Root canal. Just hearing those two words is enough to make some people anxious. The procedure has a reputation for being painful, complicated, and expensive. But here's the truth: modern root canal treatment is none of those things. In fact, a root canal is often the treatment that relieves severe pain, saves your natural tooth, and prevents far more serious problems down the line.

If you're in Yishun and facing the possibility of root canal treatment, this guide will walk you through what the procedure actually involves, what it costs, how to use MediSave to help cover the expense, and why it's often the best choice for your long-term oral health.

What Is a Root Canal and Why Is It Necessary?

A root canal is a dental procedure that treats infection or damage inside a tooth. To understand why it's needed, it helps to know a bit about tooth anatomy.

Each tooth has a hard outer layer (enamel), a middle layer (dentin), and a soft inner core called the pulp. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When the pulp becomes infected or inflamed—whether due to deep decay, a crack, trauma, or repeated dental procedures—it can cause severe pain and lead to an abscess if left untreated.

A root canal removes the infected or damaged pulp, cleans and disinfects the inside of the tooth, and seals it to prevent further infection. The tooth is then restored with a filling or crown, allowing it to function normally for many years.

Signs You Might Need a Root Canal

Not every toothache requires a root canal, but certain symptoms are strong indicators that the pulp is infected or damaged.

Persistent, severe tooth pain that doesn't go away—especially pain that wakes you up at night or makes it difficult to eat—is often a sign of pulp infection. The pain may be constant or come in waves, and it may radiate to your jaw, ear, or other teeth.

Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers long after the stimulus is removed is another red flag. If a sip of hot coffee or cold water causes pain that lasts for minutes rather than seconds, the nerve inside the tooth may be damaged.

Swelling and tenderness in the gums near a specific tooth can indicate an abscess—a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection. You might notice a pimple-like bump on your gum, which may ooze pus and have a foul taste.

Discoloration of the tooth. A tooth that has turned gray, brown, or dark yellow may have a dying or dead nerve inside. This is often a sign that root canal treatment is needed.

Pain when chewing or applying pressure to a specific tooth can indicate that the pulp is inflamed or that an infection has spread to the surrounding bone.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's important to see a dentist promptly. The sooner the problem is diagnosed and treated, the better the outcome.

Debunking the Pain Myth: Does a Root Canal Hurt?

Let's address the elephant in the room: root canals have a reputation for being painful. But this reputation is largely based on outdated information. Modern root canal treatment, performed with proper anesthesia and advanced techniques, is no more uncomfortable than getting a routine filling.

Here's the reality: the pain you're experiencing before the root canal is caused by the infected or inflamed pulp. The root canal is the treatment that relieves that pain. Most patients report feeling immediate relief after the procedure because the source of the pain—the infected nerve—has been removed.

During the procedure, you'll be given local anesthesia to numb the area completely. You'll feel pressure and movement, but not pain. If you're particularly anxious, sedation options are available to help you relax.

After the procedure, you may experience some mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days as the surrounding tissue heals. This is manageable with over-the-counter pain medication and typically resolves quickly.

The Root Canal Procedure at Shuang Dentistry: Step by Step

Understanding what happens during a root canal can help ease anxiety. Here's what you can expect at Shuang Dentistry:

Step 1: Diagnosis and Imaging. Dr. James Yap will examine the affected tooth and take X-rays or a CBCT scan to assess the extent of the infection and the shape of the root canals. CBCT imaging provides detailed 3D views that help Dr. Yap plan the treatment with precision.

Step 2: Anesthesia. Local anesthesia is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area. You'll be awake and aware, but you won't feel pain. If you're anxious, sedation options can be discussed.

Step 3: Isolation and Access. A small rubber sheet called a dental dam is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva. Dr. Yap then creates a small opening in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber.

Step 4: Cleaning and Shaping. Using specialized instruments, Dr. Yap carefully removes the infected or damaged pulp from the pulp chamber and root canals. The canals are then cleaned, disinfected, and shaped to prepare them for filling.

Step 5: Filling and Sealing. Once the canals are clean, they're filled with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha, which seals the space and prevents bacteria from re-entering. A temporary filling is placed on top to close the access opening.

Step 6: Restoration. In most cases, a tooth that has had a root canal will need a crown to protect it and restore full function. This is typically done in a follow-up appointment after the tooth has healed. In some cases, a filling may be sufficient if the tooth structure is strong enough.

The entire procedure typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case and the number of canals in the tooth.

Recovery and Aftercare: What to Expect

Recovery from a root canal is generally straightforward. Most people can return to work or school the same day or the next day.

Immediately after the procedure, the anesthesia will wear off within a few hours. You may experience some tenderness or mild discomfort, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen or paracetamol.

For the first few days, avoid chewing on the treated tooth, especially if it has a temporary filling. Stick to softer foods and chew on the opposite side of your mouth.

Keep the area clean by brushing and flossing gently. Good oral hygiene is important for healing and preventing further infection.

Attend your follow-up appointment to have the permanent crown or filling placed. This is essential for protecting the tooth and ensuring it functions properly for years to come.

If you experience severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection after the procedure, contact Shuang Dentistry immediately. While complications are rare, it's important to address any concerns promptly.

How Much Does Root Canal Treatment Cost in Singapore?

The cost of root canal treatment varies depending on which tooth is being treated. Teeth at the front of your mouth (incisors and canines) have fewer and simpler root canals, so they're less expensive to treat. Molars at the back of your mouth have multiple canals and more complex anatomy, making them more time-consuming and costly.

Typical cost factors include:

• Tooth location: Front teeth are less expensive than premolars, which are less expensive than molars.

• Number of canals: Molars can have three or more canals, each of which must be cleaned and filled.

• Complexity: Curved or narrow canals, calcified canals, or previous dental work can increase the complexity and cost.

• Imaging: CBCT scans provide detailed 3D views and may be recommended for complex cases.

• Restoration: The cost of the crown or filling that's placed after the root canal is typically separate.

  
  

At Shuang Dentistry, we provide transparent pricing and will give you a detailed cost estimate during your consultation. The estimate will include the root canal procedure, any necessary imaging, and the recommended restoration.

What's included in the root canal cost:

• Clinical examination and diagnosis

• X-rays or CBCT imaging

• Local anesthesia

• The root canal procedure (cleaning, shaping, filling the canals)

• Temporary filling

• Follow-up visit to check healing

  
  

Additional costs to consider:

• Crown or permanent filling to restore the tooth (typically done after the root canal)

• Retreatment if the initial root canal doesn't fully resolve the infection (rare)

  
  

Using MediSave for Root Canal Treatment

Yes, you can use MediSave for root canal treatment in Singapore. Root canal therapy is an approved procedure under MediSave, which means you can withdraw funds from your MediSave account to help cover the cost.

MediSave eligibility: Root canal treatment on any tooth is eligible for MediSave withdrawal, subject to annual and lifetime withdrawal limits.

Withdrawal limits: There are caps on how much you can withdraw per procedure and per year. Your dentist can provide details based on current MOH guidelines.

How to claim: At Shuang Dentistry, we'll help you process your MediSave claim. You'll need to provide your NRIC and authorize the withdrawal. The claim is typically processed electronically, and the amount will be deducted from your MediSave balance.

CHAS subsidies: If you're a CHAS cardholder (Blue, Orange, or Green), you may be eligible for subsidies on certain dental treatments. While CHAS subsidies for root canal treatment are more limited than for preventive care, it's worth asking during your consultation.

Root Canal vs Extraction: Why Saving Your Tooth Matters

When faced with a severely infected or damaged tooth, you might wonder: why not just pull it out? Extraction is certainly an option, and in some cases it may be the best choice. But whenever possible, saving your natural tooth is preferable for several reasons.

Your natural tooth is irreplaceable. No artificial replacement—whether it's a bridge, denture, or implant—functions quite as well as your natural tooth. Your natural tooth has proprioceptive nerves that help you sense pressure and texture when you chew. It's also anchored directly to your jawbone, providing stability and strength.

Extraction leads to bone loss. When a tooth is removed, the bone that once supported it begins to shrink. Over time, this can affect the shape of your face and make it more difficult to place an implant later if you change your mind.

Replacement options are more expensive and invasive. A dental implant—the best replacement for a missing tooth—typically costs significantly more than a root canal and crown. It also requires surgery, a months-long healing period, and carries its own risks and complications.

Adjacent teeth can shift. When a tooth is missing, the neighboring teeth tend to drift into the empty space, which can affect your bite, cause jaw pain, and make it harder to clean your teeth properly.

That said, there are situations where extraction is the better choice—such as when a tooth is too damaged to restore, when there's severe bone loss, or when the cost of saving the tooth is prohibitive. Dr. Yap will discuss all your options and help you make an informed decision based on your specific situation.

Why Choose Shuang Dentistry for Root Canal Treatment in Yishun?

Root canal treatment requires skill, precision, and the right technology. At Shuang Dentistry, we've invested in both the training and the tools to provide high-quality endodontic care.

Dr. James Yap has extensive experience with root canal procedures. With training from the University of Otago and years of practice, Dr. Yap handles both straightforward and complex root canal cases with confidence and care.

We use CBCT imaging for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Our 3D CBCT scanner provides detailed views of the tooth's internal anatomy, helping Dr. Yap locate all the canals, identify any complications, and plan the most effective approach.

We prioritize your comfort. From effective anesthesia to a calm, supportive environment, we make sure you're comfortable throughout the procedure. If you're anxious, we can discuss sedation options.

We provide transparent pricing and claims assistance. You'll know exactly what the treatment will cost, what's included, and how much you can claim through MediSave or CHAS.

We're conveniently located in Yishun. If you live or work in Yishun, Khatib, Sembawang, or the surrounding areas, we're easy to reach and offer flexible scheduling.

Don't Let Fear or Delay Cost You Your Tooth

If you're experiencing tooth pain or have been told you need a root canal, don't put it off. Delaying treatment allows the infection to spread, increases the risk of complications, and may ultimately result in losing the tooth.

Call or WhatsApp Shuang Dentistry at +65 6203 0010 to book your consultation. We'll assess your situation, explain your options, and help you understand the costs and MediSave claims process. If you're in pain, we'll do our best to see you the same day.

Root canal treatment isn't something to fear—it's the solution that relieves pain, saves your tooth, and protects your long-term oral health. Let us help you get back to smiling, eating, and living without pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does a root canal take?

   Most root canal procedures take 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the tooth and the complexity of the case.

   
   

2. Will I need a crown after a root canal?

   In most cases, yes. A crown protects the tooth and restores full function. Front teeth may sometimes be restored with a filling if there's enough healthy tooth structure remaining.
   
   

3. Can a root canal fail?

   While root canal treatment has a high success rate (over 90%), there's a small chance the infection may persist or return. In such cases, retreatment or extraction may be necessary.

   
   

4. How long will my tooth last after a root canal?

   With proper care and a well-fitted crown, a tooth that has had a root canal can last a lifetime.
   
   

5. Is it better to get a root canal or an implant?

   If your tooth can be saved, a root canal is usually the better option. Implants are excellent replacements for missing teeth, but they're more expensive, more invasive, and can't fully replicate the function of a natural tooth.