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A root canal procedure helps you to get rid of persistent pain caused from an underlying tooth infection. After an RCT, it’s normal to feel unsure about what to eat and what not. Understanding “What can I eat after root canal treatment” is just as important as the procedure itself.
As teeth and gums help with chewing, your food regime greatly impacts your dental health. Eating with a treated tooth too soon may cause pain or swelling, which can be prevented by following a dentist-recommended diet. This blog contains everything you need to know about the proper diet after a root canal treatment.
Understanding Root Canal Treatment
The root canal treatment is a dental procedure that is done for the management of deeply decayed, damaged or infected teeth. The procedure starts with an access opening being made at the top of the affected tooth to remove the infected dental pulp tissue. Local anaesthesia is used to numb the area and to ensure that this routine procedure is comfortable for the patient. Then, cleaning and shaping instruments are used to clean and shape the canals before sealing the tooth.
In some cases, the remaining tooth structure may not be strong enough on its own. In such cases, a post and core are often recommended by the dentist. A dental crown is then placed as it helps in the long-term protection of the newly root-canaled tooth. 
Root Canal Treatment Aftercare
The success of an RCT depends on several factors, one of them is post-treatment care. The initial few days after your root canal procedure are crucial, and your dentist may recommend you to follow certain instructions to ensure smooth patient outcomes.
Be it short-term food habits or long-term lifestyle changes, following postcare instructions from dental professional will help you recover well. These guidelines support your teeth to comfortably heal.
It is important to maintain your oral hygiene throughout the recovery stage and even later. Daily brushing and flossing helps prevent plaque buildup, which thereby keeps reinfection at bay. Our dentists at Dental Designs Singapore can guide you on good oral hygiene practices after a root canal treatment.
Why Diet Matters After A Root Canal
It’s normal to feel unsure about returning to your regular diet after your root canal treatment process. Although the infected pulp has been removed, the treated tooth may still feel sensitive or slightly brittle, especially before a permanent crown is placed.
You may find yourself thinking, “What can I eat after root canal treatment?” This is a valid concern. Diet plays a pivotal role in determining your dental well-being and recovery. Nutrition supports overall recovery, but following a dentist-recommended diet helps prevent complications.
What Can I Eat After Root Canal Treatment?
After an RCT, a soft diet is usually recommended in the initial few days to reduce stress on the treated tooth. Some suitable food options include:
- Soft foods, such as rice porridge, which many patients in Singapore prefer
- It is important to consume protein to maintain proper nutrition levels. For instance, protein-rich foods like yogurt, which are nutritious and easy to chew
- Smoothies, which are a good alternative to raw fruits or vegetables in the first few days
If you have any food allergies, it is necessary to discuss it with your dentist for a smoother recovery. Apart from that, you may prefer using the opposite side of the treated tooth to prevent any unwanted pain.
Foods To Avoid After An RCT
There are specific foods to avoid during the recovery period after a root canal. Those include:
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Hard foods (e.g. nuts), as they may cause additional stress to the treated tooth
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Chewy or sticky foods (e.g. gum), as they may dislodge the temporary filling
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Very hot or cold foods, which can trigger tooth sensitivity
Your dentist can further personalise dietary advice based on your tooth condition, medical history, and any allergies.
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Conclusion
After undergoing a root canal treatment, it’s natural to have questions like, “What can I eat after root canal treatment?” In Singapore, aftercare for an RCT is as important as the procedure itself, especially in the first few days after completion of the root canal therapy.
Good nutrition supports recovery, but it’s equally important to protect your treated tooth while it heals. A dentist is the ideal person to guide you in balancing both.
Ready to book a consultation to get answers for your queries? Leave us a message here.
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