How Long After a Root Canal Can You Eat Normally?

While focusing on the root canal procedure itself, it is also important to take some steps some days before your procedure to plan on the aftercare. Having everything that you need at home will make the healing process. This also involves stocking your pantry with soft foods that require less chewing to reduce the stress you put on the treated teeth.

Recovering from a root canal treatment is not the same as recovering from a tooth extraction or other oral surgery. You can go on with your daily routine after the procedure is done, and there is no need for a prolonged rest period. However, your teeth might be sensitive for a few days, and your dentist may recommend that you avoid chewing with the retreated tooth until the final restoration is done.

You can eat 30-45 minutes after the root canal is done. This is enough time to let your temporary filling o harden fully. But it’s generally recommended that you wait to eat after the anesthesia is worn off to keep you from biting your tongue or cheek.

Foods You Can Eat After Root Canal Treatment

Your dentist in Gilbert will recommend that you take soft foods after your root canal procedure to allow your mouth to recover and avoid irritation. You are likely to be hungry after the procedure, but it is recommended that you wait for the anesthesia to wear off. Some of the recommended soft foods to eat include:

• Scrambled eggs, a smoothie, and yogurt for a healthy breakfast.
• Mashed potatoes, shredded meat, or meatloaf for a filling meal
• Cooked vegetables with hummus or blended into a soup, or you can eat them independently.
• Pasta, quinoa, couscous, or noodles provides a much-needed substance.
• Canned, ripe, or cooked fruit as a snack
• Saltines, soft bread, or matzah if you want to take something easy
• Sorbet or frozen yogurt.
• Saltines, matzah, or soft bread if you’re in the mood for something easy

What Should I Avoid After a Root Canal?

It might not be easy to decide on foods to avoid after a root canal procedure. But here are two easy ways to help you decide:

• Skip sticky and hard foods that may remove your temporary crown or hurt the recent restoration work done on your mouth.

• Limit taking very hot or cold food and drinks. This may make your gums and teeth more sensitive. It is best if you keep it to mild temperatures.

Here are some of the foods that you should avoid eating after our root canal:

• Hard items like peanut brittle, candies and ice cubes may increase the chipping of your tooth.
• Very cold or hot items that may cause pain or irritate sensitive areas
• Sticky foods like gum, taffy, and candy can pull out your temporary crown or dental cap.
• Sticky foods like taffy, gum, and candy that could pull out your temporary crown

Other Post Procedure best Practices

It is normal to experience some post-procedure soreness after the root canal. This can be controlled by using recommended over-the-counter pain relievers.

Your dentist in Gilbert may recommend the following aftercare practices:

• Brushing your teeth normally to maintain routine dental care.
• Refraining from flossing the treated material on the side of the temporary crown to prevent dislodging the crown.
• Gargling with salt water solution three times a day to reduce inflammation. The salt solution should be a mixture of half a tablespoon of salt and water. Swash it in your mouth for at least a minute before spitting it out.
• Avoid smoking as it will harm your teeth and body in many ways. In addition, continuing to smoke may inhibit the healing process and may lead to overall health problems such as heart and lung disease. Therefore, quitting smoking will not only improve your health but also improve the health of those around you.
• If your dentist prescribes antibiotics to help you reduce the risk of infection, take the medication as prescribed. Adhering to the dosage will reduce the likelihood of the infection coming back
• Adhere to follow-up appointments. Discuss with your dentist at Coral Pointe Dental & Orthodontics when you have your appointments