Root Canal Post-Op Instructions

Root canal treatment involves removing infected pulp from inside the tooth. After the procedure, the tooth may be sensitive. Here are some tips to help the postop root canal patient.

• Take any medications as directed by your dentist.
• Avoid eating on the affected side until your permanent filling is in place.
• For the first couple of days, try to avoid chewing on the tooth with the temporary filling.
• After your permanent restoration has been placed and polished, you can resume normal eating and drinking habits.
• Immediately after the root canal procedure, your tooth may be sensitive. Avoiding hot or cold foods and beverages and taking over-the-counter pain medication will help manage the discomfort.
• If your tooth feels too tender to chew on, try eating soft foods like yogurt or mashed potatoes.
• Contact your dentist right away if you experience pain or prolonged sensitivity after your root canal treatment.
• Continue to practice good oral hygiene habits to keep your root canal treated tooth healthy. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and exams.
• Protect your tooth from chewing hard foods and other traumas. Wear a night guard if you are prone to grinding or clenching your teeth at night.

What to Eat After Your Root Canal Treatment

There are a lot of foods you should avoid after a root canal procedure. Some of the most common culprits are:

• Hot and spicy foods can irritate your oral tissues and damage the recently sealed dental crowns.
• Hard candies that can break or dislodge the crown and filling.
• Chewy foods can become stuck between your teeth and cause discomfort while you are trying to heal.
• Sticky foods, such as caramel, gum, and other snacks, can stick to crowns and fillings and increase the risk of tooth decay.

If you are experiencing sensitivity or soreness, try a more gentle diet until your mouth has healed fully. A soft food diet can include such items as pudding, yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, oatmeal, and more. (It’s also important to avoid chewing on your new crown while you wait for the tooth to fully heal!)

If at any time you are concerned about complications from your root canal, contact your dentist immediately for treatment.

Please reach out to our dental practice from your nearest location to have a consultation with our dentist. You can call us or schedule an online consultation, and we'll guide you further.