Root Canal Treatment

Gentle, Effective Root Canal Treatment to Relieve Pain and Save Your Natural Tooth

molar-root-canal.png

From $600 to $1,400 CHAS

Depends on tooth, number of canals, and complexity of canals

Prices are indicative and based on normal case complexity. A consultation is required for a definitive quote.

Root Canal Treatment

If your tooth is badly decayed and infected, root canal treatment (RCT) may be required. Our dentists will disinfect the tooth and ensure it is bacteria-free, so that your toothache is a thing of the past.


What exactly is a root canal?

Did you know that your teeth are living organs? They contain nerves and blood vessels, just like any other organ in your body. These nerves and vessels form the “pulp” at the centre of the tooth. This pulp is what gives your tooth sensation and keeps it alive. The canals within the tooth that encompass the pulp are referred to as the root canals.


When is root canal treatment required?

When you experience a toothache, this is because the pulp within your tooth has become inflamed. Removal of any decay and placement of a filling may resolve mild inflammation.

However, when the pulp within the canals has been badly damaged due to extensive decay, cracks in your teeth, or physical trauma, the tooth will start to die. This process can cause severe pain. In order to stop the pain and infection from progressing, root canal treatment is recommended. The pulp must be removed, and the canal cleaned and medicated to remove all traces of bacteria.


Are there any alternatives to root canal treatment?

Once the pulp of your tooth has started to die, the only way to permanently stop your pain is by completely removing the pulp. Other than a root canal, your other option would be to extract the tooth. However, we believe in saving your natural teeth as much as possible.

If you are still uncertain about whether root canal treatment is for you, come down to one of our dental clinics in Singapore for a consultation, and our dentists will be more than happy to listen to your concerns and present you with the options that are suitable for you.


Different Types of Root Canal Treatments

Endodontic Retreatment

If your tooth has undergone a root canal in the past but has become infected again, endodontic retreatment may be required to save the tooth. This treatment involves the removal of the old root canal filling. After which, the tooth will be retreated to remove the infection and restored with a new filling.

Restorability Assessment

If your tooth has a crack, tests and examinations can be carried out to assess the chance that the tooth can be successfully restored.

Vital Pulpotomy

If decay has reached part of the tooth’s pulp, a vital pulpotomy can be done to remove the infected area of the pulp while leaving the rest of the healthy pulp intact.

Revascularisation

Sometimes, deep decay or trauma can prevent a permanent tooth from developing fully. This leaves the roots of the tooth more open and susceptible to infection. Revascularisation treatment aims to help an under-developed tooth complete the formation of its roots.


Pain Free Dentistry

For many, dental procedures have always been associated with pain. Pain is one of the main reasons why many patients avoid going to the dentist. At Advanced Dental, our dental experts are equipped to provide a pain-free experience with various anaesthetic options.

Frequently asked questions

Are there alternatives to root canal treatment?

The alternative to root canal treatment is extracting the tooth. However, it is generally recommended to save the natural tooth whenever possible as it helps maintain proper biting and chewing function, prevents shifting of adjacent teeth, and preserves the jawbone structure.

Why is root canal treatment necessary?

Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, or trauma. It is performed to save the tooth from extraction and to relieve pain and discomfort caused by the infection.

A temporary filling was placed on my tooth after the root canal treatment. Is there anything that I should be aware of?

It is not unusual for a thin layer of temporary filling to wear off in-between appointments. However, if the entire filling wears off or dislodges, please contact our clinic so we can arrange to have it replaced.

What is a root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure that involves removing infected or damaged pulp from the inside of a tooth. The pulp is then cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent further infection and save the tooth.

Is root canal treatment painful?

Pain is caused when the nerves in your tooth are damaged by bacteria or trauma. Removing the nerve essentially removes the feelings of pain you are having. During the first stage of a root canal, local anaesthesia will be applied to the surrounding area so that the pulp containing the nerves in your tooth can be removed painlessly. Once the nerve is gone and the canal is cleaned out, the rest of the treatment itself is painless.

Show 14 more questions
What happens after a root canal treatment?

After a root canal treatment, the tooth may require a dental crown or filling to restore its strength and protect it from further damage. Your dentist will discuss the appropriate restoration options for your specific case.

What are the steps involved in a root canal treatment?

The treatment has two stages: 1) Cleaning and disinfecting the canal and 2) Filling the canal to prevent bacterial regrowth. These stages can be performed in one or more sessions, depending on the tooth's condition. After treatment, the tooth is restored with a filling or crown.

Can I drive myself home after a root canal treatment?

Yes, in most cases, you can drive yourself home after a root canal treatment. The local anesthesia used during the procedure wears off relatively quickly, allowing you to resume your daily activities. However, if you receive sedation or if you feel uncomfortable driving, it's best to arrange for someone to drive you home.

My tooth and the area surrounding it feel tender to touch. Is this normal after my root canal treatment?

Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be tender or sore for a few days, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. You may also feel some tenderness in your jaw from keeping it open for an extended period of time during the treatment.

What is the price for a root canal treatment (RCT) and are there subsidies available?

The price for root canal treatment by a general dentist is: Front tooth - $500 to $700 and Premolar - $700 to $900. By a specialist: Front tooth - $700 to $900, Premolar - $1000 to $1200, and Molar - $1300 to $1600. Prices do not include the core, post, crown, or GST. CHAS subsidies are available with a claim limit of up to 2 root canal treatments per calendar year.

What is a root canal treatment (RCT)?

Root canal treatment repairs an infected or badly decayed tooth by disinfecting the root canal to make it bacteria-free. The treatment itself is painless due to the application of local anesthesia.

Can a tooth that has had a root canal treatment get reinfected?

In rare cases, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment can get reinfected. This may occur if the tooth was not properly sealed, there was a fracture in the tooth, or new decay developed. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are crucial for monitoring and preventing reinfection.

How successful is root canal treatment?

Root canal treatment has a high success rate, with most treated teeth lasting a lifetime. However, success depends on various factors, including the extent of the infection, the tooth's condition, and proper restoration and maintenance after the treatment.

Will I get a medical certificate (MC) for root canal treatment?

If you would like to request for an MC, kindly raise your concern to your treating dentist and he/she will assess your condition to see if you require medical leave.

Is root canal treatment expensive?

The cost of root canal treatment varies depending on factors such as the tooth's location, complexity of the case, and the need for additional procedures. While root canal treatment may require a significant investment, it is often more cost-effective than tooth extraction followed by tooth replacement options like dental implants or bridges.

For a root canal treatment, should I see a general dentist or a specialist?

Simple root canal cases can be performed by our general dentists. Complex cases, such as molars with many canals or re-treatment of failed root canals, will be referred to our in-house specialists.

How long does root canal treatment take?

Depending on the severity of the tooth, the duration of each appointment varies between 30 and 90 minutes.

Is there anything I should avoid eating or doing after my root canal treatment?

Do not eat or drink anything for the first half an hour after your treatment. The temporary filling in your tooth takes about half an hour to harden. Also, avoid chewing on the affected site until your tooth has been restored with a permanent restoration, as the tooth is still fragile and unprotected. Switching to a softer diet may be necessary but otherwise, you may eat what is comfortable on the opposite side.

Why choose Advanced Dental clinics?

At Advanced Dental, we are committed to providing dental care catered to your unique needs. We have grown to 24 clinics across Singapore and are proud to offer a full range of dental services, including orthodontics (braces and Invisalign), endodontics (root canal treatments), prosthodontics (dentures, veneers, crowns, and bridges), as well as jaw surgeries, dental implants, and wisdom tooth extraction. Our team of professionals is passionate about helping patients feel amazing about their oral health. This is made possible by the collaboration of a dynamic and diverse set of professionals, both in our clinics and behind the scenes. From scheduling an appointment to answering any questions you may have after treatment; our team is here to ensure your needs are acknowledged and met.

Dentists who do Root Canal Treatment

See all →

Related procedures

All procedures →

Crowns and Bridges

Durable, Natural-Looking Crowns and Bridges to Restore Your Confident Smile

21 clinics · 35 dentists

Tooth Sensitivity

Gentle, Effective Treatments to Relieve Your Tooth Sensitivity and Protect Your Smile

5 clinics · 2 dentists

Related articles

More →