Root Canal Treatment | WeSmile Dental Care

Root Canal Treatment

When your tooth is severely damaged due from its decay, it leads to pulp inflammation, causing pain in your face, jaw, or teeth, due to the infected tooth.

This is when root canal treatments are required, to remove the infected pulp in your tooth — eliminating the root cause of your pain and discomfort.

arrow-icon-size3 Book an appointment

Common questions about root canal treatment

• What is root canal treatment?
• What are the root canal symptoms?
• What are the benefits & risks of root canal treatment?

• What are the common causes of root canal infections?
• What are the types of root canal treatments?
• What happens in a root canal treatment procedure?
• How much does root canal treatment cost in Singapore?
• Are There Subsidies for Root Canal Treatment in Singapore?
• How long does it take to recover from a root canal?​
• What are our fees like?
• FAQs on Root Canal Treatment

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment involves removing infected or inflamed pulp from inside your tooth. After numbing the area with local anaesthetic, the dentist carefully cleans and disinfects the canal, then fills and seals the space to prevent future infection.

A dental crown is often placed over the treated tooth to protect and restore its function. This conservative approach allows you to save your natural tooth — avoiding extraction and implants.

Root Canal Symptoms

Not sure if you need root canal treatment? You might, if you experience:

Persistent or severe toothache

A continuous toothache that doesn’t go away may signal deep infection or nerve damage inside the tooth. The pain can be spontaneous, throbbing, or disturb your sleep at night.

Pain when chewing or applying pressure

If biting or chewing causes sharp or lingering pain, it could mean the tooth’s pulp is inflamed or infected. This discomfort often gets worse over time without treatment.

Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold

A tooth that stays sensitive long after exposure to hot drinks, ice, or cold air may indicate damage to the tooth’s nerves — often an early sign that root canal therapy is needed.

Gum swelling or tenderness near the tooth

Swelling, redness, or tenderness around the affected tooth may be your body’s way of fighting infection. Sometimes, a small pimple-like bump can also appear on the gum.

A discoloured, cracked, or chipped tooth

Trauma or untreated decay can damage the inner pulp of a tooth, causing visible darkening, cracks, or chips. These weak points make the tooth more prone to infection.

Pus or drainage near the affected area

The presence of pus, foul taste, or drainage is a sign of an abscess. This means infection has spread and immediate dental care is required to prevent further complications.

If you’re asking yourself, “Why do I need root canal treatment?”, these symptoms are your body’s way of signalling a possible infection. Seeking timely care can save the tooth and prevent more extensive treatment later.

What are the benefits of root canal treatment?

• Stops tooth pain and sensitivity caused by deep decay
• Preserves your natural tooth and maintains bite function
• Prevents spread of infection to neighbouring teeth
• Helps maintain jawbone integrity and facial structure
• Avoids the need for more invasive procedures like implants
• Supports long-term oral health when paired with good hygiene
• Offers a cost-effective solution with long-lasting results

What are the risks of root canal treatment?

Not sure if you need root canal treatment? You might, if you experience:

• Persistent or severe toothache
• Pain when chewing or applying pressure
• Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
• Gum swelling or tenderness near the tooth
• A discoloured, cracked or chipped tooth
• Pus or drainage near the affected area

If you’re asking yourself, “Why do I need root canal treatment?”, these symptoms are your body’s way of signalling a possible infection. Seeking timely care can save the tooth and prevent more extensive treatment later.

Common Causes of Root Canal Infections

Root canal infections develop when bacteria reach the tooth’s inner pulp. Common causes include:

Untreated or deep tooth decay

When decay reaches the inner pulp, bacteria cause infection that can no longer be reversed with a filling.

Cracks or fractures in the tooth

Even hairline cracks allow bacteria to penetrate and infect the pulp.

Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth

Multiple treatments can stress or expose the pulp, increasing the risk of infection.

Traumatic dental injury

Impact from accidents or falls can damage the pulp, even without visible signs.

Worn-out restorations exposing the pulp

Failing fillings or crowns can allow bacteria to seep into the inner tooth.

Advanced gum disease spreading to the tooth root

Severe periodontal infection can reach the pulp through the root canals.

Types of Root Canal Treatments

We offer both standard and advanced root canal treatments in Singapore:

Non-Surgical Root Canal

The most common method. The canals are cleaned, disinfected, and sealed in one or more appointments.

Surgical Root Canal (Apicoectomy)

Recommended for complex or previously failed cases, this involves surgically removing the tip of the tooth root to eliminate infection.

Root Canal Treatment Procedure

Root canal therapy may sound intimidating, but it’s a safe, common, and highly effective treatment that can save your natural tooth. At WeSmile Dental, our experienced dentists follow a step-by-step process to ensure the infection is thoroughly removed and your tooth is fully restored.

Here’s what to expect at each stage of the root canal process:

1. Infected Tooth

The process starts when decay reaches the pulp, causing pain, swelling, or an abscess at the tooth root.

2. Opening Made in Tooth

A small access hole is made in the crown of the tooth to reach the infected pulp.

3. Canals Cleaned

Special instruments called endodontic files are used to remove the infected tissue and clean the canals thoroughly.

4. Filling the Canals

The cleaned root canals are filled with a biocompatible material (usually gutta-percha) and sealed to prevent reinfection.

5. Post & Core

In some cases, a supportive post is inserted for additional strength before sealing the opening with filling material.

6. Crown Placement

A custom-made crown is placed over the tooth to restore its full function and protect it from future damage.

Each step is essential to ensure the infection is fully eliminated and the tooth remains strong and functional for years to come.

How much does a root canal treatment cost?

The cost of a root canal treatment depends on the location of the tooth (anterior or mola, or pre-molar), and the severity of your condition. On average, the root canal treatment can cost from $350 and above for front teeth, from $500 for premolars (fourth and fifth tooth), and from $800 for molars. The reason for the increasing cost is due to both the size, and the number of roots that the tooth has. Molars are the most expensive as they are the largest, and can have up to 3 roots which increases the complexity and requires more skill to clean.

This excludes consultation, X-ray, investigation, re-treatment fees, and other related costs which includes the provision of a crown if needed after the root canal treatment.

Are There Subsidies for Root Canal Treatment in Singapore?

Root canal treatment is not MediSave-claimable, but it is covered under CHAS subsidies for eligible Singapore citizens. These subsidies also apply to permanent dental crowns placed after treatment.

CHAS Orange CHAS Blue Merdeka Generation Pioneer Generation CHAS Orange

Dental Service	CHAS Subsidies
Root Canal – Anterior	$109.50
Root Canal – Pre-molar	$140.00
Root Canal – Molar	$170.50
Permanent Crown	$84.50

CHAS Blue

Dental Service	CHAS Subsidies
Root Canal – Anterior	$164.00
Root Canal – Pre-molar	$210.00
Root Canal – Molar	$256.50
Permanent Crown	$127.50

Merdeka Generation

Dental Service	CHAS Subsidies
Root Canal – Anterior	$169.00
Root Canal – Pre-molar	$215.00
Root Canal – Molar	$261.50
Permanent Crown	$132.50

Pioneer Generation

Dental Service	CHAS Subsidies
Root Canal – Anterior	$174.00
Root Canal – Pre-molar	$220.00
Root Canal – Molar	$266.50
Permanent Crown	$137.50

Each CHAS-eligible patient may claim up to:

• 2 root canal treatments per calendar year (regardless of tooth type)
• 4 permanent crowns per calendar year

You can refer to the official CHAS website for the most up-to-date information.

Upcoming Subsidy Enhancements (Effective Q4 2025)

CHAS subsidies for dental treatments like root canal therapy will increase substantially from Q4 2025, as part of MOH’s enhanced oral care support:

• Anterior root canal (CHAS Orange): Increasing from $109.50 to $217.50
• Molar root canal (CHAS Orange): Increasing from $170.50 to $389.50
• Equivalent increases across Blue, Merdeka, and Pioneer tiers

Flexi-MediSave will also be expanded to cover selected dental procedures—including crowns and root canals—at CHAS GP clinics from mid-2026.

These enhancements are designed to reduce out-of-pocket costs and improve accessibility to essential dental care for all Singaporeans.

How long does it take to recover from a root canal?

Recovery is usually quick—most people feel better within a few days. Some sensitivity when biting or brushing is normal early on, but you shouldn’t experience ongoing or worsening pain. If you do, it’s best to follow up with your dentist.

Tips to Support a Smooth Recovery of Root Canal-Treated Teeth

A little extra care goes a long way in helping your tooth heal well. Here’s what you can do:

✅ Skip the smoking – it delays healing and increases the risk of infection.

✅ Keep your mouth clean – brush gently after meals and floss daily to reduce bacteria.

✅ Protect the treated tooth – avoid chewing on it until your dentist places a permanent crown or filling.

✅ Stick to soft foods for a few days – options like soups, scrambled eggs, or smoothies are easy on your bite.

What are our fees like?

From

• Anterior $708.50
• Premolar $817.50
• Molar $1,068.20

arrow-icon-size3 View our comprehensive price list here

FAQs on Root Canal Treatment

Are Root Canal Treatments Painful?

Contrary to popular belief, modern root canal procedures are relatively painless. Using local anaesthetic, the entire procedure feels much like a filling.

In fact, the pain from an untreated tooth infection is far worse than the temporary discomfort following treatment. Most patients resume normal activities within a day or two.

How Long Does a Root Canal Last?

With proper care, a root canal-treated tooth can last just as long as your natural teeth.

Durability depends on factors such as:

• The severity of damage prior to treatment
• Placement of a crown (where needed)
• Your daily oral hygiene routine
• Regular dental check-ups

Side Effects of Root Canal Treatment

Root canal therapy is considered very safe. Most side effects are mild and short-lived:

• Slight swelling or sensitivity
• Tenderness near the treated tooth
• Temporary numbness or discomfort when chewing

Rare complications, such as reinfection, can be addressed with re-treatment or surgical intervention.