You’ve completed your root canal therapy with an endodontist—NOW WHAT?! Besides smiling and speaking, teeth play an important role in eating comfortably. While you’ve made an excellent choice to save your tooth with root canal therapy or root canal retreatment, it’s important to know what to expect next to be able to chew comfortably for years to come!
Disclaimer: This article is only for educational purposes and cannot replace professional dental care! Call us today if you’re concerned about eating after your root canal!
Immediately After Your Root Canal
After your root canal appointment is completed, you’ll still be numb in the area temporarily. This numbness can last a few hours, so it’s important to be careful while eating for the rest of the day after your appointment!
- If you accidentally bite your lip, cheek, or tongue, you may not notice right away due to the numbness but will definitely feel it once the anesthetic wears off.
- Avoid biting too hard on the root canal-treated tooth as it may still be tender.
Hungry After Your Root Canal?
Depending on the time of day your treatment is scheduled, you might feel hungry afterwards. Here’s what to do:
- Wait 30 Minutes: Allow the temporary filling to harden fully before eating.
- Wait for the Anesthetic to Wear Off: This ensures you can fully feel your lips, cheeks, and tongue to avoid injury.
It’s normal to experience:
- Soreness in the area and tenderness when biting (this can last a few days to up to two weeks).
- Jaw muscle discomfort from keeping your mouth open during the procedure.
Tips for Eating After a Root Canal
Be intentional when eating to protect the treated tooth and avoid discomfort:
- Take small bites of food.
- Chew slowly and on the opposite side of your mouth.
- Stick to soft foods until a permanent restoration is placed and you’re feeling 100% better.
Foods to Eat After a Root Canal
We recommend starting with soft foods to give your jaw and treated tooth a break while you heal. Here are some suggestions:
Recommended Soft Foods
- Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, tofu, buttered or avocado toast.
- Dairy: Cottage cheese, yogurt, smoothies, protein shakes.
- Fruits and Vegetables: Bananas, applesauce, mashed potatoes, mashed cauliflower, cooked (softened) vegetables.
- Main Dishes: Pasta, meatloaf, hamburgers, or sandwiches (soft bread, no crunchy toppings).
- Soups and Stews: Warm (not hot) chili, soups, or stews.
These foods are easy to chew and unlikely to dislodge temporary fillings or cause discomfort.
Foods to Avoid After a Root Canal
To protect your tooth and temporary filling, avoid the following:
Foods to Avoid
1. Hard and Crunchy Foods:
- Hard candies, ice, crackers, chips, granola, nuts, and pretzels.
- These can crack or fracture your tooth.
2. Sticky and Chewy Foods:
- Caramel, gum, tootsie rolls.
- These can pull out the temporary filling.
3. Seeds and Popcorn:
- Foods like popcorn and fruits with small seeds can get caught in your teeth and irritate the treated area.
4. Tough or Overcooked Meats:
- Jerky and overcooked meats require excessive chewing, which can strain your jaw and put extra pressure on the temporary filling.
5. Spicy, Acidic, and Hot Foods:
- Avoid wasabi, hot sauce, vinegar, soda, tomato sauce, and hot coffee or soups.
- These can irritate the tender area.
Long-Term Care
With proper care and consideration, you won’t go hungry after your root canal! Avoid cracking the treated tooth and disturbing the temporary filling. These are critical steps to ensure your tooth lasts for years to come.
Once your root canal-treated tooth is restored with a permanent filling or crown, you can get back to enjoying your favorite foods.
Have Questions? Contact Us!
If you have concerns about eating after a root canal, don’t hesitate to reach out! At Magnolia Roots Endodontics, we’re proud to serve Pooler, GA, and surrounding communities. We love saving teeth!
Contact us today if you need a root canal in the greater Savannah-Pooler area!
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