What is a Root Canal?
A root canal is the space within the root of a tooth that contains the pulp, which includes nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When this pulp becomes infected or damaged, it can cause severe pain and potentially lead to the loss of the tooth.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a dental procedure aimed at removing the infected or damaged pulp from the tooth. This process involves several steps to ensure the tooth is thoroughly cleaned and sealed to prevent future infections.
Importance of Root Canal Treatment in Saving Natural Teeth
Root canal treatments are essential for saving natural teeth, which are invaluable for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Preserving a natural tooth prevents the need for more invasive dental procedures such as implants or bridges, thus safeguarding the patient’s long-term oral health.
Why is Root Canal Treatment Necessary?
Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp inside the tooth becomes infected or damaged. Root canal treatment becomes necessary when the pulp, the innermost part of the tooth, becomes infected or damaged, which may lead to an abscess.
Symptoms like severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity, and swelling around the tooth can indicate the need for this procedure. This can occur due to various reasons such as:
Infected Pulp: Bacteria can infect the pulp, causing pain and swelling.
​
Abscess: An abscess can form at the tip of the root, leading to severe pain and potential infection spread.
Anatomy of the Tooth and the Root Canal System
Enamel: The hard outer surface.
​
Dentin: The layer beneath the enamel.
​
Pulp: The innermost tissue containing nerves and blood vessels.
​
Root Canals: The hollow spaces that house the pulp.
What are the Steps Involved in Root Canal Treatment ?
Getting crowns and bridges involves several steps to ensure optimal results:
Initial Consultation
Anesthesia and Preparation
Tooth Isolation
Our dentists will assess your tooth and discuss the best course of action
To ensure your comfort during the procedure, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the affected tooth and surrounding area.
A rubber dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva during the procedure. This ensures a clean working environment.
Accessing the Pulp Chamber
The dentist will drill a small opening in the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals.
Cleaning and Shaping
The dentist will carefully remove the infected or damaged pulp tissue from inside the tooth using specialized instruments.
Final Restoration
Once cleaned and shaped, the canals are filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha to seal them and prevent future infection.
What are the Benefits of Root Canal Treatment?
Saves the Natural Tooth
The primary benefit is the preservation of the natural tooth, which is essential for maintaining dental function and aesthetics.
​Relieves Pain and Discomfort
Many patients report significant pain relief following the procedure.
Prevents Infection Spread
Timely treatment prevents the infection from spreading to adjacent teeth or surrounding tissues.
Long-term Solution for Tooth Preservation
Root canals provide a durable solution, often allowing the tooth to last a lifetime with proper care.
Common Questions about Root Canal Treatment
Is root canal treatment painful?
Contrary to popular belief, root canal treatment is generally not painful due to the anaesthesia administered during the procedure. Most patients experience relief from their pre-existing pain afterward.
What is the Cost of Crowns and Bridges in Singapore?
The cost of root canal treatment in Singapore varies based on several factors:
Complexity of the Procedure: Teeth with multiple canals or complex anatomy may require more time and expertise, increasing the cost.
Number of Canals: The number of canals in the tooth affects the pricing, with single-canal treatments generally being less expensive than multi-canal treatments.
Type of Restoration: The final restoration, such as a crown, can also impact the overall cost.
Type of Root Canal Treatment
Average Cost
Single-Canal Root Canal
Starting from SGD 800
Multi-Canal Root Canal
Starting from SGD 1,200
Final Restoration (Crown)
Starting from SGD 1,000
Contact Us!
If you are experiencing tooth pain or suspect you may need a root canal treatment, we invite you to schedule a consultation with our dentists. Our friendly and professional team is here to answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process.