Can MediSave Be Used For Root Canal Treatment?

Having to deal with severe tooth pain or an infected tooth can be stressful and while navigating the treatment process, your dentist may recommend a root canal treatment to save your natural tooth and restore function. One common question among patients is, if MediSave be used for root canal treatment.

Medisave is a national savings scheme in Singapore that helps individuals manage healthcare costs, including certain dental treatments. Under specific conditions, procedures such as tooth removal may be covered by Medisave.

Patients can use their Medisave savings to offset surgical and dental procedures, subject to Medisave withdrawal limits set by the Ministry of Health. It’s important to check with your dental clinic to confirm whether your treatment is eligible and how much can be claimed.

Under Singapore’s MediSave scheme, certain dental procedures, including some surgical root canal treatments, may be partially claimable. Read along to deepen your understanding about what’s covered, what isn’t, and how to navigate the MediSave dental claim process confidently.

What is root canal treatment?

Root canal therapy is a non-surgical dental treatment designed to remove infected or damaged pulp tissue from within a tooth. This helps eliminate bacteria from the canal system, relieve pain, and preserve the natural tooth structure. Following post-treatment instructions and taking care of your oral hygiene are vital contributors to the success of root canal treatment.

When a root canal infection treatment alone isn’t enough to heal an infected tooth, an apicoectomy may be done. It is a minor surgical procedure performed that involves removing the very tip of the tooth’s root along with any surrounding infected tissue. The end of the root is then sealed to prevent further infection. This treatment falls under a category of surgical procedures that could be MediSave-claimable.

When can MediSave be used for root canal treatment?

MediSave is intended to help Singaporeans and permanent residents pay for surgical procedures, including certain dental surgeries. Non-surgical root canal treatments, which are commonly done in regular dental visits, are typically not claimable under MediSave. Whether you can use Medisave for a root canal depends on a few factors:

• The treatment is surgical in nature (e.g. root-end surgery, removal of infected tissue)
•  It is performed at a MediSave-accredited clinic or public healthcare institution
• You or an approved family member have a sufficient balance in your MediSave account
• The procedure falls under the official list of claimable treatments approved by the Ministry of Health

What are some examples of claimable root canal-related procedures?

While not every root canal case is eligible for claims, MediSave may be used for the following types of surgical medisave for dental treatments:

• Surgical root canal procedures (e.g. apicoectomy or peri-radicular surgery)
• Surgical removal of root tips or infected tissue
• Treatment of complications involving the jawbone or surrounding connective tissue

These are often classified as day surgeries, meaning they are performed in a dental or hospital setting without the need for overnight stays.

How does the Medisave claim process work?

If your dentist determines your procedure is Medisave-claimable, here’s how the typical process works:

1. Treatment Planning

   Your dentist will provide a detailed treatment plan, outlining the diagnosis, recommended procedures, and whether your case qualifies as surgical treatment.

2. Clinic Eligibility

   Ensure your chosen dental clinic is MediSave-accredited. Not all private clinics offer this option, but public institutions and many specialist clinics do.

3. Authorisation and Submission

   Before your appointment, you’ll sign a MediSave authorisation form to allow the clinic to submit your claim. They will handle the claim submission directly to CPF.

4. Partial Cost Coverage

   If approved, MediSave will cover part of the treatment, reducing your out-of-pocket expense. The remaining balance must be settled directly with the clinic.

What if my MediSave balance is not enough?

If your MediSave account doesn’t have sufficient funds, you may still be able to:

• Use the account of an immediate family member, with their consent
• Apply for additional subsidies if you qualify under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS)
• Explore other financial assistance options available at public healthcare institutions

Patients with CHAS Blue or CHAS Orange cards may receive subsidised rates for other non-surgical dental treatments, depending on card type and eligibility criteria.

Related articles

• What is root canal treatment?
• Why do you need a root canal treatment?

Are other dental treatments claimable?

Here’s a quick look at whether some common dental procedures are typically claimable under Medisave:

Always consult your clinic for the most current claimable services list and the scope of what qualifies as a surgical expense.

Why choose a MediSave-accredited dental clinic?

At a MediSave-accredited clinic, patients benefit from:

• Transparent guidance on the claim process
• Assurance that procedures are documented and coded correctly
• Staff support for claim submission, identity verification purposes, and administrative paperwork
• Professional advice to help you make informed decisions about your treatment and finances

This ensures that your dental care remains both accessible and cost-effective, especially for more complex procedures that might otherwise carry a higher financial burden.

Does insurance cover root canal treatment ?

Numerous dental insurance plans may offer partial reimbursement or coverage, particularly if the treatment is considered medically necessary, though this varies based on your specific insurance package. At Dental Designs, we are happy to assist you with insurance claims and offering clear, transparent estimates before starting any treatment, so that you can plan your dental care with confidence.

Do I need to have a root canal treatment before I do a crown?

In certain situations, a root canal is required only when the tooth's nerve is compromised due to infection, inflammation, or damage, such as from significant decay, trauma, or a crack reaching the pulp. If the tooth remains healthy but is structurally compromised or worn, a crown may be placed without the need for a root canal. Your dentist will carefully evaluate your tooth's condition and utilise X-rays to determine if a root canal is necessary prior to crowning.

Conclusion

While MediSave may not cover routine or non-surgical dental treatments, it may be used for certain surgical root canal procedures when specific conditions are met.

If you're unsure whether your case qualifies, the first step is to schedule a consultation at a MediSave-accredited dental clinic. A qualified dentist will:

• Evaluate your dental condition
• Provide a recommended treatment plan
• Advise on the claim limits and required forms
• Explain any potential outpatient expenses or additional treatments

This way, you can get the care you need without being surprised by unexpected costs.

If you're planning a root canal treatment or need advice on MediSave eligibility, contact our clinic today.