Did you just get a root canal and have no idea when to eat? What’s worse is that you don’t even know what kind of food you’re allowed to eat. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. We understand how frustrating it can be to not know whether you can eat your favorite food after the procedure. This article will help you navigate through all the FAQs that you may have about a root canal, and especially when you should eat after a root canal.
So, what is a root canal? Simply put, a root canal is a procedure that is performed when a tooth is damaged. This diseased tooth, mostly responsible for causing an infection in the mouth, is removed. The canals are then sealed, and the tooth is then repaired with a dental crown.
Even though a root canal is a common dental procedure, not many people know what to do after it. It has a short recovery period, but during this time, eating is prohibited. Once the local anesthesia has worn off, you can go back to eating some foods while avoiding others.
When You Should Eat After A Root Canal
When it comes to eating, most medical practitioners tell their patients to wait till the local anesthesia wears off and the gums and teeth do not feel numb. After a root canal is successfully completed, this recovery process can take a few hours.
Whatever you do, do not eat immediately after the root canal procedure has been completed. This is because the tongue and gums are numb. You could easily bite your cheek or tongue without realizing the intensity of the damage. You could also burn your mouth as you will not be able to feel how hot the food is. However, once the effects of the local anesthetic medication wear of, you will be in crippling pain.
Moreover, damaging your temporary filling is also a huge possibility. Usually, after a root canal, dentists place a temporary cap on top of the tooth until the permanent crown is ready to be placed on the damaged tooth.
Foods That Are Safe To Eat After A Root Canal
Once you regain feeling in your tongue, cheeks, and mouth, you should start by eating soft foods that will not cause too much strain on your teeth.
Savory foods that you can eat include:
- Well-cooked vegetables
- Mashed potatoes
- Hummus
- Soft scrambled eggs with some shredded meat
- Mashed potatoes and meatloaf
- Rice
- Soups
- Saltines or matzah
- Soft bread
- Soft cheese
- Pasta, noodles, quinoa
Sweet foods that you can eat include:
- Frozen yogurt with no sugar
- Peanut butter with some soft cheese
- Fruits, including banana and strawberries. These can be ripe, canned, or even cooked.
- Pudding or caramel
- Jam
- Sorbet
