ROOT CANAL TREATMENT

Easily accessible at 6 locations!

It doesn’t have to be scary or complicated to save damaged teeth. We’re dedicated to making dental care effective with minimal discomfort or anxiety.

Ask us about relieving dental pain with RCT in Singapore:

Dentist in sanitary mask performs a root canal on a patient in dental chair.

What is a Root Canal Treatment (RCT)?

RCT is done when you have a badly decayed or cracked tooth, which affects the nerve tissue in the tooth root.

A root canal procedure removes infected pulp tissue from the pulp chamber and root canal, cleans the inner tooth, then seals and fills it to protect against bacterial infection. Often, the root canal-treated tooth will require a dental crown.

Dentist explaining a root canal on a screen to patient sitting in dental chair.

Modern Tooth Removal Alternatives

In the past, an infected tooth was often extracted by default. The practice of dentistry today aims to preserve our natural teeth.

We have adopted modern innovations in our clinics to aid in successful, comfortable and efficient root canal treatment.

Female dentist in mask and glasses performing a root canal on patient lying in dental chair.

Innovations in RCT technology include:

  • X-Smart IQ cordless handpiece

    This digital handpiece system aids in a smooth work flow.

  • CT scan for 3D imaging

    Cone beam tomography allows 3D visualisation of the root canal anatomy, where necessary.

  • Bioceramic Sealers

    In appropriate cases, effectively seals the root canal system.

  • Rotary instruments

    We use flexible, durable nickel-titanium files from Dentsply to shape the canals safely.

  • Dental Operating Microscope

    Our Bukit Merah location is equipped with a dental operating microscope for powerful magnification.

  • Downpack, Backfill Thermal Device

    We use this specific obturation system in selected cases.

Vital Pulp Therapy

In certain cases, Vital Pulp Therapy (VPT) is an option for treating infected teeth.

It involves removing only the top portion of the dental pulp, as a minimally invasive way to preserve the natural tooth.

Shot from the patient's perspective, seated in the dentist chair: dentist is adjusting the light and holding his tools in preparation for an examination.

FAQ

When should you get a root canal treatment procedure?

An RCT procedure can help when your tooth is decayed, broken, or otherwise traumatised, causing pulp inflammation or infection and pain in the dental nerve.

If you are experiencing any of these signs or symptoms, contact a Joy dentist to see if you need a root canal or another treatment:

  • Toothache
  • Swollen gums with discharging pus
  • Tooth fracture
  • Persistent bumps on gums
  • Prolonged sensitivity
  • Jaw pain, trouble eating
  • Unable to sleep due to tooth pain

 

If left untreated, the severe pain can persist and lead to worsening infection and potentially serious medical conditions.

How does a root canal treatment work?

After we confirm that RCT is right for you, your dentist creates an opening in the tooth in order to remove the infection within the tooth. The root canals are cleaned and sealed with a special root canal filling (gutta percha).

RCT in Singapore is a safe procedure that is commonly done, especially because of greater awareness regarding the maintenance of retaining natural teeth.

Is getting teeth extracted a better option?

In general, our natural teeth are best retained in the mouth, even if the root canal system is infected. Tooth retention is important because it affects the person’s sensation of chewing on food, which dentures and implants cannot replicate. We help our patients keep their teeth when possible, as we see the importance of what enjoying food means to us in Singapore.

The leftover space from an extraction results in the drifting of adjacent teeth, as well as over-eruption of the opposing tooth. Therefore, extraction does not adequately address the issue. Instead, it likely leads to further and more complex dental treatment in the future.

Certain medications make dental extractions unsuitable. Patients taking these are likely to require RCT if the tooth nerve becomes infected.

Is it root canal treatment painful?

It is a common misconception that root canal treatment is always a very painful procedure!

At Joy Dental Centre, we take pride in effective and comfortably administered local anesthesia injection prior to any RCTroot canal treatment.

Though uncommon, there can be some residual discomfort and soreness. It usually resolves within the first few days after the procedure.

When is RCT suitable?

Seniors and adults commonly receive this procedure. Children usually get a pulpotomy or other pulp therapy options for their baby teeth instead.

RCT is a beneficial alternative for certain medically-compromised patients who are likely to face post-extraction healing complications.

To determine if RCT is suitable, we assess whether the tooth can be predictably restored. This involves x-rays, investigative tests, and checking of cracks or removal of existing defective fillings. In some cases, the tooth may need extraction.

Discover the CHAS subsidies for root canal treatment (Singapore). Add link to Plans section & VPT page.

How long does a root canal treatment take?

An RCT typically takes 1 to 3 visits, with each visit requiring about an hour or slightly more.

As each tooth is different, and the number of root canals within each tooth can range from 1 to as many as 5 canals, you are encouraged to speak to one of our doctors regarding your specific situation.

We will be able to give you more details on your treatment after we have done an examination of your dental condition.

What’s the difference between RCT and Vital Pulp Therapy?

RCT involves complete removal of dental pulp (nerve) tissues from within the root canal space. This space is filled up with a root canal filling material, and the tooth is typically filled with a core material. A crown restoration is often placed on the tooth for protection.

For VPT, only the infected portion of the pulp is removed, with the aim of preserving healthy pulp tissues. This tooth is treated with a biocompatible material in contact with the pulp tissue, before being restored with a filling material.

Our dentists will advise you on the right choice of treatment! It depends on the condition of your affected tooth, and other factors such as your symptoms and bite situation.

TREATMENT PLANS

Root Canal Cost

Anterior Tooth

From $700*

Before GST

For Premolar Tooth

From $850*

Before GST

For Molar Tooth

From $1,200*

Before GST

Prices for root canal treatment include progress and final X-rays, but exclude initial X-ray, medications and final restoration. Fee is dependent on complexity of case.

Subsidies

CHAS Subsidies

Claim amounts per procedure

Medisave

Orange – $109.50 to $170.50
Blue – $164 to $256.50

Mederka Generation

$169 to $261.50

Pioneer Generation

$174 to $266.50

Have Questions?

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    Smiling dental receptionist answers telephone in office after patient contacted them.