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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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://smilefreshdentalgrandblanc.com or call Smile Fresh Dental at (810) 515-7083 for an appointment in our Grand Blanc office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Google: Read our Yelp reviews.
A family dentist plays a key role in the early identification and management of orthodontic issues. While many people think of orthodontic care as something that starts during the teenage years, the foundation for healthy, straight teeth can begin much earlier. A family dentist is often the first professional to spot potential orthodontic problems in…
Toothaches and tooth sensitivity are two of the most common dental concerns addressed by a family dentist. These issues can occur from various underlying causes and require immediate professional evaluation. A family dentist can help find the source of your discomfort and provide personalized treatment to restore your oral health and alleviate pain.Toothaches can result…
Dental anxiety is a common issue that affects people of all ages. This term refers to the fear, anxiety, or stress of dental visits. There are several misconceptions about dental anxiety, leading to additional fear or avoidance of necessary dental care. By separating facts from fiction, patients can better understand this condition and go to…
Choosing the right dentist for your family is crucial for maintaining long-term oral health. A family dentist provides comprehensive care tailored to meet the dental needs of every family member, from children to seniors. If you have been seeing a specialist or separate dentists for each family member's dental needs, it may be time to…