Trying to save your tooth from extraction? Your dentist might just suggest a root canal treatment. Read this article to find out what exactly a root canal treatment entails and 5 common knowledge you should know about it.

 

What is a Root Canal Treatment?

(also known as endodontic treatment)

A root canal treatment is the disinfection and filling of the root canal space in attempts to save the tooth that is badly infected and prevent further damage to the tooth. The main gist of the treatment involves the removal of infected tissues, nerves and blood vessels contained within the chamber of the inflamed dental pulp. 

 

Procedure of a Root Canal Treatment

The entire process is performed over 1-2 visits depending on each individual patient and their dentist’s recommendation.

• Assessment: The dentist will first take an x-ray of your teeth to assess the location of infected tooth and confirm the patient’s suitability for a root canal treatment.
• Preparation: Once confirmed, anaesthesia is administered to the surrounding area of the infected tooth. Next, a rubber sheet (also known as a rubber dam) is placed over the area to isolate the tooth while ensuring that the region is kept dry and free from saliva.
• Cleaning: The dentist will then drill an access hole into the tooth and carefully remove the related tissues and debris from the pulp chamber. Root canal files are special tools used to ensure the root canal is thoroughly clean. Water or other cleaning solutions (e.g: sodium hypochlorite) will be used periodically to help disinfect and clean the teeth. 
• Fill & Seal: Finally, the root canals are filled with a rubber-like material (also known as gutta-percha) and sealed off using an adhesive cement. Some dentists will put medication and temporary filling inside the tooth to allow for complete drainage of the infected material and that recommend patients come back for a second visit to seal off the tooth. 

 

Here are 5 common knowledge you should know of a Root Canal Treatment in Singapore

Common Causes that Require a Root Canal Treatment

• Deep Decay—Severe tooth decay that penetrates into the inner layers of the teeth allows for bacterial growth and infection causing inflammation of dental pulp.
• Tooth Cracks & Chips—Increases the difficulty of cleaning stuck food allowing for growth of bacteria and increases risk of tooth decay. 
• Repeated Dental Procedure on Tooth—Certain dental procedures (E.g.: shaving of enamel, large fillings and other tooth restoration procedures) could indirectly weaken teeth or increase pressure placed on teeth. These can increase the chance of development of tooth cracks and chips which ultimately adds to the risk of having an inflamed dental pulp.
• Trauma to Tooth—High impact to your face region could lead to trauma to your teeth which increases the chance of development of tooth cracks and chips. In some cases, even when injury to tooth is not visible, pulp damage still remains a possibility.

 

Symptoms that Suggest You May Need a Root Canal Treatment

• Sharp pain when chewing or biting
• Increased tooth sensitivity such as lingering pain when eating hot/cold foods
• Darkening of tooth
• Swelling and pain in jaw or other areas like your face, neck or head
• Swollen or darkened gums
• “Pimples” on gums surrounding infected tooth
• Pus discharge from gums surrounding infected tooth

 

Pain of Root Canal Treatment

As mentioned, anaesthesia is used during the process to ensure a pain-free experience. Most of the time, these root canal treatments are not more painful than getting a generic filling! Once the anaesthesia wears off, you might experience mild pains and sores. 

 

Recovery Process after Root Canal Treatment

Mild pains and sores should stop after a few days. In the meantime, you should still practice good oral hygiene to ensure full recovery. Generally, you can still continue to eat and partake in your daily activities as per normal but it is recommended that you chew carefully and not put too much on the treated tooth. Note that you should probably see your dentist for a follow-up if the pain lasts longer than three days.

 

Cost of Root Canal Treatment in Singapore

The cost will vary depending on certain factors such as the clinic and medical professional you receive treatment from as well as the position of the tooth to be treated. Intuitively, you probably can guess that private dental practices and specialists charge more. As for tooth position, it is estimated that root canal treatments will cost around $300+ for incisors and canine (front teeth), $500+ for premolars and $800+ for molars.

*Numbers are estimates that may be subjected to changes.

 

We hope you learnt more about Root Canal Treatment in Singapore…

Here at Vivid Dental Surgeons, we aim to educate our patients on matters regarding oral hygiene and health. We hope that this article gave you clarity regarding the topic of root canal treatments.

If you are still unsure about the procedure, be sure to voice out your concerns to your dentist. Only by exercising good communication will you be able to receive the most optimal treatment. Should you have any more questions regarding root canal treatments or other oral health related matters, feel free to drop Dr Ryan a message here. 

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Dr Ryan and the Vivid Dental Team wishes everyone a pleasant day ahead!