Modern root canals are very effective treatments for natural teeth endangered by injury, decay or disease. The procedure has a success rate well above 90 percent. In those first few days after a root canal, though, your attention may be drawn to more immediate concerns, including what to eat as your mouth heals.
How you eat and what you eat are two key pieces of your root canal aftercare. Following the guidelines below can help ensure your recovery goes smoothly.
Foods To Avoid After Your Root Canal
- Raw vegetables. Normally health enhancing, crunchy snacks such as carrots and celery should be temporarily taken off your menu.
- Nuts. Again, this category of food is usually on the health friendly list, but they are simply too hard for your newly treated tooth to handle.
- Hard candy. Even if your intention is to suck on these sweet treats instead of chew them, there is always the risk that the candy could shatter or put too much pressure on the treated area.
- Chewing gum. The main danger of using chewing gum after a root canal is that it could pull out your temporary filling, which is essential to preventing infection until a permanent crown can be placed.
- Excessively hot foods or drinks. Items such as hot coffee, soup or tea may cause painful sensitivity during the healing period.
Foods that are generally safe to eat after a root canal include ice cream, soft fruits such as bananas and mangoes, yogurt, milkshakes, oatmeal and soft cereals free of any nuts. It is also very important to chew on the side of the mouth opposite your tooth receiving root canal treatment, and to eat slowly.
“The healing period for a root canal is not especially lengthy, but it is important to eat with care during that time to avoid damaging the work your endodontist has done,” says Dr. Susan L. Wood, who practices with the Phoenix Endodontic Group.
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