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Penfold asked in HealthDental · 1 decade ago

How long after root canal before you can start eating and drinking?

My wife is having a root canal on Friday. I know there should be no pain during the operation due to the local anasthetic. Once the anasthetic has worn, my wife will probably experience dull pain for a couple of days.

However, my question relates to how long you have to wait after a root canal operation before you can start eating and drinking. My wife has the root canal just before lunch. Typically, when will she be able to start eating and drinking once the root canal has completed?

4 Answers

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  • ?
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago
    Favourite answer

    Ok, I have had root canal I started eating soft foods like soup and fish something with not much chewing in it.

    She will be able to drink right away but if your making her hot drinks then make them warm for her so she doesn't burn herself cos with the local she won't feel anything with having the local.

    Also it will take about 3/4 hrs before it wears off I suggest she take some painkillers so she does not get into so much pain once the local has worn off.

    Good Luck and I hope your wife feels better

    Source(s): Personal Experience
  • 1 decade ago

    I actually have always been told that as soon as I was hungry it was ok, but to avoid anything sticky. I certainly avoided chewing on that side until the sensitivity went away, but other than that she should be fine whenever. They also say to wait for the numbing to go away so you don't bite your tongue or lips, but I seldom wait!! My mouth is usually really dry and I get a drink as soon as I can. Be careful about the straw thing, I know when you have a tooth pulled that you can't drink thru a straw for a while to avoid dry-socket, but not too sure that it applies to root canals!! One tip, make sure if she doesn't get it capped right then and there after the root canal that she get back in as soon as possible for that part!!

    Source(s): Personal Experience/Education in the Dental Office Assistant field
  • ?
    Lv 4
    5 years ago

    You want to wait until the anesthetic completely wears off before eating, so you won't accidentally bite your lip and cause a cut without feeling it. Hope this helps.

  • doctor
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    Her dentist will give her the best tailored advice - just ask if he doesn't say it first.

    Source(s): > 30 years doctoring
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