Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment involves removing the nerves and blood vessels that supply the tooth.
What is root canal treatment (RCT)?
Root canal treatment is carried out to save the tooth and prevent the spread of infection. The procedure involves removing the damaged pulp from the tooth and the root canal is then cleaned of all bacteria.
After the bacteria have been removed, the root canal and pulp will be filled up using an artificial substance, before being sealed.
What is the difference between RCT & implants?
Implants, on the other hand, are specially made posts that replace the roots of teeth that are missing and are used to support a new crown, fixed bridge or denture. It is made of titanium, a strong and lightweight material which has been shown to be compatible with the body and safe for use.
Some indications of the need for root canal treatment include:
- Spontaneous pain or throbbing while biting
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods not relieved by other means
- Severe decay or an injury that creates an abscess (infection) in the bone
What is done during root canal treatment (RCT)?
RCT involves removing the nerves and blood vessels that supply the tooth. It is needed when the nerve of the tooth (known as the pulp) is infected & dies because of decay or trauma from accident / fall.
RCT is a skilled and time-consuming procedure. This may require two or more visits to your dentist. The aim of the treatment is to remove as much infection from the root canal as possible. A good amount of local anesthetic is administered to numb the tooth.
Root Canal Procedure
Root canal treatment may require 2 or more visits to the dentist as it has to be performed meticulously.
Some X-rays will have to be taken during the procedures. The tooth is isolated with a rubber dam and a clamp on the tooth.
First Visit:
The dentist will administer an injection (local anaesthetic) to the area around the tooth. You will feel a bit “fat” at the cheeks when you are numb. The dentist will drill and remove all decay present, and make an opening into the pulp chamber. Next, using a very fine instrument known as a file, the infected nerve is located and removed. The canal is rinsed and medication is placed inside the root canal to kill bacteria. A temporary filling is placed to prevent the canals from being damaged by saliva.
Subsequent Visit:
During the next visit, local anaesthetic will be administered again to numb the tooth. The temporary filling is removed. Progressively thicker files are used to clean and shape the entire length of the root canal. Medication is placed within the root again and a temporary filling is placed.
Depending on the number of canals and complexity of the case, this procedure may be repeated again on another visit. Finally, the root canal is rinsed, dried and filled with a rubber material within the root. A filling is placed on top.
Root Canal Cost
This is a fee estimate & subject to change. Please check with your clinician for an exact fee based on your unique clinical condition.
| Anterior Tooth | S$ 610 |
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| Premolar Tooth | S$ 760 |
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| Molar Tooth | S$ 910 |
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