“Can you eat after a root canal?” is one of the most common questions we hear in our dental clinic. Eating properly is an important part of root canal aftercare. We break it down for you below, including what to eat and when, along with other frequently asked questions.
Can you eat after a root canal?
Generally speaking, yes, you can eat after root canal, sometimes even after surgery. But, it is important to know a few things. A root canal removes infected and inflamed dental pulp, essentially hollowing out your tooth (and sometimes removing much of the natural tooth material). The tooth is sealed with a temporary restoration like a crown or filled if there is enough tooth material left.
When you choose your first meal after your root canal, keep these basic guidelines in mind:
- Chew on the other side of the mouth: Do not place pressure on the restored tooth, as it may be sensitive post-operatively
- Eat soft foods
- Eat slowly and carefully
- Take small bites
- Avoid hot foods and drinks
If possible, wait until most of the numbness wears off before eating. This protects you from accidentally biting your lips and tongue without knowing it (and makes eating easier in general!).
Can you eat before a root canal?
Most people only receive numbing injections or topical applications, so eating before a root canal is safe. If you require any kind of sedative anesthesia, it is best to hold off eating until after your procedure.
As always, regardless of the type of injections or sedatives used, talk to your dentist and follow their recommendations.
What to eat after a root canal: 9 foods
Let’s be honest: many people use any type of dental work as a good excuse for eating comfort foods like ice cream and pudding. These sugary foods, although delicious, do not provide good nutritional bang for your caloric buck. Choosing similarly soft foods that promote healing are best.
While food may be the last thing on your mind after a root canal, here are nine of the best foods for nutrition, healing, and easy eating when you’re ready.
- Soft fruits: Satisfy your sweet tooth with ripe peaches, mangoes, and bananas. Fruit smoothies are cold and soothing to a sore mouth. They can be consumed immediately after root canal if you are hungry. Avoid using a straw during this time, though.
- Mashed vegetables: Think white potatoes, sweet potatoes, and cauliflower, all of which have B12 that can promote faster healing. Add cheddar cheese for a boost of bone-building calcium.
- Soup: Creamed soups that can be served warm (not hot!) are filling, nutritious, and satisfying.
- Pasta: Pasta cooked well and served with a smooth tomato sauce has healing antioxidants to promote healing and fight infection.
- Pancakes: Breakfast for dinner? Yes, please! Pancakes are easy to eat and good for the days following root canal. Use fresh applesauce or peanut butter instead of syrup for the healthiest option.
- Hummus: This smooth chickpea dip is packed with healing protein. As you are ready, you can slather it on soft bread or pita.
- Eggs: Eggs are a filling and delicious food that is easy to eat after root canal. You can even make omelets with soft-cooked vegetables and cheese, or make a frittata with potatoes.
- Polenta: Polenta (a more finely-ground version of grits) can be combined with cheese and soft vegetables for a hearty and satisfying post-root canal meal.
- Cool liquids: While technically not a food, drinking cool, uncarbonated beverages can be soothing and help your body heal. Water is best. Avoid highly acidic beverages (e.g., orange juice), as it may sting sensitive tissues in the mouth.
Can you drink out of a straw after a root canal?
In general, drinking out of a straw after root canal prevents the formation of a clot. As with wisdom teeth extraction aftercare, it is best to avoid any kind of sucking motions (this includes using a straw or smoking!).
How long after a root canal can you eat solid food?
The answer to this question depends on the individual patient.
The main dangers of solid food after a root canal are pain from chewing, biting your lips or tongue, and dislodging the temporary restoration.
When the numbness wears off from anesthesia, you can generally begin to consume solid food. Chew small bites slowly on the side opposite the root canal and you should have no trouble.
Can you drink alcohol after a root canal?
Alcohol is a blood thinner that can reduce clotting and increase bleeding. It is best to avoid all alcoholic beverages until your mouth heals.
Can I smoke after a root canal?
The simple answer? Nope.
Smoking after a root canal introduces chemicals that can slow healing. Plus, the suction of smoking is bad for clot formation and can complicate and extend healing times.
(Why not take this opportunity to quit?)
Can I drink coffee after root canal?
The primary concern about coffee after a root canal is the temperature. A numb mouth cannot tell the difference between pleasantly tepid and scaldingly hot.
Iced coffee may be a good bet if you need some caffeine. If you want hot coffee, a good way to test the temperature is the same way you would test a baby’s bottle – on your wrist.
Other root canal aftercare basics
As you feel better, you can gradually add in your regular foods.
Once your permanent restoration is in, your tooth should function as it always has, allowing to you to expand your diet. No two root canals are the same, though. Proceed carefully with your root canal aftercare.
Talk to your dentist if you experience any of the following symptoms after your procedure:
- Fever
- Swelling that does not go down after a day or two
- Pain that increases or does not diminish over a day or two
- Loose or chipped temporary crown
Eating after a root canal in the Phoenix area? AZ Dentist can answer all of your questions. Get in touch today!
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