Root Canal
Treatment
in Singapore

Effectively Repair and Save a Decayed Tooth & Its Surrounding Tissues

What Is
Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment is a dental procedure designed to relieve dental pain and preserve the natural structure of one’s teeth.

During this procedure, your dental specialist carefully removes the infected or damaged pulp from inside the tooth, cleanses and disinfects the root canals, and fills the space to seal the space. After a root canal procedure, the tooth is dead. You will no longer feel any pain in that tooth because the nerve tissue has been removed, and the infection has been eliminated.

By undergoing root canal treatment, patients can often avoid the need for tooth extraction while enjoying improved oral health and comfort.

Who Needs a Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment is necessary when inflammation or infection affects the soft tissue within the root canal, known as the pulp. This condition can arise due to advanced tooth decay, recurrent dental interventions, or structural damage such as fractures or chips in the tooth. Additionally, trauma to the tooth, even if not visibly apparent, can precipitate pulp damage.

Signs that a root canal may be necessary include persistent or severe toothaches when chewing, swelling or tenderness in the surrounding gums, as well as the darkening or discolouration of the affected tooth. Prolonged sensitivity or pain following the removal of stimuli, along with the appearance of a pimple-like bump on the gums, are also possible signs.

Make an appointment with our dental clinic at (65) 6836 9808 for a detailed evaluation of your symptoms.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment offers several advantages for patients experiencing severe tooth decay or infection. This treatment can:

  • Relieve Pain: The procedure removes the inflamed or infected pulp that causes discomfort, allowing patients to return to daily activities without ongoing toothache.
  • Save the Natural Tooth: By preserving the tooth's structure, root canal treatment avoids the need for extraction, helping to maintain proper chewing function and alignment of surrounding teeth.
  • Prevent Infection Spread: Cleaning and sealing the canals stops bacteria from reaching nearby tissues or entering the bloodstream, reducing the risk of abscesses or more widespread issues.
  • Restore Tooth Function: After treatment, the tooth can be restored with a filling or crown, enabling normal biting and eating without dietary restrictions caused by pain.
  • Support Long-Term Oral Health: A treated tooth can function for many years with proper care, limiting the need for additional dental procedures compared to tooth replacement options.

Cost of Root Canal Treatment

The cost of a root canal treatment may vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the specific tooth involved. At PKWY Dental Specialist Practice, we offer competitive pricing to make dental care accessible to everyone.

We accept various insurance plans and assist with claims where applicable, helping to offset expenses for eligible patients. For personalised quotes, we recommend scheduling a consultation at PKWY Dental Clinic to discuss your specific needs and coverage.

How Long Does it Take to Recover?

The recovery time after a root canal treatment usually lasts several days, during which patients experience discomfort or sensitivity. Achieving full recovery can take up to one month or more, depending on the severity of the condition, the extent of the procedure, and how well the patient followed post-treatment instructions.

How Long Does a Root Canal Procedure Take?

The duration of a root canal procedure can vary based on factors such as tooth location, case complexity, and patient anatomy. On average, it takes about 30 to 60 minutes long. More complicated or serious cases may take longer.

How Long Does it Take to Recover?

The recovery time after a root canal treatment usually lasts several days, during which patients experience discomfort or sensitivity. Achieving full recovery can take up to one month or more, depending on the severity of the condition, the extent of the procedure, and how well the patient followed post-treatment instructions.

Risk and
Complications

Root canal treatments are considered safe and effective, but like any medical procedure, there are potential risks, which include:

  • Post-treatment Discomfort: Patients may experience prolonged discomfort or sensitivity in the treated tooth and surrounding area after the procedure.
  • Reinfection: If the tooth is not properly sealed or if bacteria re-contaminate the root canal, reinfection may occur.
  • Tooth Fracture: Because the tooth structure may have weakened, there is a risk of fracture, particularly in teeth with extensive decay or damage.
  • Damage to Surrounding Structures: There is a small risk of damage to surrounding structures such as nearby teeth, nerves, or blood vessels during the procedure.

Post-Treatment Care and Recovery

The following steps are required for post treatment care and a speedy recovery:

  • Immediate Care: Prescribed pain medications and ice packs may be applied to the outside of the cheek near the treated area to reduce pain and swelling.
  • Protect Sensitive Area Avoid chewing on the treated tooth to reduce pressure placed on the area.
  • Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss regularly but gently and carefully.
  • Attend Follow-up Appointments: This may involve removing temporary fillings or crowns and placing permanent restorations to protect the tooth.
  • Monitor for Signs of Infection: Contact your dentist if you experience significant pain, swelling, or discharge from the treated tooth.

Alternatives to Root Canal Treatment

Root canal treatment is often an effective solution for saving a severely damaged or infected tooth. However, depending on your specific situation, there might be alternative options available. These include:

  • Tooth Extraction: This procedure becomes necessary if the tooth is damaged beyond repair. After extraction, you may replace the missing tooth with dental implants, bridges or removable dentures.
  • Direct Pulp Capping: In this procedure, a dental material is placed directly over an exposed pulp to encourage healing and prevent further damage.
  • Pulpotomy: This procedure is often chosen for children with immature teeth, where only the infected part of the pulp is removed and a medicated filling is applied to aid healing.
Root Canal Dentist
in Singapore

Dr Michele Chia leads endodontic care at our PKWY Dental Specialist Practice, bringing focused expertise in root canal treatment and related procedures. She is skilled in the use of microscopic endodontic and microsurgical techniques to manage cracked teeth and effectively save teeth from infection. With a passion for comprehensive dental care and years of expertise in the field, Dr Michele is dedicated to helping patients restore oral health and comfort.

Dr Michele Chia
General Dentist (Special interest in Endodontics)

FAQs on Root Canal Treatment

For appointment or query, please call (65) 6836 9808 or fill up the form below.
We’ll get back to you within one business day.
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