Root Canal · Singapore CBD
Root Canal Treatment
In experienced hands, root canal therapy is less an ordeal and more a turning point — the moment discomfort ends, and the tooth is given back to you.
5.0 ★★★★★ · 142 Google Reviews · Flexi-medisave, CHAS, Insurance · 60-90 minutes
Restorative Dentistry
A Tooth Worth Saving
There are few diagnoses in dentistry that carry quite the same weight as root canal treatment. For many patients, hearing the words brings an immediate tightening — images of drilling, pain, and long, anxious afternoons.
The truth is far quieter.
In experienced hands, root canal therapy is less an ordeal and more a turning point — the moment discomfort ends, and the tooth is given back to you.
At Dentalis, we approach each case with the precision and stillness the procedure deserves. When a tooth can be saved, it should be.
Dentalis Global Awards & Accolades
Understanding RCT
What Is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment removes infected pulp from inside a tooth. The root canals are cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to eliminate infection while preserving the natural tooth.
What happens inside a tooth?
Inside every tooth is a living structure — a network of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue that extends deep into the root. This is the dental pulp, and for most of your life, you never need to think about it.
When deep decay, a crack, or trauma allows bacteria to reach this inner layer, infection takes hold. Pressure builds. Pain follows. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the surrounding gum and jaw.
Root canal treatment quietly resolves this. The infected pulp is removed, the canals are cleaned and disinfected, and the space is sealed. The tooth remains. The pain does not.
Root canal treatments carry a success rate that routinely exceeds 90% — with proper restoration and oral care, the results last a lifetime.
Signs You May Need Treatment
Signs It May Be Time
Some wisdom teeth announce themselves unmistakably. Others are discovered on an X-ray — symptom-free, but quietly causing harm. If any of the following feel familiar, a clinical assessment is worth arranging.
Persistent pain
A toothache or throbbing ache that lingers without clear cause
Temperature sensitivity
Discomfort from hot or cold that doesn't pass quickly
Gum swelling
Tenderness or puffiness around a specific tooth
Dental abscess
A small, pimple-like bump on the gum near the tooth
Demystifying Root Canal Therapy
Nothing to Fear
Root canal therapy has a reputation that often causes apprehension. But the reality is far less daunting than many believe.
Pain Relief
The primary purpose of the treatment is to relieve pain caused by infection. Modern techniques make the procedure surprisingly comfortable.
Saving Your Tooth
Preservation is our philosophy. Keeping your natural tooth helps maintain chewing efficiency and protects other teeth from excessive wear.
Durability
With proper care and a crown, a root-canal-treated tooth can last for many years — often a lifetime with good oral hygiene.
Straightforward Process
The experience is very similar to getting a standard filling. Unhurried appointments, clear explanation at each step, nothing proceeding without your understanding.
Step by Step
What to Expect at Dentalis
We begin with a thorough assessment — high-definition X-rays, a careful clinical examination, and a clear conversation about what we find and what we recommend. Nothing proceeds without your understanding.
Root canal treatment is typically carried out over one or two visits depending on the complexity of the tooth. The procedure itself unfolds under local anaesthesia.
How Long Does It Take?
Root canal treatment typically takes 60–90 minutes per visit. Simple cases can sometimes be resolved in one appointment; complex infections or molars may require two sessions to ensure the tooth is fully disinfected.
Dentsply Sirona endodontic technology — clinical precision for root canal treatment at Dentalis.
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Diagnosis & Imaging
The extent of infection is mapped using precise digital X-rays, giving us a clear picture before anything begins.
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Local Anaesthesia
The area is gently numbed. You will feel pressure, but not pain. For anxious patients, we move at your pace — calm and considered from the first moment.
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Removal of Infected Tissue
The infected pulp is carefully cleared from inside the tooth, canal by canal.
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Cleaning & Sealing
Each canal is disinfected and sealed to prevent reinfection and restore the tooth's integrity.
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Restoration
After root canal treatment, a crown is usually recommended to protect the tooth long-term. This is discussed openly before any commitment is made. Most patients return to their routine shortly after treatment.
Preservation First
Root Canal vs Tooth Extraction
Root canal treatment preserves the natural tooth, while extraction removes it entirely. Where possible, saving the natural tooth helps maintain function and avoids more complex replacement treatments such as implants or bridges.
| Feature | Root Canal | Extraction |
|---|---|---|
| Natural tooth preserved | ✓ | ✗ |
| Bite maintained | ✓ | Replacement needed |
| Prevents adjacent tooth shifting | ✓ | ✗ |
| Treatment complexity | One to two visits | Implant or bridge required |
| CHAS claimable | ✓ | ✓ |
| MediSave claimable | ✗ | ✓ |
"The reputation root canal treatment carries is one of the most persistent misunderstandings in dentistry. A well-performed root canal is quiet, controlled, and often less uncomfortable than the infection that preceded it. The tooth keeps working. The patient keeps it for years. That is the goal — and in most cases, it is entirely achievable."
Dr Jonathan Liu · Principal Dentist and Founder · BDS (NUS) · SDC Reg. D21395J · 25+ Years
The Dentalis Fees
Root Canal Treatment Fees
We believe in transparency before treatment, not after. All fees are discussed clearly before any procedure is scheduled. As a CHAS and Medisave accredited clinic in Tanjong Pagar CBD, we will explain the fees you need to pay after deduction.
Consultation
S$98
S$106.82 with GST
First Consultation + OPG X-ray
Full clinical assessment before any treatment is recommended.
- ✓Consultation + Examination
- ✓Digital OPG X-ray included
- ✓Detailed analysis & treatment plan
- ✓Principal dentist
OPG X-ray
S$100
S$109 with GST
Diagnostic Imaging
Full-mouth panoramic X-ray that maps root position and infection extent.
- ✓Digital OPG panoramic X-ray
Second Opinion
Enquire
Tele-Consultation
Share your existing X-rays for a clear second opinion before committing to treatment.
- ✓Recent OPG X-rays or 3D CBCT scans from patient
- ✓Detailed analysis & clinical advice
- ✓Full fees breakdown provided
Anterior Tooth
from S$800
from S$872 with GST
Front Tooth (Incisor or Canine)
Typically one root canal.
- ✓Local anaesthesia included
- ✓CHAS claimable — eligibility-based
- ✗Not MediSave claimable
Premolar Tooth
from S$900
from S$981 with GST
Between Canine & Molars
One or two root canals, depending on anatomy.
- ✓Local anaesthesia included
- ✓CHAS claimable — eligibility-based
- ✗Not MediSave claimable
Molar Tooth
from S$1,000
from S$1,090 with GST
Back Molar
Typically 3 to 4 root canals — the most complex, and most frequently needed.
- ✓Local anaesthesia included
- ✓CHAS claimable — eligibility-based
- ✗Not MediSave claimable
Emergency Pulpectomy
from S$300
from S$327 with GST
Acute Pain Relief
Immediate removal of infected pulp to relieve severe pain — followed by full RCT at a subsequent visit.
Core Build-up
from S$150
from S$163.50 with GST
Post-RCT Tooth Build-up
Rebuilds tooth structure after root canal treatment before a crown is placed — required for most posterior teeth.
CHAS
CHAS cardholders are eligible for significant subsidies on root canal treatments. Blue and Orange card holders qualify. Bring your card to your consultation — we will confirm your applicable subsidy before proceeding.
Flexi-MediSave for Seniors
Since 1 June 2026, patients aged 60 and above can use up to S$400 per year toward root canals and permanent crowns. Eligible accounts include your own MediSave or that of an immediate family member. We will walk you through eligibility at your consultation.
Insurance
Some dental and health insurance policies cover root canal treatment fully or with co-payment. Dentalis accepts Cigna, Allianz, Alliance MediNet, Henner, AXA and other major insurers. Bring your policy details — we can help clarify your coverage before treatment begins.
All fees before 9% GST unless stated. Prices valid as of August 2026. Treatment fees do not include other procedures that may be required (e.g. crown, scaling and polishing). Dentalis reserves the right to revise pricing without prior notice. This section provides factual fee information in accordance with the Healthcare Services (Advertisement) Regulations 2021.
Principal Dentist and Founder
Dr Jonathan Liu
Qualifications
BDS (National University of Singapore)
25+ Years · 10,000+ Patients · SDC Reg. D21395J
Meet Dr Jonathan Liu →Why Patients Choose Dentalis
A Gentle, Experienced Approach
We have designed our Craig Rd shophouse to feel less like a clinic and more like a sanctuary. Root canal treatment is one of the most anxiety-inducing dental conversations — and one we approach with the most consistent care. Learn about the Dentalis patient experience →
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Experienced, gentle care — Dr Jonathan Liu and our trusted endodontic specialist lead with a focus on calm, precise endodontic care.
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Preservation first — Our philosophy is to retain your natural tooth wherever possible. A saved tooth maintains your bite, protects surrounding teeth, and avoids the longer journey of replacement.
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Precise Anaesthesia — Calaject® computer-controlled numbing. The sensation is often undetectable. Pain is not part of the experience here.
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Clinical guidance — We share what we find, explain what we recommend, and respect your time and decisions throughout.
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Shophouse Sanctuary — 52 Craig Rd. Designed to feel measured, not clinical. A space where the treatment is unhurried and the environment is calming.
We Are Rooting for You
A Consultation Is a Conversation, Not a Commitment.
If you simply need to understand what's happening — or suspect you need treatment — don't wait for the problem to worsen. We would welcome the chance to help.
Dentalis is located at 52 Craig Rd, within minutes of Tanjong Pagar MRT, Maxwell MRT, and Outram Park MRT.
Common Questions
Root Canal Treatment FAQs
Everything you need to know about root canal treatment at Dentalis — answered clearly by our dentists.
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so you should feel pressure rather than pain. At Dentalis, we use Calaject® computer-controlled anaesthesia for a gentler, more precise numbing experience. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the experience is. Any mild post-operative sensitivity typically settles within a day or two and responds well to over-the-counter pain relief.
Most root canals are completed in a single appointment of one to two hours, depending on the complexity of the case. Complex infections or molars with multiple canals may require two sessions to ensure the tooth is fully disinfected.
Most patients return to their usual routine within a day or two. There may be some mild tenderness around the tooth for a few days, which is entirely normal as the tissue heals.
We recommend waiting until the anaesthesia has fully worn off before eating, to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. After that, you can return to a normal diet — though softer foods are kinder to the area in the first day or so.
Common signs include severe toothache, prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold, swelling around the affected tooth, or a pimple-like bump on the gums. Not all infected teeth cause immediate pain — a clinical assessment with X-ray is the only reliable way to confirm.
Root canal treatment has a high success rate — routinely exceeding 90%. Like all medical procedures, it is not guaranteed indefinitely. In some cases, bacteria may re-enter the tooth or healing may not occur as expected. If this happens, retreatment or additional procedures may be recommended to manage the tooth.
A crown is usually recommended to strengthen the tooth and protect the treated root canal, especially for back teeth exposed to higher chewing forces. This is discussed openly during your consultation — before any commitment is made.
Root canal treatment at Dentalis is CHAS claimable for eligible cardholders (Blue & Orange). It is not MediSave claimable. From 1 June 2026, patients aged 60 and above may use Flexi-MediSave of up to S$400/year toward root canals and crowns. We will walk you through what applies during your consultation.
