Root canal treatment
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A great smile starts with peace of mind. Root canal treatment from the dental specialist you trust.
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Treatment at the root of the problem to relieve your pain
If you experience pain, prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold, discolouration of the tooth, swelling, tenderness of gums or a bad taste in the mouth, the nerve in your tooth may be inflamed or infected. If left untreated, this can lead to the loss of the tooth. Other conditions, such as deep decay, a faulty crown, a crack or chip in the tooth, or even repeated dental procedures on the same tooth can cause problems.
To nip the problem in the bud, you will need to undergo root canal treatment. The procedure is designed to help eliminate bacteria from your infected root canal. The inflamed or infected pulp will be removed before disinfection and cleaning of the inside of the tooth is carried out.
Once that is done, our patients are better positioned in preventing reinfection of the tooth and save the natural tooth itself.
By saving their natural tooth, patients are more likely able to maintain their natural smile, keep eating their favourite foods and limit the need for future dental work. With proper maintenance and care, your root canal treatment at Specialist Dental Group Singapore may even last for a lifetime.
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment involves the removal of the inflamed or infected root. The inflamed or infected root will be removed, before cleaning and disinfecting is done for the inside of the tooth.
The tooth is then filled with an inert material and subsequently restored. This treatment saves the tooth that would otherwise have been extracted.
What is involved in root canal treatment?
Our dental specialists/ dentists will find out the details of your medical and dental history, go through a consultation and examination, and take an x-ray of your teeth and jaws, to ascertain if you are suitable for root canal treatment. Thereafter our dentists will discuss with you to recommend the most appropriate solution for your needs.
Inside a tooth is a soft, living tissue called the pulp (also called the “nerve”). The pulp contains blood vessels, fibres and nerves. A root canal treatment is needed when the nerve of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected.
A local anaesthetic will be administered at the site of the tooth to be treated. An opening will be made in the top of the tooth and the infected pulp or nerve will be cleaned from the root canals and the pulp chamber. The space will also be sterilized and shaped for filling. Biocompatible material will then be used to fill the root canal. Adhesive cement is placed to seal the root canals completely. A temporary filling will be used.
This process can be completed in 1 or 2 visits (usually 1 week apart if 2 visits are required).
As the structure of the tooth is compromised, in some cases, a dental crown will be recommended. A foundation build-up will be placed, followed by the crown to protect it and restore it to full function. The restored tooth looks, feels and functions like your other teeth.
For more information on crowns, please refer to our Crowns Page.
For the first few days after treatment, in rare cases, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with pain relief medication.
Most root canal-treated teeth last as long as your natural teeth and require the same maintenance. This includes flossing, brushing and regular 6 monthly dental check-ups.
In a few cases, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment does not heal or the pain continues. Further treatment (e.g. root end surgery) may be necessary.
Occasionally, the tooth may become painful months or even years after successful treatment usually due to new decay and/or leakage problems. When this occurs, there may be a need to re-do the endodontic procedure to save the tooth.
Root canal treatment fees
Wondering if Medisave can be used for this procedure?
Medisave does not apply to root canal treatment. However, should you require surgical procedures, this procedure may be covered.
For more details on Medisave coverage, please visit our Medisave Page.
| Description | Fee(SGD) |
| Consultation & Examination | $80 – 200 |
| Digital x-ray | $160 |
| Root canal treatment | $1500 onwards per tooth |
| Core | $600 – 900 per tooth |
| Crown (if required) | $2,500 – 3,000 per tooth |
*All fees are subject to prevailing Singapore Goods and Services Tax.
*All fees are subject to change without prior notice.
The information provided above is of a general nature only as you would need to be examined by our dental specialists/ dentists in order to confirm the best treatment option for you. A more detailed estimate of the fees involved can be confirmed after the initial consultation.
Meet our endodontist, Dr Irene Sim
Dr Irene Sim is an Endodontist with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Endodontics from the National University of Singapore. Dr Sim has a special interest in dental traumatology, revascularisation, apexification, non-vital bleaching & cracked teeth management.
Other than our resident Endodontist (root canal treatment specialist), Dr Irene Sim, we have a team of dental specialists that carry out root canal treatment as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment in Singapore
How much is root canal treatment in Singapore?
In Singapore, root canal treatment fees vary according to the complexity and experience of the dental specialist or dentist performing the treatment. At Specialist Dental Group, our root canal treatment fees are S$1,500 onwards per tooth and we will share a more detailed estimate of the costs with you after your initial consultation.
Can Medisave be used for root canal treatment?
Medisave is not applicable to root canal treatment, but it can cover any surgical procedures you may require. You can learn more about Medisave coverage on our Medisave Page.
How long does a root canal procedure take in Singapore?
A root canal treatment can be completed in one or two visits, depending on the extent of the infection. If two visits are needed, the visits are usually scheduled a few weeks apart to allow the medication in the root canals to take effect.
Is it necessary to crown after a root canal treatment?
You may not always need a dental crown after your root canal treatment. However, if the structure of your tooth is compromised, it is advised to get a crown to protect your tooth from further damage and to restore its size, so it is fully functional again. Speak to our team today to find out more about dental crown treatment.
Is it better to have a root canal treatment or extraction?
A healthy and natural tooth is always the best kind of tooth. Root canal treatment helps to save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. When a tooth is infected or cracked, an Endodontist helps to asses if the tooth can be saved using a dental microscope. In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, an extraction needs to be done. That leaves a gap, which may affect the surrounding teeth and result in bone loss. Therefore it is crucial to replace the missing tooth after an extraction. Book an appointment with us today to identify the appropriate treatment for you.
Can my tooth decay after root canal treatment?
It may be possible to develop a cavity after your root canal treatment. However, you can easily avoid this by practising proper oral hygiene and scheduling a dental check-up every six months so that potential problems can be addressed early.
How long will a root canal last?
Teeth that have root canal treatment can last a lifetime with proper care. However, there are cases when a treated tooth becomes painful or diseased again due to not healing according to expectations or a new infection occurs. An additional root canal treatment can help with healing and save your tooth. Therefore, if you encounter any issues with your tooth that had root canal treatment, speak to an Endodontist to find out your options. With an experienced team of dental specialists, Specialist Dental Group ensures that you will always reap the maximum benefits from your root canal treatment. Visit any of our clinics in Singapore today for a consultation.
