Root canal treatment offers relief caused by infected teeth. When left untreated, decay in teeth may even spread to the pulp/nerve, leading to irreparable inflammation. As a result, you may feel an abrupt throbbing pain or pain when biting on an affected tooth or several affected teeth.
A root canal treatment can help to preserve teeth severely damaged by decay or trauma. The treatment involves removing the infected nerve within the tooth, disinfecting and cleaning it, and then filling, sealing, and restoring it.
The root canal treatment can be performed in one or more appointments, depending on the patient’s tooth condition. This approach can benefit those looking to maintain their natural tooth rather than needing an extraction or implant.
Root canal treatment is a dental care approach that can help preserve a tooth and prevent the need for extraction. Through drilling and cleaning the infected pulp chamber of a tooth, root canal therapy can help maintain the natural tooth’s structure by replacing it with an inert material.
This process relieves pain and fights any potential decay or infection in the inner portion of a damaged tooth, allowing for improved oral health and function. When facing severe tooth decay, opting for root canal treatment can potentially protect natural teeth while maintaining good oral hygiene.
Both root canal treatment and tooth extraction address a tooth that is significantly decayed or infected. However, the two approaches differ in process, risks, and post-procedure considerations.
Root canal treatment
Tooth extraction
When a natural tooth can be saved, dentists generally aim to do so. The dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your tooth before recommending the more appropriate option for your situation.
The following signs may indicate a tooth requires further assessment:
A surgical root canal treatment is usually performed when standard root canal therapy cannot completely remove infection or inflammation near the root tip. The procedure takes more time as it involves making a small incision in the gum to access and treat the root directly.
It is typically recommended for teeth with complex root anatomy, persistent infection after a previous root canal or hidden canal issues. By cleaning and sealing the root from the tip, this approach helps prevent reinfection and preserves the natural tooth.
Non-surgical root canal treatment is the more common procedure and can often be completed in one or two visits. The dentist accesses the inner tooth through the crown, removes the infected or damaged pulp, disinfects the canal, and fills it with a biocompatible material.
This option is suitable for treating deep decay or infection confined within the tooth structure. It is a straightforward, minimally invasive procedure that effectively relieves pain and saves the tooth without requiring surgery.
Here’s what you can expect during the root canal treatment at our dental clinic:
The root canal treatment starts with an initial consultation. During this appointment, our dentist will thoroughly examine your teeth, including taking dental X-rays to assess the extent of the infection or inflammation.
The dentists will then evaluate whether root canal treatment is necessary and explain the entire treatment plan. This includes outlining the procedure’s steps and any potential risks, ensuring you are fully informed before moving forward.
Once you are deemed suitable for a root canal treatment, the dentist will administer a local anaesthetic before drilling into the tooth to access the infected pulp. Your dentist will guide you through each step of the process.
After the area is numbed, the dentist carefully drills a small opening into the affected tooth to access. This opening allows access to the inner chamber, where the infected or inflamed pulp is located.
Using a series of dental files, the dentist carefully removes the infected pulp and any damaged tissue from inside the root canals. This step also involves disinfecting the canals to address bacteria and thoroughly clean the area. By removing the source of infection, this helps prevent further damage and prepares the tooth for the filling and restoration stages of the treatment.
Once the root canals are cleaned and disinfected, the dentist will shape the canals to ensure they are ready for filling. A biocompatible material, such as gutta-percha, is then used to fill and seal the canals to keep everything safe and secure until an appointment can be made for the final stage of restoration.
During the follow-up appointment, the dentist will remove the temporary dental filling and place a permanent restoration, such as a crown or bridge to provide extra stability and restore the tooth’s natural function and appearance.
Root canal treatment may be completed in one or more visits, depending on the tooth’s condition. Any sensitivity or discomfort following the procedure usually subsides naturally given time. With licensed dentists at our dental clinics in Singapore, patients can expect a smooth experience throughout root canal treatment.
We recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment after root canal treatment to examine the treated tooth and support long-term oral health. The dentist will advise on the suggested timeframe before the follow-up.
The root canal procedure involves removing infected tissue and material from inside the tooth, which can affect how much natural structure remains. A crown is often recommended after the treatment to support and enhance your tooth’s structural strength.
A crown is not always required after root canal treatment. Front teeth bearing less bite pressure may sometimes be restored with a filling instead. The dentist can advise on the most appropriate restoration for your specific tooth.
Several factors affect the approach to root canal treatment and the complexity involved.
A dentist can outline what applies to your specific tooth during your consultation.
The cost of root canal treatment can vary from individual to individual based on the severity of decay or damage and dental requirements. At Family Dental Centre, our prices for root canal treatments typically fall between S$600 to S$1,500.
We believe in transparency and strive to provide clear cost estimates to help our patients make informed decisions about their dental health. We recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our dentists in Singapore for a thorough examination and transparent cost estimation. Contact our hotline at 1800 336 8478, or send us an email or WhatsApp message to receive a cost estimate.
CHAS is available for root canal treatments. The CHAS dental subsidy may cover eligible non-surgical root canal treatments for front or premolar teeth at participating clinics in Singapore, up to two treatments per year. Coverage applies to front teeth, premolars, and molars, and the coverage amount depends on your CHAS card type, with higher subsidies for Blue, Merdeka and Pioneer Generation cardholders. Subsidies are subject to claim limits and annual caps set by the Ministry of Health (MOH).
Surgical root canal treatments and molar root canals are typically not covered, but may be partially MediSave-claimable. We recommend checking your CHAS eligibility and remaining balance with our clinic team prior to starting treatment.
Medisave generally does not cover non-surgical root canal treatments in Singapore. However, it can be used for surgical root canal treatments involving minor oral surgery, such as root-end resection. Claimable amounts vary based on procedure complexity and Medisave limits. Check with your dentist or clinic to confirm claim eligibility.
The cost of root canal treatment in Singapore can differ depending on several factors:
A dentist consultation at FDC provides a clearer estimate for your specific tooth.
Delaying root canal treatment may leave the untreated tooth susceptible to infection.
It is recommended to take proactive steps if you notice persistent tooth pain or signs of decay. A dentist can examine your tooth and advise on next steps.
Root canal treatment and dental implants serve different purposes. Root canal treatment aims to preserve a natural tooth by removing infection within it, while dental implants replace a tooth that has already been removed.
Where a natural tooth can be saved, dentists generally aim to preserve it. When this is not possible, an implant may be considered as a replacement. Which option is appropriate depends on the condition of the tooth and can be assessed at a consultation.
It is normal to feel some tenderness in the area for a few days after your root canal treatment as your body undergoes the natural healing process.
In addition, you may also feel some tenderness in your jaw from keeping it open for an extended period post-treatment. These symptoms are usually temporary and over-the-counter pain medications may help with discomfort.
Furthermore, your tooth may feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after completing your root canal treatment. However, if you have severe pain or pressure that lasts more than a few days, contact us as soon as possible.
After a root canal treatment, do not eat anything until the numbness in your mouth wears off. This will prevent you from biting your cheek or tongue.
Additionally, do not chew or bite on the treated tooth until you have had it restored by your dentist. Meanwhile, be sure to brush and floss your teeth as you normally would.
If the opening in your tooth was restored with a temporary filling material, it is not unusual for a thin layer to wear off between appointments.
However, contact us right away if you develop any of the following:
With proper restoration and dental care, a treated tooth can continue to function well for many years. After the completion of endodontic or root canal treatment, your dentists will usually advise on a restoration, such as a dental implant and crown that protects the tooth from future fracture.
Root canal treatment has a reputation for being uncomfortable, but the area is numbed with local anaesthesia before the procedure begins. However, you may experience some mild pressure and vibration while undergoing the root canal treatment.
Root canal treatment can help address pain associated with an infected tooth by removing the bacteria and damaged tissue from the area before sealing it off. With proper care and maintenance, root canal treatments can potentially last for many years.
Molars typically have three or four root canals, compared to one or two in front teeth and premolars. Each canal must be individually cleaned, shaped, and sealed, so more canals require more time and complexity. The position of molars at the back of the mouth can also make the procedure more demanding to carry out. A dentist can provide a cost estimate for your specific tooth during a consultation.
Root canal treatment can, in some cases, fail over time. This may occur if a canal was not fully treated initially, if the seal deteriorates, or if a new infection develops. Signs may include returning pain, swelling, or a recurring pimple on the gum. If this occurs, retreatment or another approach may be considered. A dentist can assess the tooth and advise on appropriate next steps.
Not always. A crown is often recommended when the tooth has lost significant structure, particularly for back teeth that bear more bite pressure. Front teeth with good remaining structure may sometimes be restored with a filling. The appropriate restoration depends on how much tooth material remains and where the tooth is located. A dentist can advise after assessing your tooth following root canal treatment.
Tooth extraction is generally lower in cost at the time of the procedure. However, if the extracted tooth requires replacement, the cost of an implant, bridge, or other restoration can exceed the combined cost of root canal treatment and a crown. A dentist can outline the costs for both options based on your situation so you can make an informed decision.
To find out whether you are a good candidate, schedule an appointment with our dental clinician for
an initial consultation. Once the assessment of your dental health is done, our clinician will work with
you to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Since its inception in 2003, Family Dental Centre (FDC) has grown into a network of 10 dental clinics in Singapore, driven by the mission to provide quality and accessible dental care to the community. As part of the Oracare Group and recognised by both the Singapore Dental Council and the Ministry of Health, our focus is on upholding professional standards in dental services, a commitment that has led to our inclusion in Dental Asia and listing on HealthHub, Singapore’s national health information portal.
At FDC, understanding and meeting the individual needs of our patients is at the heart of what we do. Our expansion to multiple conveniently located clinics reflects our commitment to making dental care accessible to all, supported by a team of over 30 dental clinicians. Continuous professional development is key, ensuring our team is equipped to provide comprehensive care. In recognition of Singapore’s diverse culture and languages, our staff are conversant in English, Mandarin, and Malay, facilitating clear and effective communication with our wide-ranging clientele.
If you are unsure which option is right for you or your child, a dentist can take a look and talk you through what they find. You can book a consultation at your nearest FDC clinic, and our dentist will assess your needs and outline treatment options.
