what to eat after root canal

what to eat after root canal

Choosing a meal, snack, or drink after a root canal can be a challenging task. However, fret not! We have a menu of healthy and delicious options to guide you through your recovery. It can be confusing to determine which foods to avoid or enjoy during this sensitive time for your mouth. Allow us to assist you in navigating your diet during the recovery phase.

Eating and Avoiding Foods after Root Canal Treatment

If you’re unfamiliar with endodontic therapy, you may be wondering about the procedure and how to manage your recovery. Endodontic treatment becomes necessary when you have infected or inflamed dental pulp caused by injuries or untreated tooth decay. These conditions can result in excruciating pain when biting or chewing, as well as sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, even after the source of the sensation is removed.

When you visit the Nuface Dental Implant Center with tooth pain complaints, they will assess the tooth by taking x-rays to determine the extent of the damage. During your consultation, the dentist will recommend stocking up on certain foods to prepare for the procedure. These foods are advised for consumption after you undergo endodontic therapy to treat an infection in a damaged tooth.

Recommended Foods after Endodontic Therapy

You can eat certain foods after a root canal as long as you don’t chew or bite with the treated tooth. After your root canal procedure, consider incorporating dairy foods such as yogurt, soft cheeses, and cottage cheese into your diet.

Including fruits and vegetables in your meals is also encouraged, especially options like applesauce, smoothies, pureed soup, mangoes, bananas, mashed potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, avocado, and ripe pears.

Protein is essential for nourishment during your recovery. To fulfill your protein requirements, you can enjoy eggs, canned chicken or tuna, meatloaf, legumes, tofu, and hummus. Additionally, you may include grains like quinoa, oatmeal, cream of wheat, and pasta to satisfy your grain needs.

Once your root canal procedure is done, your dentist will give you clear instructions on how to take care of yourself afterwards. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully. If you have any questions about your recovery, your dentist will be there to answer them for you.

Foods to Avoid after Root Canal Treatment

Certain categories of foods should be avoided after endodontic therapy, as they can aggravate sensitivity or compromise the temporary filling. However, over time, you can gradually reintroduce these foods into your diet.

Steer clear of extremely hot or cold foods and beverages that may irritate sensitive teeth. Sticky foods like caramel, gum, candy, as well as hard foods like nuts, should be avoided. Avoid consuming chewy foods like steak and crusty bread, as well as crunchy foods such as pretzels and tortilla chips.

After your tooth has been fixed with a dental crown or filling, you can go back to eating your usual food. But be careful and avoid foods that could harm the new crown or filling. If you feel any pain in the treated tooth while eating certain foods, stop eating them for a while and try again later. If the sensitivity and soreness last for a week or more, get in touch with your dentist who did the treatment. They can check if there’s any infection in your tooth that needs attention.

Do Root Canals Cause Pain?

Root canal treatments typically do not cause intense pain during the therapy itself. However, it is crucial to take precautions afterward to prevent any damage to the treated tooth. After undergoing the stress of requiring endodontic treatment, it would be counterproductive to harm the tooth soon after the procedure. Instead, care for your tooth by following the recommended diet for a few days to ensure its long-term functionality in your mouth.

Other Post-Procedure Best Practices

Experiencing some soreness after a root canal is normal. You can usually manage this discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen.

Your dentist may provide additional recommendations, including:

  • Continuing to brush your teeth as normal to maintain good oral hygiene.
  • To keep your temporary crown secure and prevent any damage, it’s best to avoid flossing around it on both sides.
  • Gargling with a saltwater solution three times a day to reduce inflammation. Prepare the solution by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt with warm water, swish it in your mouth for about a minute, and then spit it out.
  • If your dentist prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of a tooth infection, ensure you take the medication as prescribed. It is especially important to complete the entire course of antibiotics to minimize the likelihood of the infection returning.

When to Contact Your Dentist

Although most people experience minimal side effects after a root canal, it is essential to recognize situations that warrant a visit to your dentist. These can include:

If you have any allergic reactions like rashes or itching, 

– if you experience severe pain or pressure in your mouth

– Swelling that worsens instead of improving.

– Presence of a fever.

Additionally, contact your dentist if your temporary crown or filling comes out, your bite feels uneven, or you experience any other worsening symptoms.

Root Canal Treatment Aftercare

Congratulations on completing your root canal! The most challenging part is now behind you, and you can focus on aftercare to prevent further problems in the future.

You can safely return to your regular dental hygiene routine of brushing twice daily and flossing once. However, be cautious around sensitive areas and avoid pulling the floss near your temporary filling or crown to prevent dislodgement.

If you experience slight discomfort after the procedure, it is normal for it to persist for a few days. For quick relief, try rinsing your mouth with lukewarm salt water. Alternatively, your dentist may recommend over-the-counter medications to alleviate your symptoms.

To learn more about root canal surgery or aftercare, please contact the Dental Clinic in Jalandhar and consult with their best doctor. Alternatively, you can reach them directly at +919814009431.

You can also read our article “Understanding Root Canal Treatment.” It covers everything you need to know, like what it is, why it matters, how the procedure works, and the benefits it provides.