ROOT CANAL TREATMENT
Restore and preserve your natural tooth without extraction. Suitable for patients who have had extensive tooth decay or damage but do not want to lose their teeth entirely. Best for patients who want to retain their existing tooth without undergoing dental implants.
BOOKING AN APPOINTMENT
Phone: +65 6333 4456 (24 hour emergency hotline)
Email: patient-care@elitedental.com.sg
Whatsapp: +65 9788 9407 (replies during working hours)
What is a Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal or Endodontic treatment is performed to salvage a tooth that has become badly infected due to deep decay or severe damage caused by trauma; resulting in nerve death within the tooth. The procedure involves the removal of the infected or dead nerve (pulp) from within the tooth and cleaning and sealing the emptied root canal space to prevent bacterial growth.
When do I need a Root Canal Treatment?
Blood vessels and nerve tissue (the dental pulp) exists within each tooth, allowing your tooth to sense temperature, pressure and to fight off bacterial invasion.
When a tooth’s nerve tissue gets injured (through a crack or trauma) or infected by bacteria (through a cavity), it becomes inflamed causing severe pain (toothache). Oral bacteria will then invade the pulp chamber and spread down into the roots. If left untreated, the infection can lead to the following:
An abscess (pus-filled swelling) forming around the root of the tooth.
Destruction of bone surrounding the root of the tooth. This may allow the abscess to burst through the weakened bone to drain pus into the mouth through the gums.
Severe pain
Root canal treatment aims to stop this infectious process taking place within the root canal system and to eliminate pain. This will allow you to keep the tooth instead of extracting it.
After root canal treatment, the tooth becomes very brittle and weak. It may crack or fracture more easily when you chew on it. Protecting the biting surface with a crown or an onlay will help to prevent an irreparable fracture from occurring soon after root canal treatment is completed. This protection is mandatory for all root canal treated teeth that are subjected to high biting forces.
Root Canal Treatment at Elite Dental
Step 1: Consultation
During the first visit, we will examine your teeth carefully to identify the source of the toothache/infection.
Clinical tests and dental X-rays are taken to pinpoint the offending tooth. A 3D CBCT scan of the root canal space may be taken for complex cases involving multiple roots, and to look for hidden root curvatures, root resorption, and canal blockages among other issues that can complicate treatment.
The potential risks and complications involved as well as the long term prognosis for the tooth will then be discussed with you.
In some cases, it may be determined that your tooth is so badly damaged or infected that it may not survive for very long afterwards. In such cases, it may then be better to have the tooth removed and replaced with a dental implant, for example, for a higher chance of long term success.
Occasionally, you may be referred to a root canal specialist (endodontist) if your case has a high level of difficulty. We are proud to partner with experienced endodontists located close by, in the Orchard Road belt.
Here are some factors that would make root canal treatment difficult to perform :
severely curved or twisted root canals
blocked root canals
root resorption
cracks within the tooth or root
previous root canal treatment
presence of root canal posts and crowns
patients with very limited mouth opening
claustrophobic patients
Step 2: Root canal treatment procedure
Before the procedure begins, your tooth will always be numbed with local anaesthetic.
The tooth to be treated is then isolated with a perforated rubber sheet clamped on to the tooth (rubber dam). This is MANDATORY to ensure a clean, dry working field, to shield your throat and soft tissues from any disinfectant used and to prevent you from inhaling or swallowing tiny root canal instruments. Intra-Venous sedation or oral sedatives can be helpful to ensure an anxiety-free procedure, if you are very anxious or claustrophobic.
We will then gain access to the root canal system by drilling an opening into the tooth. Existing decay, old leaking fillings and defective crowns are usually removed as well. The root canals are then cleaned and shaped, flushed with disinfectant and sealed with a rubber sealant called gutta-percha. A filling is then placed to cover the excess cavity and seal it off from any further bacteria ingress.
At the end, an x-ray is taken to double-check the root filling.
At Elite Dental, most root canal treatments are completed in a single visit. Occasionally, this may not be possible and a temporary antiseptic dressing is placed inside the tooth before you leave.
We will then prescribe you with painkillers and occasionally antibiotics to aid with the healing process.
Step 3: Preparing the root treated tooth for a dental crown
After root canal treatment, the remaining tooth structure becomes very brittle and can crack easily when chewed on. Covering the biting surface with a dental onlay or crown as soon as possible can prevent the tooth from breaking. We view crowning as mandatory and an essential part of finishing the treatment.
The tooth needs to be trimmed and shaped to accommodate the crown. A mould or digital scan of the prepared tooth is then made and transferred to the dental laboratory, where the crown is made. A temporary crown is then fitted to protect the tooth in the meantime.
Step 4: Fitting of the crown
Once the new crown is ready, the temporary crown is then removed. The fit, colour, shape and bite of your new crown will then be checked with your input, before it is finally cemented onto your tooth. After the crown has been fitted, your tooth still needs to be treated with care, since biting into very hard things like bones, ice, shellfish or opening bottles/cans with your teeth may damage the crown in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t find an answer? Call us at (65) 6333 4456 or email patient-care@elitedental.com.sg
Do I need root canal treatment?
You may need a root canal treatment if you are experiencing the following symptoms and conditions:
- Extreme tooth pain
- Loose or shaky teeth
- Gums that are swollen or painful to the touch
- Sensitivity to hot and cold foods
- Tooth discolouration.
How painful is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment is often unfairly associated with extreme pain, but in reality, the procedure itself is typically not painful.
Most patients report that it is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling. The pain people associate with root canals is usually the discomfort they experience before the treatment, caused by the infected or inflamed tooth pulp.
During the procedure, the area is numbed with local anesthesia, ensuring you feel little to no pain. Some patients might experience mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days after the treatment, but this is generally manageable with over-the-counter pain medications.
Modern techniques and anesthetics have made root canal treatments much more comfortable than in the past, and many patients are surprised at how painless the experience can be.
What is the difference between a tooth extraction and a root canal treatment?
The main difference between a tooth extraction and a root canal treatment lies in their approach to dealing with a severely damaged or infected tooth.
A root canal aims to save the natural tooth by removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning the inside of the tooth, and then filling and sealing it. This preserves the structure and function of the tooth. On the other hand, tooth extraction involves completely removing the affected tooth from its socket. While extraction might seem simpler, it can lead to other issues such as shifting of nearby teeth, difficulty chewing, or changes in appearance.
Root canal treatment is generally preferred when possible because it maintains the natural tooth, preserves jaw bone density, and does not require replacement with an artificial tooth. However, in cases where the tooth is too severely damaged to be saved, extraction might be the only viable option.
Are there any other treatment alternatives to root canal treatment?
While root canal treatment is often the best option for saving a severely damaged or infected tooth, there are some alternatives depending on the specific situation.
One alternative is tooth extraction, followed by a dental implant, bridge, or partial denture to replace the missing tooth. Another option in some cases might be direct pulp capping, where a damaged pulp is covered with a protective material to encourage healing and avoid a full root canal.
For teeth with reversible pulpitis (mild inflammation of the pulp), sometimes a deep filling can be sufficient. In cases of cracked teeth, a crown might be used to prevent further damage without needing a root canal.
However, it is important to note that these alternatives may not always be suitable, and in many cases, a root canal remains the most effective way to save the natural tooth and alleviate pain.
How long can root canal treatment last?
When performed correctly and with proper care, a root canal treatment can last a lifetime. The success rate for root canal treatments is generally high, with many studies showing success rates of over 90% after 10 years.
However, the longevity of the treatment can depend on various factors. These include the skill of the dentist performing the procedure, how well the tooth is restored after the root canal (usually with a crown), and the oral hygiene habits of the patient.
It is also important that the treated tooth is protected with a permanent restoration (like a crown) in a timely manner to prevent reinfection or fracture.
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices can help ensure the longevity of the treatment. In some cases, a tooth might need retreatment after many years due to new decay, a loose or cracked filling, or a new injury to the tooth.
What are the risks of root canal treatment?
Most root canal treatments in Singapore are generally done in a safe and sterile environment. You will most likely be treated under the hands of experienced and carefully trained dentists or dental specialists. However, while root canal treatment is generally safe and effective, like any medical procedure, it does carry some risks.
One potential risk is the possibility of missed canals during the procedure, which could lead to persistent infection and the need for retreatment. There is also a small risk of instrument breakage within the canal, though this is rare with modern techniques. Some patients might experience temporary or permanent numbness if the nerve near the tooth is damaged.
In rare cases, the tooth might fracture during or after treatment, particularly if a crown is not placed promptly to protect it. There is also a slight risk of an allergic reaction to the materials used, though this is uncommon.
The risks of not treating a severely infected or damaged tooth (such as widespread infection or the need for extraction) often outweigh the risks of the root canal procedure itself. Your dentist can provide more detailed information about the specific risks in your case.
What are the side effects of root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment can have some side effects, though they are typically mild and temporary.
Patients may experience sensitivity or discomfort in the treated tooth for a few days after the procedure. This is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medications. Some individuals might notice slight swelling or bruising around the treated area, which generally subsides within a week.
In rare cases, there might be an allergic reaction to the materials used, or the tooth may become discolored over time. It is also possible to experience a slight change in bite sensation as you adjust to the restored tooth. However, serious complications are uncommon, and most patients find that the benefits of the treatment far outweigh these temporary side effects.
Am I suitable for root canal treatment?
Determining your suitability for root canal treatment depends on several factors that your dentist will assess. Generally, if you have a severely decayed, infected, or damaged tooth where the pulp is affected, you may be a candidate for this procedure.
However, factors such as the extent of the damage, your overall oral health, and medical history play a role in this decision. If the tooth is too severely damaged to be saved, or if you have certain medical conditions that might complicate healing, alternative treatments might be recommended.
The best way to determine your suitability is to consult with a dentist or endodontist who can evaluate your specific case and provide personalized advice.
Is root canal treatment worth it?
Root canal treatment is often considered worth it due to its ability to save a natural tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted. This procedure can alleviate pain, restore function, and maintain your natural smile.
While the initial cost might seem high, it is generally more cost-effective in the long run compared to the alternatives of tooth extraction followed by implants or bridges. Moreover, preserving your natural tooth helps maintain proper bite alignment and prevents potential issues with surrounding teeth.
The improved quality of life, restored ability to eat comfortably, and the prevention of more serious oral health issues make root canal treatment a valuable investment for many patients.
Can I go about with my daily activities after root canal treatment?
After a root canal treatment, most patients can resume their daily activities relatively quickly. However, it is common to experience some numbness for a few hours following the procedure due to local anesthesia.
During this time, you should be cautious about eating to avoid accidentally biting your cheek or tongue. It is generally advisable to avoid strenuous physical activities for the rest of the day to allow your body to begin the healing process.
You may experience some sensitivity for a few days, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Most people can return to work or school the next day, but please follow the post-treatment instructions issued by your doctor for optimal recovery.
How common is infection after a root canal treatment?
Infection after a root canal treatment is relatively uncommon when the procedure is performed correctly by a skilled professional. The success rate of root canal treatments is generally high, with studies showing success rates of 86% to 98%.
However, a small percentage of cases may develop a post-treatment infection. This can occur due to various factors such as missed canals, inadequate cleaning, or a delay in placing the final restoration.
In some cases, bacteria might remain in the tooth or enter through a leaky restoration. To prevent this from happening, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene and follow up with your dentist as recommended to minimize the risk of infection.
If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or other unusual symptoms after your root canal, you should contact your dentist promptly for evaluation.
Can a root canal treatment procedure be unsuccessful?
While root canal treatments have a high success rate, there is a possibility that the procedure may be unsuccessful in some cases.
Factors that can contribute to an unsuccessful treatment include complex root anatomy that makes it difficult to clean all canals thoroughly, reinfection due to a delay in placing the final restoration, or fracture of the tooth.
Sometimes, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment may develop new problems months or years later, such as a new infection or a crack in the root. In such cases, retreatment might be necessary, or in more severe situations, the tooth may need to be extracted.
Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene practices can help detect and address any issues early, improving the long-term success of the treatment.