You may feel anxious if your dentist tells you that you need a root canal. After all, root canals used to be less than pleasant. However, today a root canal is a routine procedure that is nothing to fear. Thanks to advancements in dental technology, root canals are painless, and can be performed quickly. You’ll be able to eat once any numbness has worn off. However, it is best to stick with soft foods in the hours that immediately follow your root canal treatment.
Eating After a Root Canal: Tips for Choosing the Best Foods
After a root canal, you need to wait until the anesthesia wears off before you eat. This is because you’re more likely to bite your cheek, lips, or tongue if you’re still experiencing numbness. But once all numbness is gone, it is safe to eat soft foods.
You should avoid crunchy, chewy, or hard foods because you may have a temporary crown on the tooth. The tooth that was treated may also be a bit tender, so opting for soft foods will make eating more comfortable.
You may experience increased sensitivity to hot, cold, spicy, and sugary foods in the immediate aftermath of a root canal. As such, it’s advisable to skip these types of foods for a day or so.
A partial, but not exhaustive list of soft foods that will be easiest to eat after a root canal may include:
- Scrambled eggs
- Pasta
- Cooked (soft) vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Yogurt
- Soup (not too hot)
- Applesauce
- Bananas
- Oatmeal
- Macaroni and cheese
- Hummus
- Avocado
- Tofu
- Cottage cheese
- Couscous
Foods to Be Avoided After a Root Canal
You should avoid hard and chewy foods as they may damage or pull a temporary crown off the treated tooth. If you experience sensitivity to sugary, spicy foods, avoid those for a few days as well.
No matter what you do, steer clear of the following until you receive your permanent dental crown:
- Chewing gum
- Taffy
- Gummy candies
- Caramel
- Ice
- Hard pretzels
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Hard candies
Other semi-chewy and hard foods that can pose a risk include:
- Steaks
- Raw, crunchy vegetables (carrots, apples, pears, celery)
- Granola bars
- Protein bars
- Crusty bread (sourdough or baguettes)
Because it likely won’t be long before your permanent crown is affixed, and temporary sensitivity resolves, it’s just smart to err on the side of caution. If you’re not sure if a certain food is ok, it’s in your best interest to just select something else.
Get Treatment for a Toothache in Brunswick, OH
Most of the time, a tooth that needs a root canal will present symptoms such as pain when chewing, red inflamed gums, or a toothache with no apparent cause. If you’re experiencing any new pain in the mouth, it’s important to see a dentist ASAP. In most cases, toothaches will not resolve on their own. However, a toothache doesn’t always mean you need a root canal. Other options include deep cleaning for gum disease, or a filling to treat decay may also be options.
To book an appointment for tooth pain or tender gums, contact Bellissimi Dental today at 330-741-3334 . You may also message us to book your appointment.