A root canal is a common dental procedure. When a tooth is infected or at risk of infection, a root canal can potentially save the tooth. If you’re in need of root canal therapy or you’ve just had the procedure, you may be wondering if there are any food restrictions. Like most dental procedures, there are some foods that are better to eat and some foods you should avoid. The following instructions will help you know how and what to eat after your root canal.
What is a Root Canal?
A root canal, sometimes called root canal therapy, is named for the part of the tooth it treats. The inside portion of your tooth is called the root canal and it contains the dental pulp, soft tissue made of blood vessels and nerves that aids in the development of the tooth. Bacteria can enter the root canal through a crack or a deep cavity in a tooth and infect the pulp.
When a tooth becomes infected, a root canal procedure involves removing the pulp, disinfecting the inside of the tooth, and filling it with a rubbery replacement material. In most cases a crown will need to be placed over the existing tooth, first a temporary one and then a permanent one. A root canal is sometimes done proactively to prevent an infection if a tooth is cracked or severely decayed.
What to Eat After a Root Canal
It will be necessary to eat carefully following your root canal because you may experience some tenderness around the tooth, and you’ll have a temporary crown. Here are some eating suggestions:
- First 24 hours: A mostly liquid diet may be best for the first 24 hours following your root canal. Smoothies, protein drinks, and soft foods like yogurt and jello would be best. Cold foods are also better because they help to reduce swelling and prevent irritation.
- The next day: The following day you may be ready for some slightly more solid and warmer foods, such as soup, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs. Make sure they are slightly warm, but not hot before eating.
- After 72 hours: If you feel up to it, it may be safe to try pasta, soft fruits and vegetables, and even soft bread. Any tenderness may have subsided by this time, but it is still wise to be cautious about eating.
What to Avoid Eating
After your root canal there are some foods it would be best to avoid:
- Hard foods. Avoid hard foods like nuts that are difficult to chew and tend to get stuck between teeth.
- Chewy foods. It would be best to avoid chewy foods like meat, jerky, and hard breads that may cause soreness.
- Crunchy foods. Foods like chips, crackers, taco shells, and popcorn are best to avoid because they can be scratchy as well as hard.
- Sticky foods. Avoid sticky candy like gummies and hard candy.
- Gum. Avoid chewing gum after your root canal.
- Non-food items. It is always best to avoid chewing on pens, pencils, fingernails, and any item that isn’t food, but especially after a root canal.
When you are ready to chew harder foods, try to chew on the opposite side of your mouth from where the root canal was done. If you still have a temporary crown, it can be more easily dislodged than your permanent crown. Once the permanent crown has been placed, you may be ready to eat normally again. Contact your dentist with any questions you have about eating and follow up care.
Aliso Smiles Provides Root Canal Therapy
If you need a root canal, either to treat a toothache or as a proactive measure to prevent an infection, Aliso Smiles can make it quick and easy. Dr. Patel is highly qualified in the field of dentistry and has extensive experience with root canal therapy.