One of the most common questions we get asked after a patient completes a root canal surgery is “What can I eat now?” The easy answer is lots of soft, cold food. But let us cover some of the basics first.
A root canal thoroughly cleanses the tooth from the inside, clearing out dead pulp, and replacing it with a strong filling material. The tooth is then sealed and secured with a crown, and continues to function as an effective tooth, free from decay. Sometimes, an additional surgery is required at the tip or apex of the tooth to remove all of the infected tissue and properly seal the tooth. This requires a small incision and a couple a stitches.
However, with a root canal, there are certain dos and don’ts, especially when it comes to what you should eat after your root canal surgery. When you eat something immediately after your root canal surgery, you should:
- Eat on the opposite side of the treatment, that is, the side that is not numb. This is to prevent a bite or burn to yourself.
- Eat only soft foods that don’t require a lot of chewing.
- Eat slowly.
- Avoid very hot food and drinks, such as hot soup, or hot tea or coffee.
What to eat and drink after your root canal surgery
The following are some foods that are recommended by Seattle Endodontic Arts.
- Fruits, including bananas, mangos, pears, peaches, applesauce, and fruit smoothies
- Soft cereals
- Yogurt, milkshakes, and ice cream, free from chunks and nuts
- Pudding
- Eggs
- Tofu
- Soup
- Tuna salad
- Humus
- Mashed vegetables, like potatoes and cauliflower
- Pancakes
- Sushi
- Oatmeal and cream of wheat
- Pasta and noodles
Some of these foods, such as fruit smoothies, yogurt and soft cereal you can eat immediately after your surgery, while there is still a swelling. They will not only satisfy your hunger but will also soothe the area of your mouth where the root canal has been done.
What NOT to eat and drink after your root canal surgery
The following are some foods that you should not eat after your root canal surgery.
- Crunchy foods such as carrots, corn on the cob or apples, as they could damage the tooth or cause undue pain.
- Chewy foods such as gum, most breads or candy, like taffy, as it could pull out the temporary filling.
- Hard foods such as ice or nuts as they could damage the tooth or cause unnecessary pain and potentially damage the surgical site.
- Avoid alcohol as it could increase bleeding.
- Avoid food that is excessively hot as it could increase sensitivity.
- Also avoid spicy food could cause unnecessary discomfort or sensitivity.
Hopefully you have a better understanding of what to eat and what not to, after your root canal. Following these food recommendations will help you heal faster with less pain. You can consult your dentist if you need further advice on what to eat after your root canal, as well as for any other precautions or call us anytime.
At Seattle Endodontic Arts, we specialize in root canal surgery. We would be happy to meet with you to discuss your treatment options. Being endodontic dentists, we use the latest technology for all procedures. Our staff are highly skilled and are always there to assist you. Today, at Seattle Endodontic Arts, getting a root canal treatment is as simple and painless as getting a filling.
To know more about root canal surgery or after care contact Drs. Freeman, Short, Odell, or Gill at 206-621-9730 or at [email protected].