Do You Need a Root Canal? Root Canal Specialist Explains

Dr Elyssa Yap, an Endodontist (root canal specialist) in Singapore explains how to recognise when a tooth needs root canal treatment, even when you do not have a toothache or tooth pain. She covers visible signs, X-ray findings and the treatment stages, helping patients understand infections that may not always cause pain.

About The Video

In this video, Dr Elyssa explains how dentists determine whether a tooth requires root canal treatment. She highlights visible signs such as gum boils, abscesses and tooth discolouration, while emphasising that some infections may not cause pain and can go unnoticed without careful checks.

She also explains how X-rays help identify infections inside the root canal system by revealing changes in the surrounding bone. Dr Elyssa walks viewers through the purpose of root canal treatment and why early diagnosis plays an important role in preventing further damage and preserving the natural tooth.

This video focuses on helping patients understand the warning signs that indicate a tooth may need root canal treatment. Dr Elyssa explains that infections inside the tooth can sometimes present as gum boils, pus discharge or changes in tooth colour, but may also exist without obvious discomfort. Because of this, routine dental X-rays are essential for detecting infections hidden within the bone.

She breaks down root canal treatment into two key stages. The first stage involves cleaning and disinfecting the root canal system to remove bacteria and infected tissue, creating a healthy environment for healing. The second stage seals the canals to prevent reinfection and restores the tooth with a filling or crown to regain strength. The video reinforces the importance of routine dental check-ups, as early detection allows infections to be treated before they progress and compromise the tooth.