Yes, it is generally recommended that you can eat before a root canal procedure. Eating a meal a few hours before the procedure is advised because after the root canal, your mouth will be numb and tender for several hours, making eating difficult or uncomfortable. It is best to have a meal that is gentle on your stomach and hydrate with water before the root canal. However, eating heavy meals immediately before the appointment is not advised by some sources—having a light meal is preferable. Also, if sedation is planned as part of the procedure, follow the specific fasting instructions given by your dentist or endodontist. After the root canal, you should wait for the numbness to wear off before eating to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. Once the numbness subsides, it is recommended to stick to soft foods that are easy to chew until the tooth is fully restored. In summary:
- You can eat normally several hours before a root canal.
- Avoid heavy meals right before the procedure; a light meal is better.
- Follow any fasting instructions if sedation is involved.
- Wait until numbness wears off after the procedure before eating.
- Eat soft foods during recovery for comfort and healing.
