Eating after a root canal can be tricky. But it’s easy once you know the guidelines. 

You’re finally done with your root canal, and the excruciating pain from the infected tooth is gone. But now that it’s over, perhaps you’re wondering what’s safe to eat after a root canal.

The tooth needs time to completely heal after a root canal. What you eat can either support or hinder this healing process. But with minimal restrictions for a few days after a root canal procedure, you can enjoy all your favorite foods again. Follow these tips to help plan your meals following a root canal.

What can you eat after a root canal?

Your dentist will give detailed instructions about what to eat after your root canal. The first word of caution will be to avoid eating anything for two to four hours after the procedure. Your mouth will be numb from the anesthesia, and you may accidentally bite your tongue or cheek. 

When your mouth regains sensation, you can eat again with minimal limitations. After the root canal, your dentist will place a temporary crown on the treated tooth. It will stay on the tooth for one to two weeks until the permanent crown is placed. Your gums may feel sore after the procedure, so you’ll need to be careful what you put in your mouth. Here are four tips:

Eat soft foods. Soft, creamy foods that don’t require a lot of chewing are highly recommended. Scrambled eggs, yogurt, mashed potatoes, bananas, and applesauce are good choices. Rice, breakfast smoothies, and soft bread and cheeses are other options. You can consume soups and cooked vegetables, but make sure they’re too hot, as your mouth will be sensitive to hot temperatures.

Avoid hard, sticky foods. Not only are hard, sticky foods hard to chew, but they can also dislodge the temporary crown. Nuts, seeds, hard candies, gum, taffy, and caramels also fall into this category. 

Monitor the temperature. As mentioned earlier, the gums around the root canal will be sensitive for a while. Test the food to ensure it isn’t too hot or cold when you eat. Extreme temperatures can irritate the gums. 

Be careful where you chew. When you chew your food, be careful not to chew on the treated tooth until you receive the permanent crown.

To alleviate pain, you can take ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Rinsing your mouth with warm water and salt can also reduce minor inflammation.

How to care for your teeth after a root canal

Healing after a root canal also depends on oral care. While the temporary crown is in place, avoid brushing and flossing around the treated tooth. 

Some 15 million root canals are safely performed every year. The risk of complications is extremely low. But if you experience any lingering pain, swelling, fever, or rash, call your dentist for a follow-up appointment. Also, contact your dentist if the temporary crown falls out.

A temporary change in your diet is necessary to heal your root canal properly. But once the procedure is done and you get your permanent crown, you can dig into your favorite foods again. But always try to avoid sweets to keep cavities at bay!

Get your root canal at Espire Dental

Schedule an appointment at Espire’s Colorado Springs location today! Our highly trained dentists have performed thousands of root canals and can do the same for you!  Don’t live near our Colorado Springs office? Find one of our other locations near you.

Colorado Springs
8610 Explorer Dr #315
Colorado Springs, CO 80920