Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 4 minutes
You have a root canal scheduled, and you have questions: How long after a root canal can I eat? What foods should I eat after a root canal?
This blog will answer those questions and explain why diet matters after a root canal procedure, what to eat, what to avoid, and how to protect your tooth while healing.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Wait at least 2 to 4 hours before eating after a root canal. Start with soft foods like mashed potatoes and yogurt, avoid crunchy or sticky foods, and gradually return to your normal diet once your permanent crown is placed.
What Happens During a Root Canal?
A root canal removes infected or damaged pulp inside your tooth. Your dentist will:
- Numb the area with local anesthesia.
- Remove the infected pulp from inside the pulp chamber.
- Clean and disinfect the root canals.
- Fill the space with a biocompatible material to seal it.
- Place a temporary filling to protect the tooth until a permanent crown or dental crown is placed.
Since the root canal therapy leaves your tooth structure weakened, what you eat plays a big role in protecting your oral health during recovery.
If you are preparing for your procedure, check out 7 Ways to Prepare for a Root Canal for helpful tips.
How Long Should You Wait to Eat After a Root Canal?
Wait at least 2 to 4 hours before eating anything.
The local anesthesia will keep your mouth numb for a few hours. Eating while numb increases the risk of:
- Accidentally biting your cheek, tongue, or lip
- Chewing too hard and damaging the temporary filling
Once the numbness is gone, start with soft, mild foods to avoid stressing the sensitive tooth.
What to Eat After a Root Canal
Your tooth may feel sensitive for a few days. Choose soft, easy-to-chew foods that do not require much pressure and that won’t damage the temporary filling or crown.
✔ Soft fruits (bananas, applesauce, peaches)
✔ Cooked vegetables (mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, well-cooked vegetables)
✔ Soft proteins (scrambled eggs, tofu, flaky fish, canned tuna)
✔ Dairy products (yogurt, cottage cheese, soft cheese)
✔ Smooth soups and broths (chicken broth, blended vegetable soup)
✔ Oatmeal or soft grains (rice, quinoa, couscous)
✔ Pasta and noodles (mac and cheese, well-cooked pasta)
✔ Smooth nut butters (peanut butter, almond butter)
✔ Soft bread (white bread, soft rolls)
✔ Pureed winter squash for a smooth recovery
These foods reduce pressure on your tooth and help prevent irritation.
What Not to Eat After a Root Canal
Some foods can damage your temporary filling or cause discomfort. Avoid these foods:
❌ Crunchy foods (chips, nuts, popcorn, raw vegetables) – Can break the filling.
❌ Hard foods (raw carrots, hard candies, peanut brittle) – Too much pressure.
❌ Sticky foods (caramel, gum, taffy, sticky candy) – Can pull out the filling.
❌ Chewy foods (bagels, tough meats, certain cuts of meat, granola bars) – Too much strain.
❌ Spicy or acidic foods (citrus, tomato sauce, hot peppers) – Can cause irritation.
❌ Very hot or cold foods (ice cream, ice cubes, extreme temperatures) – Your tooth may be sensitive.
❌ Fibrous foods that require excessive chewing.
Stick to soft, non-chewy foods for at least 24 to 48 hours after your procedure.
When Can You Eat Normally Again?
Most people can return to a normal diet within a few days, but it depends on your treatment:
- If you have a temporary filling: Be careful with chewing until your permanent crown or temporary crown is placed. Avoid hard or sticky foods.
- After a permanent crown is placed: You can eat normally, but be cautious with extremely hard foods to protect your restoration.
Your dentist will let you know if additional precautions are needed.
Pro Tips for Eating After a Root Canal
- Chew on the opposite side of your mouth to protect the treated tooth and adjacent teeth.
- Stay hydrated with water, but avoid using a straw for the first day.
- Follow up with your dentist to complete your restoration and ensure healing.
- Stick to a soft food diet for a couple of days for optimal healing.
- Avoid extreme temperatures to prevent root canal pain and tooth sensitivity.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers to manage any discomfort during the healing process.
Power Road Dental Care: Your Partners in Oral Health
A root canal treatment saves your tooth, but what you eat after the dental procedure plays a big role in recovery.
Be mindful of your diet, protect your oral health, and schedule any necessary follow-up appointments to keep your smile healthy.If you are in the Phoenix East Valley, book an appointment at our dental office in Mesa, AZ, call (480) 664-1438 or visit us at 2500 South Power Road, Suite 102, Mesa, AZ.