In Singapore, tooth infections are one of the common reasons people need a root canal procedure. That said, many hesitate as they are unsure about how much is a root canal treatment in Singapore.
Root canal treatment is a detailed procedure that requires dental training and specific tools. During the treatment, the dentist removes infected tissue, cleans out bacteria inside the tooth, and seals it to prevent reinfection.
After the root canal, additional restoration such as a post, core and a dental crown may be required to help strengthen the tooth. With proper diagnosis and clear treatment planning, patients can avoid complications, reduce unexpected costs, and achieve better long-term results.
This blog covers everything one should know about how much is root canal treatment in Singapore for optimal oral health without financial stress.
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root Canal Treatment (RCT) is a process of removing an infected dental pulp from a severely damaged tooth. The goal is to clean it and prevent the spread of infection. The procedure involves properly cleaning the insides of the cavity so there’s little residual bacteria left before sealing it off. To make the procedure comfortable, your dentist may use local anaesthesia.
There are several reasons why a dentist may recommend RCT. Let’s take a closer look.
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Deep Tooth Decay – When cavities reach the pulp (the innermost part of the tooth containing nerves and blood vessels), a root canal is needed to remove the infected tissue and save the tooth.
- Cracked or Chipped Teeth – Cracks or chips can expose the pulp to bacteria, leading to infection that may require a root canal.
- Trauma or Injury – A blow to the tooth that damages the pulp may require a root canal to preserve the tooth.
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Severe Tooth Pain or Sensitivity – Persistent pain or sensitivity, especially when biting or exposed to hot/cold, can indicate pulp damage that requires RCT.
- Abscess or Infection at the Tooth Root – Infection that spreads to the root tip or surrounding bone often requires RCT to remove the source and prevent further complications.

What are the Benefits Of Root Canal Procedure?
A root canal treatment (RCT) does more than just save a tooth; it helps you maintain long-term oral health and comfort. Here are the key benefits:
1. Pain Relief
Chronic tooth pain is often caused by an infected dental pulp. A root canal removes the infected tissue, reducing inflammation and bringing much-needed relief.
2. Saves Your Natural Tooth
The root canal treatment process helps to restore a badly damaged tooth, avoiding the need for tooth extraction, therefore allowing you to keep your natural tooth structure intact while maintaining overall oral health.
3. Stops Infection Spread
Infection can weaken a tooth from the inside and affect surrounding areas. Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, preventing the infection from spreading further.
4. Restores Normal Function
A severely damaged tooth can make everyday activities like chewing and talking painful. Root canal therapy eliminates discomfort, so you can enjoy your meals and speak comfortably again.
5. Protects Neighbouring Teeth
Infections don’t just affect the treated tooth; they can also harm gums and adjacent teeth. Treating the tooth early helps prevent further complications like misalignment or biting problems.
6. Long-term Cost-savings
Replacing missing teeth can be expensive, often requiring implants or bridges. A successful root canal, protected by a dental crown, helps avoid these recurring costs and keeps your smile healthy for years to come.
How Much Is Root Canal Treatment in Singapore?
An RCT can help you address your dental challenges and support oral wellbeing. As for how much is root canal treatment in Singapore, there isn’t one specific answer. The costs can vary depending on the type of tooth. For example, RCT on molars is a complex procedure. Hence, the cost will be higher compared to pre-molars and front teeth.
In Singapore, root canal treatment on molar teeth typically costs around $900-1400. The cost rises due to complexity of the procedure and multiple root canals. As for premolars, it is around $800. Meanwhile, if the RCT is for front teeth, it will go down to $400-650.
However, these costs are excluding the dental crown. A crown is important to ensure long-term results. It has a separate cost which further adds to the total treatment expense. Also, if you go for specialised professionals or private practices, the cost will increase.

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What are the Influencing Factors For RCT Cost?
There are certain key factors which make an impact on the root canal treatment cost in Singapore.
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Tooth Type: Front teeth usually have a single root canal, while molars have multiple root canals and complex canal systems, which can increase the cost.
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Tooth Condition: Teeth with severe decay, cracks, or infections may require more time and additional treatment procedures, affecting the overall price.
- Restoration After Treament: A root canal alone isn’t always enough — a post, core, or crown is often needed to strengthen and protect the tooth. These restorative steps add to the overall cost.
- Specialist Involvement: Most root canals can be handled by general dentists. For particularly complex cases, an endodontist may be recommended, and their specialised expertise can affect pricing.
- Dental Insurance: Having insurance coverage can help reduce out-of-pocket costs, making the treatment more manageable.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Root Canal Treatment Cost?
In Singapore, tooth and gum problems are common, and dental treatments can be expensive, making it challenging for some patients to manage the costs. Dental insurance plays a pivotal role in reducing the out-of-the-pocket costs and ensuring that the patients do not feel the heat of financial stress.
Currently, MediSave standard policies in Singapore cannot be used for non-surgical root canal procedures. However, Flexi-MediSave has been implemented which will provide coverage for elderly patients aged 60 and above undergoing RCT at dental clinics, starting from 2026. Find out more here.
Additionally, there are government subsidy programmes in Singapore such as CHAS which helps to reduce the bill amount. This is applicable only if the procedure is conducted at a CHAS clinic. This manages to control the root canal treatment cost to some extent. Only the CHAS cardholders are eligible for this subsidy.
Conclusion
For those wondering, “how much is root canal treatment cost in Singapore”, there is good news. While RCT is a complex dental procedure, proper planning can help to manage the cost effectively.
From choosing in-network providers to minimise out-of-the-pocket costs, to checking the eligibility for government subsidies, there are several ways to make the treatment more affordable. However, the most important step remains an early diagnosis.
The sooner a dental issue is identified, the less time, effort, and cost it takes to treat it. Attending follow-up appointments also ensures proper healing and long-term success.
Are you looking for a consultation? Book an appointment for professional dental care.

