle Endodontics.
We have two locations for your convenience:
Call us today to make an appointment - or schedule one online!