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.
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. This ensures you experience minimal discomfort and remain at ease throughout the treatment.
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.
While root canal treatments typically take one or more visits over several weeks, most patients may experience relief from symptoms following the initial appointment. With licensed dentists at our dental clinics in Singapore, patients can ensure a smooth experience throughout root canal treatment.
Additionally, we recommend scheduling a follow-up appointment about six months after the root canal treatment to examine the treated tooth and ensure proper healing. This check-up helps monitor recovery and maintain long-term oral health.
Get to know the dentists who perform the root canal treatments at Family Dental Centre.
Dental Surgeon
BDS (Adelaide)
Dr Gregory Kasdan is a licensed dentist who graduated with honours from the University of Adelaide, earning his Bachelor of Dental Surgery in 1996. He has built over 26 years of experience, starting in Melbourne’s private clinics before relocating to Singapore. Dr. Kasdan’s passion for dentistry, particularly in cosmetic dental approaches and root canal treatment, remains at the heart of his practice as he continues to deliver professional dental care.
Dental Surgeon
BDS (Otago, New Zealand)
Dr Jade Lee Shin Yi is a dedicated dental surgeon in Singapore who graduated from the University of Otago, New Zealand. She enjoys practising all areas of dentistry but has a keen interest in dental surgery, such as root canal treatments. Above all, she prioritises patient-centred care, ensuring her patients feel comfortable and at ease throughout their treatment.
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$1500.
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.
The CHAS dental subsidy may cover non-surgical root canal treatments for front or premolar teeth at participating clinics in Singapore. This is limited to two treatments per year. Coverage amount depends on your CHAS card type, with higher subsidies for Blue, Merdeka and Pioneer Generation cardholders.
However, surgical root canal treatments and molar root canals are usually not covered and may require out-of-pocket payment. Always confirm eligibility and subsidy amounts with your dental clinic before 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.
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. Fortunately, these symptoms are temporary and usually respond very well to over-the-counter pain medications.
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, including proper brushing and flossing and regular dental checkups, your treated tooth may last a lifetime. 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 can sometimes seem intimidating due to its reputation as a painful process, but it’s no more uncomfortable than any other dental work. The area of the mouth is numbed with local anaesthesia, so patients do not feel any pain. However, they may experience some mild pressure and vibration while undergoing the root canal treatment.
Moreover, root canals often alleviate 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.
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 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 Medical Council and the Ministry of Health, our focus is on upholding high standards in dental services, a commitment that has led to our inclusion in Dental Asia and listing on HealthHub, Singapore’s leading health 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 is a reflection of our commitment to making dental care accessible to all, supported by a team of 32 dental surgeons. Continuous professional development is key, ensuring our team is equipped to provide tailored, high-quality 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.
Choosing Family Dental Centre means opting for a partner committed to your long-term dental health. Learn more about FDC and discover how we can be part of your dental care journey.
