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Root Canal Treatment

Preserve Your Natural Smile with Effective Endodontic Care

What is Root Canal?

A root canal is an endodontic procedure designed to save a tooth that is severely infected or damaged. During treatment, the infected or inflamed pulp tissue (the nerve and blood vessels inside your tooth) is carefully removed, the canal system is cleaned and disinfected, and then sealed with a biocompatible filling material.

This procedure eliminates pain, stops infection, and preserves your natural tooth rather than requiring extraction.

Why Do Teeth Need Root Canals?

Inflammation (Pulpitis)

When the pulp of your tooth becomes irritated or inflamed, it can result from:

  • Deep decay – Bacteria penetrate through the enamel and dentin, reaching the pulp chamber
  • Cracked or chipped teeth – Trauma exposes the pulp to bacteria
  • Repeated dental procedures – Multiple treatments on the same tooth can heat and irritate the pulp
  • Gum disease – Severe periodontal infection can spread to the root

When inflamed, the pulp swells inside the rigid tooth, creating pressure that causes pain and discomfort.

Necrosis (Pulp Death)

If inflammation is left untreated, the pulp can die (necrosis). This creates an infected environment where bacteria multiply and form a localized abscess at the tip of the root. This can lead to:

  • Severe pain and swelling of the jaw
  • Bone loss around the root tip (visible on X-rays)
  • Systemic infection if bacteria enter the bloodstream
  • Potential loss of the tooth if untreated

Treatment Pricing

Our root canal treatment fees depend on tooth location and complexity.

Anterior Teeth (Incisors & Canines​)

SGD $500

Premolars (Single & Double-rooted​)

SGD $650

Molars (Multi-rooted teeth)

SGD $1,000

* Note: Fees exclude core build-up, crown restoration, and additional fillings. These will be discussed and quoted separately.

Post-Operative Care & Recovery

First 2 - 3 Days: Normal Discomfort

It is completely normal to experience mild to moderate tenderness and sensitivity after treatment. This discomfort is due to inflammation in the surrounding tissues and jaw muscle soreness from keeping your mouth open during the procedure.

✓ Recovery Timeline:

  • Day 1 – 2: Mild to moderate tenderness and sensitivity around the treated tooth
  • Day 3 – 4: Noticeable improvement as inflammation subsides
  • Day 5 – 7: Discomfort should be minimal, normal function resumes

Soft Diet Recommendation

For the first 2–3 days, we recommend eating soft foods that require minimal chewing:

  • Yogurt, pudding, and ice cream
  • Mashed potatoes and soups
  • Scrambled eggs and oatmeal
  • Soft fruits like bananas and berries

Avoid: Hard, sticky, or very hot foods that could disturb the temporary or permanent restoration.

Pain Management

  • Over-the-counter pain relief: Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed
  • Cold compress: Apply to your cheek for 15–20 minutes in the first 24 hours to reduce swelling
  • Rest & elevation: Keep your head elevated to minimize blood flow to the area

The Importance of Crown Protection

Root canal-treated teeth, especially posterior teeth (premolars and molars), require a crown within 60 days of treatment completion.

Why a Crown is Essential for Posterior Teeth:

  • Prevents vertical root fracture: Root canal-treated teeth lose some structural strength. Crowns reinforce the tooth and reduce fracture risk by 50–70%
    Improves long-term survival: Teeth with crowns have survival rates of approximately 80% after 20 years, compared to much lower rates without crowns.
  • Protects the seal: A crown prevents bacterial re-contamination and extends treatment longevity
  • Maintains function: Allows you to chew normally without fear of fracture or re-infection
  • Studies show: Posterior teeth without crowns fail at a significantly higher rate. Immediate crown placement (within 60 days) leads to better prognosis than delayed restoration.

Root Canal: A Superior Alternative to Extraction

For patients with certain medical conditions, preserving natural teeth through root canal treatment is significantly better than extraction and replacement with implants.

Why Root Canal is Better for High-Risk Patients

Medical Conditions Where Root Canal is Preferred:

  • Osteoporosis / Osteopenia: Bisphosphonate and anti-resorptive medications increase extraction risks significantly
  • Cancer treatment history: Head & neck radiation therapy compromises bone healing
  • Immunocompromised patients: Higher infection risk with surgical procedures
  • Diabetes: Delayed wound healing makes extraction-implant treatment riskier

Clinical Advantages of Root Canal Over Extraction + Implant

  • Preserves bone: Extraction leads to progressive bone loss. Your natural tooth maintains the alveolar bone structure and prevents the “sunken” appearance that occurs after extraction
  • Avoids surgical risks: No need for bone grafting or major surgical procedures; lower infection risk in medically compromised patients
  • Maintains natural proprioception: Natural teeth provide sensory feedback during chewing; implants cannot fully replicate this
  • High long-term success: Root canal-treated teeth have 93–94% success rates at 10 years and approximately 81% at 37 years, making them highly predictable
  • Proven longevity: With proper crown restoration and maintenance, treated teeth often remain functional for 20+ years or a lifetime
  • Lower total cost: Significantly less expensive than implant-supported replacement, which requires bone grafting, implant surgery, and crown work

Testimonials From Our Patients

Transform Your Smile

Ready to Save Your Tooth?

Early treatment is key to successful outcomes. If you're experiencing tooth pain or have been told you need a root canal, contact us today for a consultation.

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