If you have a root canal appointment looming, you’re likely eager to know some of the do’s and don’ts in advance. But one of the most common questions patients ask is this: can you eat before a root canal? Understanding what to expect and how to prepare can make your experience more comfortable.
A root canal is a tooth-saving procedure to preserve a severely broken or infected tooth. When you undergo this procedure, your professional from Reflections Dental Care extracts the infected pulp from within the tooth, cleans out the root canals, and closes up the area to keep out further infection.
Though root canal therapy in Oklahoma City is nothing new, thorough preparation will allow everything to proceed as smoothly as possible.
Can You Have Breakfast Before a Root Canal?
The good news is that you can typically eat before root canal procedures. Unlike some medical treatments that require fasting, root canal treatments don’t usually have strict dietary restrictions beforehand. However, the timing and type of anesthesia you’ll receive can influence your pre-procedure meal choices.
The majority of root canals are done under local anesthesia that will make a particular area numbed but will have no effect on your digestive system or stomach. This eliminates nausea that is experienced sometimes when you undergo general anesthesia, so you will have no problem having some food in your system.
However, a few patients are sedated and locally anesthetized to ease their anxiety. Our dentists will have instructions to give about eating if they intend to administer oral sedation or IV sedation. Always adhere to your dental practitioner’s instructions, as they are aware of your particular plan of treatment and medical history.
Should I eat before a root canal? You can generally eat, but always check with your provider for specific recommendations.
What to Eat/What to Avoid
You can choose suitable foods in advance to make your root canal bearable. You should select foods that will not aggravate your already sensitive tooth but will provide you with just enough nutrition to make sure that you stay energized.
Do Eat: Soft, Light Foods
Choose gentle foods that will not exert pressure on your sensitive tooth. Smoothies with yogurt and soft fruits give you nourishment without having to chew a lot. Oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and soup are good examples that give nourishment without being harsh on your teeth.
Don’t Eat: Hot/Cold Foods
Do not have hot or cold foods close to your appointment time. Your tooth is most likely sensitive as it is now, and sharp temperatures will induce additional discomfort. Warm or room temperature foods will be far superior.
Don’t Eat: Hard, Crunchy Foods
Do not eat nuts, potato chips, hard candy, or any hard foods that might do additional injury to your broken tooth or create undue distress. Reserve those treats for once your recovery time is through.
What Dentists Generally Recommend
The majority of dentists recommend that you have a regular light meal about two to three hours prior to your appointment. This enables digestion of your food yet ensures that you do not feel hungry during the procedure, especially if you might feel anxious or uncomfortable.
Staying hydrated is just as important, but do not have too much caffeine, as this will raise the level of anxiety. Water is your top pick to stay adequately hydrated without affecting your treatment.
Our dentist may also advise consuming prescribed antibiotics orally when given beforehand. This helps prevent an upset stomach, as well as provides proper absorption of medication.
Preparing You for Your Comfort and Recovery
Nourishing adequately before your root canal will set you up to have an easier time and easier recovery. A gentle, healthy meal will keep your blood sugar steady and prevent you from feeling faint while having the procedure done. This is why eating before root canal appointments can make your experience smoother.
Remember that your dentist at Reflections Dental Care is your best resource for personalized advice. If you have specific concerns about eating before a root canal or questions about your particular situation, don’t hesitate to call our dental office. We can provide guidance tailored to your treatment plan and ensure you’re fully prepared for a successful procedure!