Root canal is one of the most popular and effective dental services to rescue a tooth by removing the infected pulp of a tooth, which contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissues. The hollow space, thus, is washed, sterilized, packed, and closed so as to avoid further infection and tooth extraction. Aftercare is one of the most important steps of recovery, and a major function of teeth is to chew the food we eat, so one of the most common questions patients ask regarding root canal treatment in Islamabad is: How long after a root canal can I eat normally?
At Royal Cosmetic Surgery, we have thorough consultations with our clients to brief them about the whole procedure and aftercare instructions so they can have maximum and safe results. If you too want to know when you will be able to eat again after a root canal, then read this blog below.
What Happens to Your Tooth After a Root Canal?
After getting a root canal treatment in Islamabad, the pulp inside the tooth that was infected will no longer be present. The teeth will remain functional and last for a long time if you take proper care of them. The tooth becomes very prone to brittleness and fractures. Some additional treatment to protect the tooth, like a crown, may be needed to prevent further infection and damage to the teeth. Practicing good oral hygiene is very important to maintain the results.
How Long After a Root Canal Can I Eat Normally?
Wait for at least 2-3 hours or until your anesthesia effects go away. After that, in the initial days, you can only have liquids, which then slowly turn into soft solids and then into normal eating habits. Here’s the general timeline regarding food after a root canal:
Right After the Procedure:
- Avoid biting for 2 to 3 hours after the procedure to prevent biting your tongue, lips, or grinding your teeth due to the influence of anesthesia.
- After this, have liquids or foods that require no chewing, like juices, yogurts, etc.
First Few Days:
- After a few days, start having soft foods like mashed potatoes, applesauce, scrambled eggs, etc.
- Do not have extremely cold or hot foods, as they can cause irritation on the treatment site.
- Chew from the opposite side of the root canal.
Before Crown Placement:
- Avoid hard and sticky foods like popcorn, candies, or gums.
- Start adding slightly hard but soft foods like pasta, soft fruits, boiled vegetables, etc.
After the Crown Placement:
- Once you get your permanent crown on your root canal, start having a normal diet.
- But even though the crown is placed, the tooth is still somehow sensitive, so avoid hard and sticky food as much as you can and try not to put too much pressure on the root canal and chew from the opposite side.
When Can You Chew on the Treated Tooth Normally?
You can resume your normal eating habits and eating from the treated tooth once the crown is placed on the root canal to secure it, but it is advised to avoid hard and sticky foods as much as you can and chew from the opposite side of the root canal to protect it in the long term.
Always have a doctor’s recommendations before taking any steps, as they are the experts and every individual is different from another, so to be on the safe side and have a smooth recovery process, consult a dentist before starting to eat normally.
Tips for Eating During Recovery:
- Eat in small portions, but have 6 meals instead of 3 in a day to restore your metabolism and slow down your hunger.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, as it helps with digestion.
- Take small bites and chew it slowly from the opposite side of the treated site.
- Have protein protein-rich diet.
Recovery takes time, so be patient and stick to the aftercare instructions and stay in touch with your doctor for better recovery.
Conclusion:
Always consult a qualified and experienced dentist for your teeth, as they are very sensitive to handle. If you are planning to get a root canal, then call us or fill out our online appointment form at Royal Cosmetic Surgery and book your consultation with our board-certified orthodontist, Dr. Usama Hayat Ghauri, and restore your teeth and smile with safe and effective root canal treatment in Islamabad.
