Root canal therapy is a procedure that can save a tooth that is damaged on the inside. Without root canal, a tooth that has deadened nerves will eventually decay and fall out. A root canal thoroughly cleanses the tooth from the inside, clearing out dead pulp and replacing it with a strong filling material. The tooth is then sealed and secured with a crown, continuing on as a “functioning” tooth that is free from decay.
If you received a temporary filling after your root canal, it is especially important to avoid hard foods until you return to the office for your final filling or crown. Temporary fillings are less secure and could be dislodged by attempting to bite into hard foods like apples, or crunchy foods like nuts.
After you have a permanent restoration for the treated tooth, you should be able to eat your normal diet without problems. Eating may feel different for awhile after a root canal. This is due to the changes that were made to the tooth that was treated. This feeling usually goes away in a few days.
