If you’ve recently had a coronectomy – or are preparing for one – you’re probably wondering what you can eat during recovery that won’t make you miserable. Soft foods, again?! Yes, but hear me out. A soft foods diet doesn’t have to be bland, boring, or sad. In fact, with a little creativity, it can be downright cozy and delicious. I broke my jaw in 2014 and got REAL creative with it because I was on a soft foods diet for 6 weeks. Thankfully, this should only be about 1-2 weeks.
First, What Is a Coronectomy?
A coronectomy is a dental procedure where only the crown of a tooth (usually a wisdom tooth) is removed, leaving the roots behind. It’s often recommended when the tooth’s roots are dangerously close to the inferior alveolar nerve, which could be damaged during a full extraction. By leaving the roots intact, this procedure reduces the risk of nerve damage and long-term numbness or partial facial paralysis. To say I was nervous would be an understatement.
Coronectomy recovery is generally smoother than a full wisdom tooth extraction – but there’s still swelling, soreness, and a need to avoid hard or crunchy foods that can disrupt healing or get lodged in the surgical site.
What Does Coronectomy Recovery Look Like?
- Swelling & soreness: Usually peaks around day 2-3 and then gradually subsides.
- Limited jaw movement: You might have some stiffness and need to eat slowly (I can only open my mouth about an inch at the time of writing this post)
- Soft food diet: For at least 5-7 days, sometimes longer depending on your healing process.
- Avoid straws & smoking: To prevent dry socket (whole other nightmare and I’ve had it before, you don’t want it)
- Rinse gently: Warm salt water rinses (after 24 hours) help keep the area clean, and after each meal
Now let’s get to the fun part: the food.
Soft Foods That Don’t Suck: A Coronectomy Recovery Meal Guide
These options are gentle on your mouth, packed with nutrients, and—dare I say—pretty tasty. Bonus: they’re easy to prep, even when you’re tired and sore.
1. Protein Shakes & Smoothies
When chewing is out of the question, drink your nutrients! Use a spoon, not a straw. Here are a few ideas:
- Chocolate banana peanut butter shake (with Greek yogurt or protein powder)
- Tropical smoothie with mango, coconut milk, and collagen peptides
- Berry + oat smoothie with blended oats, almond butter, and spinach (you won’t taste it)
Pro tip: Add avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
2. Soups Galore
Warm, comforting, and easy to swallow. Go for:
- Blended veggie soups like butternut squash or carrot/lentil
- Brothy soups with soft noodles or rice (no chunks of meat or veggies early on), I’m a big fan of Pastina
- Creamy potato leek or tomato basil
Freeze a few portions in advance if you can!
3. Mashed Potato Bowls with Scrambled Eggs
Soft, savory, and satisfying. Top with a little shredded cheese or a drizzle of olive oil. Add mashed avocado for healthy fats and flavor.
4. Mashed Avocado on…a Spoon
Yep, skip the toast and just eat it straight. Mix with lemon, salt, and onion powder for a guac-like vibe. Any other time you see me mention “mashed avocado” here, you can assume this is how I season it. Onion powder is underrated.
5. Sweet Potato Mash with Cinnamon & Butter
A naturally sweet comfort food that’s easy to digest and rich in vitamins. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of maple syrup for extra yum.
6. Soft Scrambled Eggs with Cottage Cheese or Ricotta
Scrambled low and slow for ultra-soft curds. Stir in cottage cheese or ricotta for creaminess and extra protein.
7. Blended Oatmeal or Cream of Wheat
Warm, cozy, and customizable:
- Cinnamon apple puree
- Peanut butter banana swirl
- Blueberry maple
Let it cool a bit before eating to avoid irritating your healing gums.
8. Greek Yogurt or Pudding
Look for high-protein options (some Greek yogurts have up to 20g per serving). Add fruit puree, a drizzle of honey, or even crushed graham crackers once you’re further along in recovery.
9. Mac & Cheese (Extra Creamy)
Go for soft pasta shapes like elbows or shells and cook them well. Add extra milk or cheese to keep it super smooth. Avoid crispy toppings. My favorite frozen brand is Stouffer’s. It’s not healthy but I have decided that calories don’t count in this time.
10. Mashed Sweet Potato Taco Bowl
Mashed sweet potato, mashed black beans or refried beans (which are conveniently already mashed), mashed avocado, dollop of greek yogurt or sour cream, and a sprinkle of soft cheese like queso fresco.
11. Risotto-Style Rice Bowl
Cook Arborio rice or even just regular white rice until super soft (you do NOT want sticky rice), stir in cream cheese and a little Parmesan. If you want to add some veggies, chop up some steamed broccoli super small (or mash it) and add to the bowl. Stir in so it gets blended nicely and isn’t hard to chew.
Foods to Avoid During Coronectomy Recovery
- Crunchy foods (chips, crackers, nuts)
- Sticky foods (caramel, chewy candy)
- Hard foods (raw veggies, tough meats)
- Spicy or acidic foods (can irritate the area)
- Straws (risk of dry socket)
Final Tips for a Smooth Coronectomy Recovery
- Hydrate – but sip gently from a cup.
- Rest – your body heals faster when you’re not pushing it.
- Keep meals small and frequent – easier on your jaw.
- Stay patient – you’ll be back to tacos and popcorn in no time.
TL;DR: You Can Eat Well on a Soft Foods Diet
A coronectomy doesn’t mean a week of suffering through applesauce and sad soup. With a little prep and creativity, your recovery meals can be nourishing, comforting, and dare I say… enjoyable.
If you’ve had a coronectomy and have your own go-to soft food recipes, drop them in the comments—I’m always looking for new ideas!
