A tooth that has just had root canal treatment is often slightly tender and more fragile than usual. Knowing how to eat in the first days protects the tooth until it is fully restored.
- After root canal treatment the tooth is often slightly sore and its body is weak, so it can crack if chewed on hard too early.
- In the first days eat soft food on the other side and avoid hard, chewy and sticky food.
- Return on time so the tooth can be restored with a sealed filling or a protective crown.
- Spontaneous pain, a swollen gum, a swollen cheek or fever means you should return early.
After root canal treatment, many people find the pain gone and want to eat and chew normally straight away. But a tooth that has just been treated usually remains slightly tender when biting for a few days, and the body of the tooth is still weak, so it can crack if you chew hard too early.
How long until you can chew?
Once the numbness has worn off, you can eat soft food on the other side. For a tooth just treated, avoid hard chewing on it for the first few days until the dentist has fully restored the tooth. The exact time depends on the condition of the tooth and on whether it has a temporary filling or has been restored.
How should you eat?
- In the first few hours after the numbness goes, eat soft, cool food and avoid chewing on your lip or cheek.
- In the first days eat soft food such as porridge, soup, eggs and soft cooked vegetables on the other side.
- Avoid hard, chewy or sticky food such as toffee, ice, bones and hard seeds.
- Avoid very hot or very cold food if the tooth is still sensitive.
Why must the tooth be restored on time?
After root canal treatment the body of the tooth is often thin and weak. If a temporary filling is left too long, bacteria can seep in and the tooth can crack easily. So you should return for the dentist to restore it with a sealed filling or a protective crown as advised. See whether you need a crown after root canal treatment and whether a root canal treated tooth can decay again.
What if it hurts afterwards?
Mild soreness on biting for a few days is common and fades. See whether pain after root canal treatment is normal and how long it lasts. But if there is spontaneous pain, throbbing, a swollen gum, a swollen cheek or fever, return early.
Daily care
- Brush gently twice a day, paying attention to the treated tooth.
- Clean between the teeth with gentle floss.
- Do not use that tooth to bite hard food or open things.
When should you visit Ky Hoa Dental Clinic?
Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. Please return at the time the dentist asked so the tooth can be restored. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first.
Frequently asked questions
How long after root canal treatment can I chew normally?
For the first few days avoid hard chewing on that tooth until the dentist has fully restored it. The exact time is advised by the dentist.
Can a root canal treated tooth chew hard food?
Avoid hard food until it has been restored, because the body of the tooth is weak and easily cracks.
Why must I return to have the tooth restored after root canal treatment?
A temporary filling left for long lets bacteria seep in and the tooth crack easily. Restoring it on time protects the tooth over the long term.