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Root Canal Treatment

Root Canal Treatment is often the solely option to retain a badly decayed or damaged tooth.

If root canal treatment is not done, the tooth will eventually need to be removed.

In the center of the tooth is the pulp — commonly referred to as the nerve. The pulp extends from the center of the tooth down to the tips of the roots through tiny channels called canals. Hence the name, root canal treatment. In situations where the tooth is infected or painful, the pulp is removed from the center of the tooth. By removing the damaged pulp, the pain and infection can be removed so that you can retain the tooth. 

In the center of the tooth is the pulp — commonly referred to as the nerve. The pulp extends from the center of the tooth down to the tips of the roots through tiny channels called canals. Hence the name, root canal treatment. In situations where the tooth is infected or painful, the pulp is removed from the center of the tooth. By removing the damaged pulp, the pain and infection can be removed so that you can retain the tooth.

There are many situations when root canal treatment may be recommended e.g.

a) Badly decayed tooth
b) Tooth that has been injured in a fall or other accident
c) A cracked tooth
d) Occasionally, it may need to be done together with gum treatment.
e) Sometimes it may be electively done prior to reshaping the tooth with a crown.

Of course, much depends on the extent of the damage, the condition of the bone and gums around the tooth and other factors such as the position or usefulness of the tooth. If a large portion of the tooth has been damaged, or if the tooth is cracked, even root canal treatment may not be able to salvage the tooth.

Acute infection e.g. due to a very deep decay can lead to a tooth being quite painful. Root canal treatment is intended to relieve you of the infection and pain. Root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthesia i.e. you will be made numb before treatment starts.

In root canal treatment, the infected, painful, or necrotic pulp is removed from the pulp chamber and root canals. The canals are then cleaned. When all pain has been resolved, the cleaned and empty root canals will be sealed with a root canal filler – usually gutta percha. This sealing marks the end of root canal treatment.

After root canal treatment is done, you will need to complete the restoration of your tooth with at least a large filling or, often, a crown placed on your tooth. In some cases where the tooth has been extensively damaged, a post with core has to be placed to act as a foundation for the crown. A crown wraps the whole tooth to prevent further breakage of the tooth. Until this is done the restoration of your tooth is not complete.

There are cases where once the pain is resolved with root canal treatment, the patient does not move on to complete the treatment with a crown. Eventually, the weakened tooth succumbs to stress and chips or breaks until the tooth is no longer salvageable. The broken tooth would then need to be removed. This is a waste of the investment made in root canal treatment.

Determining whether you need root canal treatment depends much on your symptoms and the condition you present with. X-rays will be needed to make a diagnosis. Sometimes, in the early stages of a cracked tooth or if the symptoms are vague or sporadic, the dentist may advise you to wait and see if the problem resolves on its own or with other supportive treatment.

The recommendation for root canal treatment is made if there is a good chance that the tooth can be successfully restored to function.

Costs vary according to the number of root canals the tooth has and the difficulty involved in treating the tooth.

Unfortunately, nothing is forever.
You still need to clean the tooth well because just like any natural tooth it can still succumb to tooth decay or gum disease. The tooth could also crack vertically if it is subjected to heavy forces. In the vast majority of cases, a root canal treated tooth can last for many years.

As a patient you will need to make the decision to go forward with root canal treatment and the subsequent crown depending on factors like budget, time, the relative importance of the tooth e.g. is it a front tooth that will affect your appearance, is it a back tooth that is essential for chewing or holds a bridge or denture? Our dentist will discuss with you the options and the relative costs. Generally, if a substantial portion of the tooth structure is left, it enhances to try and retain the natural tooth. If the tooth is removed you may need to consider the time and costs of replacing the tooth with an implant, bridge or denture. If your teeth are irregular, perhaps the space could be closed with braces.

Root-Canal-Treated-Tooth-and-Implant

Our dentist is here to help you make those decisions.

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Why Choose Nuffield Dental?

Nuffield Dental is a one-stop, multi-disciplinary dental care centre. At Nuffield, we put you first. We believe in providing personalised service for each patient.

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Nuffield Dental is a one-stop, multi-disciplinary dental care centre. Here at Nuffield Dental, we pride ourselves of our personalised oral care for each and every one of our patients. We need to make sure you get all the help you need to make your dental procedures comfortable, accessible and seamless.

Root Canal Treatment

Our dentists have been accredited in root canal treatment for 20+ years. We have accredited dental providers who are skilled in the area of dental implant surgery.

Root Canal Treatment Costs in Singapore?

Please call one of our Nuffield Dental clinics in Singapore for pricing details.

Call 65 6833 4353
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