You can usually eat soft foods after a few hours following root canal therapy.
If you’ve had a root canal, you may be wondering what foods can and cannot be eaten after your treatment. The good news is that after the procedure, most people do not have to go on a complete liquid diet. There are some restrictions but generally speaking, many different types of food can be consumed fairly soon.
The key thing to remember about eating after receiving dental work like root canal therapy is to avoid any hot or cold beverages until the effects of your anaesthetic wears off. Once any numbness has worn off, it is safe to drink anything you like without feeling pain in your mouth or throat. It may take anywhere from two to 24 hours before sensation returns completely — so just give your body time before resuming your normal diet.
Read on to find out more about what you can eat after root canal treatment, and which foods are best avoided until you have fully recovered…
When can you eat after root canal therapy?
It is advisable that you avoid eating anything until sensation has returned to your teeth and gums. It is important that you don’t eat immediately after your treatment because if your gums and tongue are numb, the risk of biting your cheeks or tongue is quite high. You may also burn your mouth if you eat or drink something that is too hot.
In order to avoid injury to your mouth, wait until the effects of your anaesthetic have worn off completely before you eat.
What can you eat after root canal therapy?
It is completely normal to experience some pain, swelling and general discomfort after root canal therapy. For this reason, it is advisable that you choose foods that don’t require much chewing. Foods that are soft and easy to eat include lukewarm soups; smoothies; oatmeal; mashed fruits and vegetables; and scrambled eggs. As your mouth heals, you will be able to incorporate more foods into your diet, and within a few days you should be able to resume your normal diet.
There are a few foods that are best avoided while your mouth recovers from root canal therapy. These include particularly hard and chewy foods like nuts, seeds and candy. It is also advisable that you avoid foods and drinks that very hot or cold as these can exacerbate any tooth sensitivity that you feel.
How can we help?
Most people experience pain and swelling following root canal treatment. While this is normal, it can be uncomfortable or make eating difficult. To help you feel better as your mouth recovers from the procedure, try to eat soft foods that are easy on your teeth for a few days after the surgery. If these symptoms persist beyond two weeks after your appointment with us, please call our office so we can address any concerns that you may have.
At Somerset Dental Care, we offer a range of restorative dental treatments, including root canal therapy. If you are suffering from pain as a result of tooth decay or infection, we encourage you to come in and see us as soon as possible.
If your dentist recommends that you have root canal therapy, you may have to come in for up to three appointments. During the treatment process, diseased and damaged pulp will be removed from your damaged tooth, the tooth will be filled, and a crown may be placed to restore strength and achieve a natural-looking result.
If you would like to find out more about root canal therapy and what to expect from the process, please have a look here.
To make an appointment, please get in touch here or give us a call on 02 4648 0909.
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