What to Eat After a Root Canal and Crown

What Does a Root Canal Entail?

A root canal is a procedure in endodontic dentistry that endodontists and dentists near you perform to salvage a severely damaged or infected tooth. Without this procedure, you would lose your natural tooth and suffer further dental damage like abscesses and infections.

The term “root canal” literally refers to the natural cavity within the tooth. Still, it is also the popular term referring to the dental treatment that addresses issues within that cavity.

Understanding the Procedure of Root Canal Treatment

You must visit a dental office when you have a problematic tooth so that the local dentist can examine the diseased tooth and take X-rays to detect the extent of the damage or infection. After establishing that you need endodontic treatment, the dentist administers local anesthesia, numbing the area of operation so that the procedure is as comfortable as possible.

The next step entails creating a small opening in the tooth’s crown to access the inner chamber called the pulp cavity. It houses nerve endings, blood vessels, and other soft tissues. With that access, the dentist can properly clean the tooth’s canal, eliminating all damaged tissues and bacteria. Later, the dentist in Mesa, AZ, will reshape the canal and fill it with gutta-percha to maintain the structural integrity. The final step is usually a dental filling that seals the tooth’s exterior, preventing the re-entry of bacteria.

Why You Need a Dental Crown After Root Canal Treatment

A crown is not mandatory after every root canal treatment. Usually, we employ both root canals and crowns at Bella Via Dental for the following reasons:

1. Protection: Cleaning the insides of a tooth weakens its structure, making it more susceptible to fractures or breakage. We employ crowns over the treated tooth to provide strength, support, and protection, preventing further damage and maintaining the tooth’s integrity.
2. Restoration of tooth shape and function: An endodontic procedure can alter the tooth shape. A crown restores the tooth’s natural shape, size, and general appearance, ensuring it functions properly for biting and chewing.
3. Longevity: A crown adds durability to a treated tooth that has undergone a root canal. It becomes a protective barrier, where with proper care, a well-crowned tooth can last for many years, preserving the treated tooth underneath.
4. Aesthetics: Aside from restoring functionality, a crown improves the tooth’s appearance. Dentists near you can custom-make crowns to match natural teeth’ contour, color, shape, and size, ensuring a seamless and natural-looking smile.

Best Food Choices After a Root Canal and Crown

Any local dentist near you will generally recommend soft and gentle foods that will not strain the treated tooth excessively. Some popular suggestions for foods to eat after a root canal and crown are:

• Soft foods require minimal chewings, such as mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables, scrambled eggs, yogurt, smoothies, and soups.
• Blended fruit or vegetable smoothies are both nutritious and easy to consume. Include ingredients like yogurt, milk or a dairy-free alternative, fresh or frozen fruits, and leafy greens.
• Oatmeal or porridge – a warm bowl can provide nourishment while being easy to eat. You can flavor it with some honey, cinnamon, or soft fruits for added taste.
• Soft-cooked pasta or noodles with a sauce that isn’t too chunky – cream-based or tomato sauces without large pieces are always a safe choice.
• Soft fruits like bananas, melons, and berries
• Cooked or steamed vegetables like mashed carrots or squash – do not require a lot of chewing.
• Tender proteins and meats like chicken, fish, or tofu – provide protein without excessive chewing. Ensure they are cooked until they are easy to cut and chew.

Other AfterCare Fundamentals

Aside from choosing foods wisely, it would help if you employed other care measures to protect your crowned tooth after root canal treatment. Examples include:

• Quit smoking and taking alcohol – they slow healing and stain crowns and natural teeth.
• Mind your oral habits – you cannot afford to use your teeth for opening bottles after a root canal and crown. Find measures to avoid other habits like biting fingernails and clenching.
• Wear a mouth protector – to protect your teeth from exterior trauma and the forces of excessive teeth grinding at night.