What Food Can I Eat After a Root Canal Treatment?

root canal Chesterfield, MO

A root canal is a form of surgery that is performed under either local or general anesthesia. Therefore, you need to follow your dentist’s orders after the procedure. That includes proper cleaning, how to reduce the swelling and even the foods you eat. The last thing you want is to irritate the area and then experience a secondary problem. So, stick to what your dentist says you can and cannot eat.

Avoid specific types of food

Just as with any type of surgery, there is a healing period involved with a root canal. For that reason, patients want to avoid eating foods that would put too much pressure on the newly crowned tooth. They also need to stay away from things that could promote continued bleeding. Overall, what a person consumes plays a significant role in how well their mouth heals.

1. Hard foods

For starters, patients who had a root canal done need to avoid any type of hard foods. These include crackers, potato chips, nuts, carrots, candy and even ice. With these foods, a person could bite down hard on the tooth. Not only could that cause pain, but it could also extend the healing time. Even if tempted, it is better to avoid anything hard, at least for a week or until the dentist says it is okay.

2. Chewy foods

After having a root canal treatment performed, the goal is to give the area time to heal. That means not doing anything that would irritate it. For that reason, a person should avoid any kind of chewy food. Apart from taffy and chewing gum, this includes steaks and other meats. Again, the goal is to avoid putting pressure on the tooth.

3. Hot and cold foods

Although a root canal is a common form of oral surgery performed on millions of people each year, it is still surgery. The drilling, scraping and cleaning that the dentist does usually makes the tooth more sensitive to hot and cold. As with other post-surgery symptoms, this subsides quickly. However, during the healing phase, a person should avoid eating or drinking anything extremely cold or hot.

4. Spicy foods

Surgery, even oral surgery, is a funny thing in that many people wake up wanting something spicy to eat. Whether nachos with jalapenos, homemade chili or a big burger topped with chipotle sauce, anything spicy is a no-no following a root canal. Instead, a patient can make a list of the type of foods they want after healing and focus on that until the time is right.

5. Alcohol

For patients who enjoy an adult beverage from time to time or a glass of wine with dinner — it is important to wait. The problem is that alcohol promotes bleeding. While people have only slight bleeding after a root canal, consuming a beer or cocktail could change that. Therefore, they should stick with non-alcoholic beverages until the dentist advises otherwise.

Take care of yourself after a root canal

After having a root canal, your dentist or endodontist will provide you with a complete list of foods to avoid while healing. You will also receive a list of permitted food, which looks pretty good. For about a week, you can enjoy milkshakes, yogurt, ice cream, soup and other delicious foods. Take care of yourself to avoid running into another problem.

Request an appointment here: https://www.mfgrassodds.com or call Michael F. Grasso DDS at (636) 777-7700 for an appointment in our Chesterfield office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Recent Posts

How Cosmetic Dentists Tailor Treatments To Your Unique Features

Your cosmetic dentist can transform your smile by providing tailor-fit treatments. Creating your care plan will depend on your features. Doing so will have more natural results. Here is how your cosmetic dentist tailors specific treatments to your features.Procedures in this field need more than a dentist’s technical skills. The cosmetic dentist must also possess…

What Is A Denture Reline?

If you have issues with your dentures, your dentist might recommend a denture reline. You do not know what a reline is, though. Before you agree to a procedure, you want to know the details. Find out more about a denture reline so you will understand why it is necessary.Dentures are fabricated based on impressions…

Why A Family Dentist Recommends Dental Sealants

A family dentist may have suggested getting dental sealants during your last appointment. With tooth decay being the most common oral issue in children between the ages of six and 19, according to the CDC, dental sealants provide extra protection for the teeth to prevent its occurrence and resulting dental problems. This article explains why…

Why You Should See Your Dentist About A Smile Makeover Today

A smile makeover is a dental process that addresses multiple cosmetic concerns. Each smile makeover treatment plan is customized for the patent and their specific treatment needs and goals. Common issues addressed during a smile makeover include teeth stains, damaged teeth (e.g., chips, cracks), enamel erosion, a gummy smile, and teeth loss. The benefits of a…

Recent Posts

How Cosmetic Dentists Tailor Treatments To Your Unique Features

How Cosmetic Dentists Tailor Treatments To Your Unique Features

Your cosmetic dentist can transform your smile by providing tailor-fit treatments. Creating your care plan will depend on your features. Doing so will have more natural results. Here is how your cosmetic dentist tailors specific treatments to your features.Procedures in this field need more than a dentist’s technical skills. The cosmetic dentist must also possess…

What Is A Denture Reline?

What Is A Denture Reline?

If you have issues with your dentures, your dentist might recommend a denture reline. You do not know what a reline is, though. Before you agree to a procedure, you want to know the details. Find out more about a denture reline so you will understand why it is necessary.Dentures are fabricated based on impressions…