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Making decisions about dental procedures can feel overwhelming, especially when you're in pain and just want the right solution. Root canal treatments help to preserve your natural smile by saving your natural tooth from extraction. Many general dentists in Singapore are well-equipped to handle a routine root canal procedure. While you don’t always need a root canal specialist, some situations do call for a more expert hand in order to prevent complications.
Let’s understand more so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment options for your dental care and your peace of mind.
What is root canal treatment?
A root canal treatment procedure is a type of dental treatment used to remove infected pulp which includes soft tissue, blood vessels, and nerves from the tooth pulp chamber. This typically becomes necessary when dental issues such as tooth decay, or tooth fracture from a severe blow leads to pulp damage or an infected tooth. This can cause symptoms ranging from sensitivity to temperature changes, to dull ache or even severe pain. There could also be tooth discolouration due to loss of pulp vitality.
Endodontic treatment is an effective procedure designed to relieve tooth pain, stop the spread of infection and ultimately save your natural tooth. During the first stage of the root canal treatment, the infected tissue is removed from the root canal space, it is cleaned and filled with a biocompatible material or inert material. Your dentist may place then place a temporary filling to encourage the healing process and later restore the tooth with a permanent restoration or a permanent crown.
The advantages of root canal procedures include preservation of tooth structure and prevention of tooth loss from tooth extraction. Additional treatments like placement of a post or dental crown placement may be required to yield a dependable outcome for the decayed tooth. Root canal procedures have a reliable success rate and can be done both by general dental surgeons and root canal specialists.
Why should I save my tooth with root canal treatment?
Preserving natural teeth is paramount for maintaining optimal oral and overall health. Natural teeth provide functionality for efficient chewing and clear speech. They also play a vital role in maintaining jawbone density and facial structure.
Opting for tooth preservation through treatments like root canal therapy can prevent tooth loss from extraction and the need for more invasive procedures like dental implants or bridges which may end up costing you more in the long run. Moreover, retaining natural teeth can reduce the risk of adjacent teeth shifting, which can lead to bite issues and further dental complications.
Why you need a root canal treatment by a specialist?
A root canal specialist, also known as an endodontist, is a dentist with special training in diagnosing and treating issues involving the tooth root, dental pulp, and surrounding tissues. Most surgical endodontic procedures like apicoectomy (removal of tooth root tip along with infected tissue through the gums) are done my endodontists. A root canal specialist is better equipped with the tools, training, and medical coordination needed to manage surgical endodontic procedures safely when there are potential risks due to:
- Complex tooth anatomy: Your tooth with the infected pulp has extra canals, curved canals or narrow tooth canals. This is often in molar teeth or back teeth.
- Failed root canal treatment: You’ve had previous root canal infection treatments on the same tooth (retreatment) and you’re experiencing persistent pain.
- Severe infection: When there’s a large persistent infection, abscess, or cyst at the root tip, the tooth infection from the deep decay can spread to the adjacent teeth and gum tissue causing significant bone loss. Severe gum disease can also spread to a tooth causing an infected root.
- Compromised tooth structure: When the tooth is severely decayed or fractured and may need reinforcements beyond a dental crown.
In Singapore, general dentists are trained to perform non-surgical root canal treatments, but you might need a root canal specialist if you have underlying health conditions that require additional precautions:
- Uncontrolled diabetes – Patients with uncontrolled diabetes tend to have slower healing and higher risk of post-treatment infection
- Heart conditions (e.g. history of endocarditis) – Patients with heart conditions may require antibiotic prophylaxis before dental work
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g. lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) – This condition can impair healing and increase inflammation
- Bleeding disorders or blood-thinning medication – There is a greater risk of uncontrolled bleeding during surgical or invasive dental procedures
- Cancer treatment history (especially radiation near the jaw) – These patients have reduced bone healing capacity and higher infection risk
- Osteoporosis with bisphosphonate use – There is a higher risk of jawbone complications after surgical procedures
What is the root canal treatment cost Singapore?
The cost of root canal procedures varies depending on the type of tooth, severity of infection, and type of endodontic surgery done as each situation presents different challenges which will require different resources such as time and equipment. Specialist care can generally be more expensive.
At Dental Designs Clinic, we’re committed to being transparent about the costs involved. Our friendly team will be happy to help you to check your dental insurance cover for the relevant procedure if you are on an insurance plan.
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Can MediSave be used for root canal treatment Singapore?
MediSave coverage depends on the type of procedure, diagnosis, and your available MediSave balance. They are usually applicable to surgical procedures. Routine canal treatment is not generally covered under MediSave, but you may have some subsidies via your CHAS, Merdeka or Pioneer membership.
Some surgical root canal procedures on the other hand, may be claimable partially by MediSave. For instance, apicoectomy (removal of the root tip and infected pulp inflammation tissue), may be claimable under MediSave, depending on the case. You will need to check with your insurance provider and dental team to confirm regarding your coverage for procedures.
What to expect after the root canal treatment?
Once the root canal treated tooth is complete, your dentist will recommend a permanent crown to protect your tooth especially if it’s a molar tooth or back tooth that handles a lot of chewing pressure. Although some temporary discomfort is to be expected during the healing process, they can be easily managed with over the counter pain relievers.
Proper care oral hygiene, avoiding sticky foods, cold food and keeping up with follow-up appointments are essential to ensure proper healing and avoid future infection. Early intervention and regular dental check-ups help to identify issues promptly.
FAQs about root canal treatment
1. Is root canal treatment painful?
Although some mild discomfort can be expected, modern dentistry and effective local anaesthesia has deemed root canal treatment as no more uncomfortable than getting a dental filling. In fact, it relieves the pain caused by an infected tooth.
2. Why do I need root canal treatment?
Common signs include persistent tooth pain, sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling, or a darkening of the tooth. Sometimes, there may be no symptoms at all. Your dentist will confirm the need for intervention through an exam and dental X-rays.
3. How can I take care of my tooth after root canal treatment?
Take care to follow the aftercare instructions like eating only soft foods for a few days after the procedure. It is important to see your dental professional for follow-up appointments and maintain good oral hygiene practices.
4. What happens if I don’t get a root canal treatment?
Delaying treatment can lead to worsening root canal pain, spread of infection, abscess formation, or even tooth loss. This might mean that you will need tooth replacement treatments in future.
5. Do I need a crown after a root canal treatment?
Often, a crown is required especially for back teeth. A dental crown protects the tooth from damage during chewing and restores form and function after root canal therapy.
Conclusion
Root canal treatments are routine effective procedures that can help to restore your confident smile. While not every case needs a specialist, your unique situations and your dental health goals need to be evaluated to confirm if you need to see an endodontist or if a regular dentist will suffice.
At Dental Designs Clinic, we are here to support your oral health with clear information and compassionate care with comprehensive dental services. Simply leave us a message here and we will be right with you!