Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment allows you to address infection or inflammation inside your teeth without the need for removal.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
A root canal treatment is performed to treat a tooth that is badly decayed, damaged, or infected by treating the soft inner tissue, also known as the dental pulp. This pulp consists of nerves, blood, vessels, and connective tissue, and extends from the crown of the tooth down through fine channels within the roots, known as the root canals.
When decay, cracks, or trauma expose the pulp to bacteria, infection or inflammation can develop. This can lead to persistent pain, temperature sensitivity, and swelling. If left untreated, the infection may spread to the surrounding bone or form an abscess at the root tip.
Common complications of untreated pulp infection include:
- Formation of abscesses (pus-filled swelling near the tooth root)
- Bone loss around the affected area
- Swelling or tenderness in nearby tissues
- Persistent or severe toothache
Root canal treatment stops this process. A dentist will remove the infected pulp, disinfect the root canal system, fill the space with a sterile rubber filling, and seal the tooth. By addressing the source of infection while preserving the natural structure, root canal treatment allows you to maintain normal function and avoid extraction.
After the procedure, the tooth may no longer have a live nerve supply and can become more brittle. To protect it, a dental crown or onlay is usually recommended, especially for molars or teeth exposed to heavy chewing forces.
What Root Canal Treatment Can Do
When performed by a specialist, root canal treatment can help preserve a tooth that might otherwise require extraction. Aside from treating infection, here are some of the key outcomes that treatment can help achieve:
Preserves the Natural Tooth
One of the main goals of root canal treatment is to retain the patient’s own tooth rather than remove it. Preserving the natural tooth helps maintain proper bite alignment, jaw stability, and the natural spacing of neighbouring teeth. Keeping the tooth in place also helps prevent bone loss in the jaw, which can occur after extraction. This contributes to the long-term preservation of facial structure and oral function.
Restores Normal Biting and Chewing Function
Once the infection is cleared and the tooth is restored with a crown or onlay, it can function much like a healthy, natural tooth. The restored tooth is designed to withstand normal chewing forces and to integrate with the surrounding teeth, supporting a more balanced bite and allowing for comfortable eating and speaking.
Prevents the Spread of Infection
An untreated dental infection can spread to nearby teeth, bone, or soft tissues, potentially leading to abscesses or more serious oral health problems. Root canal treatment isolates and disinfects the affected area, preventing bacteria from spreading to neighbouring structures.
Maintains Dental Appearance and Confidence
By preserving the natural tooth structure, root canal treatment helps maintain the integrity and appearance of the smile. After the procedure, the tooth is typically restored with a custom crown or onlay that matches the colour and contour of adjacent teeth. This ensures the treated tooth blends in with the rest of the dentition, helping maintain aesthetics while preserving overall oral balance.
What to Expect During Root Canal Treatment
If you are considering root canal treatment, here is a step-by-step overview of what typically happens and what our dentists do during the process:
1st Visit: Consultation and X-rays
During your first visit, the dentist will conduct a thorough examination to determine whether root canal treatment is required.
This includes:
- X-rays or 3D scans to assess the extent of infection, the number of canals, and the condition of the surrounding bone.
- Pulp vitality testing to check whether the nerve inside the tooth is still alive or has been damaged by decay or trauma.
Your dentist will explain the findings, discuss available treatment options, and advise how extensive the procedure may be based on your tooth’s condition.
In some cases, if the tooth is too badly damaged, extraction and replacement (such as with an implant) may be advised instead of root canal treatment. Occasionally, referral to a root canal specialist (endodontist) may be suggested for very complex cases.
2nd Visit: Root Canal Treatment
Before treatment begins, local anaesthesia is administered to numb the tooth and the surrounding area. Patients who prefer additional comfort or experience dental anxiety may also request sedation or, in certain cases, general anaesthesia, depending on suitability and clinical indication.
Tooth Isolation
The affected tooth is isolated using a thin, flexible sheet called a rubber dam. This barrier keeps the tooth dry, prevents contamination, and protects the mouth from dental instruments and materials used during the procedure.
Cleaning and Shaping
Once access is created through the top of the tooth, the infected pulp tissue is carefully removed. The dentist then cleans, shapes, and disinfects the canals to remove bacteria and prepare them for sealing.
Temporary Filling (If Necessary)
In some cases, especially when there is significant infection or multiple canals, the dentist may place a temporary filling to allow the tooth to stabilise before final sealing. This stage may last 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how the tooth responds to initial treatment.
Root Canal Filling
After confirming the canals are clean and free of infection, the dentist fills them with a biocompatible rubber material called gutta-percha and seals the space to prevent recontamination. An X-ray is usually taken to verify that the filling material reaches the correct depth and position within the root.
3rd Visit: Final Restoration
After the root canal is completed, the dentist may restore your tooth with a dental crown, onlay, or filling. This step should not be delayed, as it helps protect the tooth from further damage or reinfection.
4th Visit: Follow-Up Care
A short review appointment (about 15–20 minutes) is scheduled to check healing and ensure the tooth is stable. Some soreness is normal for a few days after treatment.
If you experience severe or worsening pain, you should contact your dentist promptly.
What is the Cost of Root Canal Treatment in Singapore?
Root canal treatment at Elite Dental Group starts from $600 to $1,200. This excludes consultation, X-rays, scans, or any additional procedures that may be required before treatment.
Here is a breakdown of treatment costs:
Consultation
$100
Root Canal Treatment
$600 – $1,500
Root Canal Re-Treatment
$780 – $1,800
Dental Crown
From $960
Financing Options
Medisave and CHAS
We are a CHAS and Medisave-accredited dental clinic.
Major Banks
We accept interest-free instalment payments from all major banks.
Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL)
We have existing collaborations with BNPL platforms like Atome and Grab PayLater to help manage the costs of your dental treatments.
Dental, Hospitalisation and Corporate Insurance
We are on multiple dental and corporate insurance panels to provide more accessible dental care to you.
Our Approach to Root Canal Treatment
Our dentists and specialists recognise that the idea of root canal treatment can cause anxiety for many patients. At Elite Dental Group, our focus is on making the process as clear, safe, and comfortable as possible.
- Individualised care: Each case is assessed on its own, with treatment tailored to the condition of the tooth and the patient’s overall health.
Structured planning: Examinations and digital imaging, such as 3D scans, are used to understand the tooth structure and plan the procedure carefully. - A focus on patient comfort: Local anaesthesia is always provided, and sedation may be considered for patients who prefer additional support during treatment.
- Use of magnification: Dental loupes and microscopes help the dentist see fine details inside the tooth, supporting thorough cleaning and sealing.
- Team-based management: For complex cases, our dentists may collaborate with partner endodontists to ensure appropriate care.
This approach allows our dentists to carry out root canal treatment with attention to detail while supporting patient comfort at each stage.
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Got questions? We’ve got answers! Check out our FAQ section for common inquiries and helpful information to guide you.
How do I know if I need root canal treatment?
Your dentist may recommend root canal treatment if you have:
- Severe or persistent tooth pain
- Swelling or tenderness in the gums, sometimes with an abscess
- Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers
- Pain when biting or releasing your bite
- Noticeable darkening of a tooth
- Teeth that are badly decayed, cracked, or damaged
Is root canal treatment painful?
Root canal treatment is often thought to be painful, but the procedure itself is usually no more uncomfortable than a routine dental filling. The discomfort that many people associate with the treatment typically comes from the infection or inflammation inside the tooth before treatment, rather than from the procedure itself. Modern dental techniques and equipment have also allowed root canal procedures to be performed in ways that minimise discomfort.
During the treatment, the area around the affected tooth will be numbed with local anaesthesia. For patients who experience dental anxiety or require additional support, sedation options may also be discussed.
After the procedure, it is common to feel mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days as the surrounding tissues heal. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief and good oral care. Pain also tends to decrease quickly after the procedure and is minimal by one week.
What is the difference between a root canal and a tooth extraction?
A root canal treatment retains your natural tooth by removing the natural pulp and sealing the tooth, allowing you to keep your bite and smile. Tooth extraction removes the entire tooth, which may lead to changes in chewing, jaw alignment, and sometimes bone loss in the jaw. After extraction, you may need a replacement, such as a dental implant or a bridge.
Your dentist will discuss which option best suits your condition, taking into account the health of the tooth, surrounding bone, and your overall oral and medical health.
Are there alternatives to root canal treatment?
If a tooth is badly infected or damaged, root canal treatment is often the first choice to save it. However, there are other options if that is not possible or does not work. These include:
- Retreatment: If a previous root canal fails, the tooth can often be retreated with another root canal procedure.
- Endodontic surgery: Sometimes, surgery at the tip of the root (apicoectomy) can help save the tooth.
- Intentional replantation or autotransplantation: Rarely, a tooth may be removed and placed back or replaced with another tooth, especially in young patients.
- Regenerative endodontic procedures: For some teeth, especially in children or teens, newer treatments may help the tooth heal and grow.
- Extraction and replacement: If the tooth cannot be saved, it may need to be removed. Replacement options include dental implants, bridges, or dentures.
How long can root canal treatment last?
When the tooth is properly cleaned, sealed, and restored (usually with a crown), root canal treatment can last many years. Its longevity generally depends on:
- Timely placement of a crown or onlay: Delaying the final restoration can make the tooth more prone to fracture or recontamination.
- Good oral hygiene: Brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings help prevent new decay or gum issues.
- Bite forces: Teeth grinding or clenching (bruxism) can place extra stress on restored teeth and affect longevity.
- Regular dental check-ups: Periodic X-rays allow early detection of any changes or reinfection.
Retreatment may be needed if new decay, cracks, or reinfection occur.
What are the risks of root canal treatment?
Like all dental procedures, root canal treatment carries some risks. These may include:
- Persistent infection or reinfection: This may occur if bacteria remain in the canal or re-enter the tooth through decay or a loose filling.
- Instrument fracture: Rarely, small instruments used in the canal may break inside the tooth.
- Tooth fracture: If the tooth is not promptly restored with a crown or onlay, it may become brittle and prone to cracking.
- Nerve irritation: Nearby nerves may be temporarily affected, leading to altered sensation in the lips or chin. However, this is an uncommon risk.
- Allergic reactions: Some individuals may react to certain materials, though this is uncommon.
Your dental surgeon or root canal specialist will discuss risks specific to your case.
What are the side effects of root canal treatment?
Most people experience only mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days after root canal treatment. This is normal and usually goes away with time or with over-the-counter pain medicine. Some people may notice slight swelling or tenderness around the treated tooth, but this is uncommon and usually resolves quickly. Rarely, there may be temporary bruising or a minor change in how the teeth fit together when biting.
Tooth discolouration can happen over time, especially if the tooth was already damaged or infected before treatment, but this is not a direct side effect of the procedure itself. This can often be managed with a crown or other restoration.
Most side effects are temporary and improve as the tooth heals. If pain or swelling lasts more than a week or if there is severe discomfort, contact your root canal dentist.
Am I suitable for root canal treatment?
Suitability depends on the extent of tooth damage, the overall health of the surrounding bone and gums, and your general medical condition.
You may be a good candidate if:
- The tooth structure is strong enough to support restoration after treatment
- The surrounding bone is healthy and stable
- You can maintain good oral hygiene to prevent reinfection
In cases where the tooth is severely damaged, fractured below the gum line, or has insufficient bone support, extraction and replacement may be more appropriate. Your dentist or root canal specialist will perform a full clinical assessment before recommending the most suitable approach.
Can I return to daily activities after root canal treatment?
Yes, most patients return to work or school the next day. Numbness from anaesthesia usually lasts a few hours, so it’s best to avoid eating until it wears off. Strenuous activity should be avoided for the rest of the day. Some sensitivity is normal for a few days but generally settles with home care.
How common is infection after root canal treatment?
Infection following root canal treatment is uncommon, as the procedure is designed to remove bacteria and seal the tooth to prevent reinfection. When performed under proper care and followed by timely restoration, root canal treatment generally has a high long-term success rate.
However, a small number of cases may still develop post-treatment infection. This can occur due to factors such as:
- Undetected or curved root canals that are difficult to clean completely
- Leakage from a damaged or delayed final restoration
- Re-entry of bacteria due to new decay or cracks in the tooth
Maintaining good oral hygiene and ensuring that the tooth is properly restored and reviewed at regular dental visits helps minimise these risks.
If you notice persistent pain, swelling, or discomfort after the initial healing period, contact your dentist for evaluation and management.
Can root canal treatment be unsuccessful?
While root canal treatment is generally effective, there are cases where it may not succeed. Contributing factors can include:
- Complex root anatomy that makes cleaning all canals challenging
- Reinfection if the final crown or restoration is delayed
- Fracture of the treated tooth
In some situations, new issues may develop months or years later, such as a crack in the root or a new infection. Retreatment may be possible, though severe cases may require extraction.
Regular dental check-ups and timely restoration with a crown or onlay, along with good oral hygiene, can help reduce the risk and support long-term success.
HOW CAN WE
HELP?
Heading to a dental clinic can be a scary and almost overwhelming experience. If you have landed on our website, we would like to extend our warmest welcome to you and your family. There is nothing to fear!
Should you require further information about our costs of treatment, or are looking for recommendations for your needs, we invite you to a consultation with our dentists at a time of your convenience.