Root canal treatment
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Treatment at the root of the problem to relieve your pain
The nerve in your tooth may be inflamed or infected if you experience these symptoms:
- Pain
- Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold
- Discolouration of the tooth
- Swelling
- Tenderness of gums or a bad taste in the mouth
If left untreated, this can lead to the loss of the tooth. Other issues, such as deep decay, a faulty crown, a crack or chip in the tooth, or even repeated dental procedures on the same tooth, can cause further problems.
To nip the problem in the bud, you will need to undergo root canal treatment. The procedure helps eliminate bacteria from your infected root canal. Your dental specialist will remove the inflamed or infected pulp, disinfect, and clean the inside of the tooth.
Once that is complete, there is a higher chance of preventing reinfection of the tooth and saving the natural tooth.
By saving their natural tooth, patients are more likely to maintain their natural smile, keep eating their favourite foods and limit the need for future dental work. With proper maintenance and care, your root canal treatment may last a lifetime.
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment involves the removal of the inflamed or infected root. The inflamed or infected root will be removed, before cleaning and disinfecting is done for the inside of the tooth.
The tooth is then filled with an inert material and subsequently restored. This treatment saves the tooth that would otherwise have been extracted.
Do I Need A Root Canal Treatment?
If you’re experiencing dental issues, seeking immediate professional attention in Singapore for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan is essential. You may require a root canal treatment if the tooth’s pulp is inflamed or infected due to various causes, such as tooth decay, trauma, or gum disease. Common symptoms that indicate the need for a root canal treatment include:
- Persistent, severe toothache
- Sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods
- Gum swelling near the affected tooth
- Tender or swollen gums in the area
- Discoloration of the affected tooth
- Unpleasant breath or taste in the mouth
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Chipped or cracked tooth
Benefits of Root Canal Treatment
Root canal treatment offers numerous advantages, making it a valuable dental procedure. The benefits of undergoing a root canal treatment include:
- Relief from pain and discomfort.
- Preserve the tooth’s integrity, restoring its functionality and health.
- Prevent the infection from spreading to other teeth or body organs.
- Improved oral health, eliminating the need for costly future treatments.
- Protect neighboring natural teeth from the strain caused by missing or damaged teeth.
- Restore your smile’s natural appearance.
- Maintain good overall health and well-being.
Root canal treatment reduces the necessity for additional dental procedures by preventing further damage or infection.
Risks of Root Canal Treatment
While root canal treatment is generally safe, it’s essential to be aware of potential risks associated with this delicate procedure. Some possible risks include:
- Pain and discomfort: Some patients may experience post-procedure pain, especially if there’s a residual infection or inflammation.
- Infection: Though rare, infection in the treated tooth or surrounding tissues is possible.
- Nerve damage: In uncommon cases, temporary or permanent nerve damage may lead to numbness or tingling sensations.
- Fractured tooth: Due to the removal of pulp and weakened tooth structure, the treated tooth may be more susceptible to fractures.
- Incomplete treatment: Recurrence of infection may happen if the entire infected pulp is not removed during the procedure.
What is involved in root canal treatment?
Dental specialists/ dentists in Singapore typically will find out the details of your medical and dental history, go through a consultation and examination, and take an x-ray of your teeth and jaws to ascertain if you are suitable for root canal treatment. Thereafter, they will discuss the most appropriate solution for your needs with you.
Inside a tooth is a soft, living tissue called the pulp (the “nerve”). The pulp contains blood vessels, fibres and nerves. A root canal treatment is needed when the nerve of a tooth becomes inflamed or infected.
A local anaesthetic will be administered at the site of the tooth to be treated. An opening will be made in the top of the tooth and the infected pulp or nerve will be cleaned from the root canals and the pulp chamber. The space will also be sterilised and shaped for filling. Biocompatible material will then be used to fill the root canal. Adhesive cement is placed to seal the root canals completely. A temporary filling will be used.
A root canal treatment can be completed in one or two visits, depending on the extent of the infection. If two visits are needed, the visits are usually scheduled a few weeks apart to allow the medication in the root canals to take effect.
To strengthen the tooth structure which is compromised, your dental specialist may recommend a dental crown in some cases. A foundation build-up (post-core) will be placed, followed by the crown to protect it and restore it to full function. The restored tooth looks, feels and functions like your other teeth.
For the first few days after treatment, in rare cases, your tooth may feel sensitive, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. This discomfort can be relieved with pain relief medication.
Most root canal-treated teeth last as long as your natural teeth and require the same maintenance. This includes flossing, brushing, and regular 6-month dental check-ups.
In a few cases, a tooth that has undergone endodontic treatment does not heal or the pain continues. Further treatment (e.g. root end surgery) may be necessary.
Occasionally, the tooth may become painful months or even years after successful treatment, usually due to new decay and leakage problems. When this occurs, the endodontic procedure may need to be re-done to save the tooth.
Teeth that have root canal treatment can last a lifetime with proper care. However, there are cases when a treated tooth becomes painful or diseased again due to not healing according to expectations or a new infection occurs. An additional root canal treatment can help with healing and save your tooth. Therefore, if you encounter any issues with your tooth that had root canal treatment, speak to an Endodontist to find out your options. With an experienced team of dental specialists, Specialist Dental Group ensures that you will always reap the maximum benefits from your root canal treatment. Visit any of our clinics in Singapore today for a consultation.
Root canal treatment fees
Wondering if Medisave can be used for this procedure?
Medisave does not apply to root canal treatment. However, should you require surgical procedures, this procedure may be covered. For more details, learn what treatments can be covered under Medisave.
Meet our endodontist, Dr Irene Sim
Dr Irene Sim is an Endodontist with Specialist Dental Group®. She received her specialty training in Endodontics from the National University of Singapore. Dr Sim has a special interest in dental traumatology, revascularisation, apexification, non-vital bleaching & cracked teeth management.
Other than our resident Endodontist (specialist for root canal treatment), Dr Irene Sim, we have a team of dental specialists that carry out root canal treatment as well.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment in Singapore
Is it necessary to crown after a root canal treatment?
You may not always need a dental crown after your root canal treatment. However, suppose the structure of your tooth is compromised. In that case, your dental specialist may recommend getting a crown to protect your tooth from further damage and restore its size so it is fully functional.
Is it better to have a root canal treatment or extraction?
A healthy and natural tooth is always the best kind of tooth. Root canal treatment helps to save teeth that would otherwise need to be extracted. When a tooth is infected or cracked, an endodontist assess if the tooth can be saved using a dental microscope. In cases where the tooth cannot be saved, an extraction needs to be done. That leaves a gap, which may affect the surrounding teeth and result in bone loss. Therefore it is crucial to replace the missing tooth after an extraction.
