Root Canal Treatment
Singapore
From 1 June 2026, root canal treatment on premolars and molars is claimable under the Flexi-MediSave scheme for eligible patients aged 60 and above. Meiplus Dentalcare is accredited for CHAS, Pioneer Generation Scheme, and Merdeka Generation Scheme. Consultations are available in English, Korean, Mandarin, and Japanese
What is
Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment also known as endodontic treatment — is a dental procedure used to treat a tooth whose pulp has become infected or severely damaged. When bacteria reach the pulp through deep decay, a cracked tooth, or dental trauma, infection can develop rapidly and spread to the surrounding bone if left untreated.
Root canal treatment removes the infected pulp, cleans and disinfects the inner canal system of the tooth, and seals it to prevent reinfection. The procedure allows the natural tooth structure to be preserved, avoiding the need for extraction and tooth replacement. A dental crown is typically placed over the tooth after treatment to restore its strength and function.
Signs You May Need a
Root Canal Treatment
The following symptoms may indicate that the pulp of a tooth has become infected or damaged and that root canal treatment may be required. A clinical assessment including X-ray imaging is necessary to confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate course of treatment.
Persistent or severe toothache
A persistent, deep toothache that does not resolve may indicate pulp infection. The pain may be localised to one tooth or radiate to the jaw, ear, or head. Toothache caused by pulp infection typically cannot be resolved with over-the-counter pain relief alone.
Prolonged sensitivity to heat or cold
A partially erupted wisdom tooth creates a flap of gum tissue that is difficult to clean. Accumulated bacteria can cause a localised infection called pericoronitis. Symptoms include swollen, red gums, bad breath, a bad taste in the mouth, and sometimes difficulty opening the jaw fully
Pain when biting or chewing
Discomfort or pain when applying pressure to a tooth during biting or chewing can be a sign of pulp involvement or periapical infection. This symptom often accompanies other signs of pulp damage.
Swollen or tender gums
Swelling, tenderness, or a visible raised bump on the gum near an affected tooth may indicate a dental abscess — a pocket of infection that has formed at the root tip. A dental abscess requires prompt treatment to prevent the infection from spreading further.
Tooth discolouration
A tooth that has darkened or developed a grey or yellow tint may indicate internal pulp damage. This can occur following dental trauma or when the pulp begins to break down internally. Discolouration alone does not always indicate infection, but it warrants a clinical assessment.
Recurring gum pimple
A small pimple-like bump on the gum known as a dental sinus or fistula that appears, disappears, and recurs is a sign of chronic infection draining from the root of a tooth. This is a clear clinical indicator that the tooth requires endodontic evaluation.
Root Canal Treatment Procedure
Root canal treatment at Meiplus Dentalcare is carried out over two to three appointments depending on the complexity of the case and the number of canals in the affected tooth. The procedure begins with a thorough clinical examination and periapical X-ray to evaluate the extent of infection and the anatomy of the root canal system.
Step 1:
Anaesthesia and access
Local anaesthesia is administered to the affected tooth and surrounding tissue to ensure you are comfortable throughout the procedure. Once the tooth is numb, the dentist creates a small opening through the crown of the tooth to access the pulp chamber and root canals
Step 2:
Pulp removal and canal cleaning
Using specialised endodontic instruments, the infected or damaged pulp tissue is carefully removed from the pulp chamber and root canals. The canals are systematically cleaned, shaped, and disinfected using antimicrobial irrigation to eliminate bacteria and prepare the canals for filling
Step 3:
Canal filling and sealing
The cleaned and disinfected canals are filled with gutta-percha a biocompatible rubber-like material and sealed with a dental adhesive to prevent bacteria from re-entering. A temporary filling is placed in the access opening to protect the tooth between appointments while the area heals
Step 4:
Crown placement
A dental crown is recommended after root canal treatment to protect the treated tooth from fracture and restore its full chewing function. The crown is custom-made at a dental laboratory and cemented into place at a final appointment.
Root Canal Treatment Cost
& MediSave in Singapore
The cost of root canal treatment in Singapore varies depending on the tooth being treated, the number of canals, and the complexity of the case. Front teeth typically have fewer canals and are less complex than premolars and molars. A personalised cost estimate is provided following a clinical consultation and X-ray assessment at Meiplus Dentalcare.
| Scheme | Who Qualifies | Covers Root Canal | Available at Meiplus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flexi-MediSave | Singapore Citizens and PRs aged 60 and above | Premolars and molars (from 1 Jun 2026) | ✅ Yes |
| CHAS Blue | Lower-income Singapore Citizens | Selected procedures | ✅ Yes |
| CHAS Orange | Middle-income Singapore Citizens | Selected procedures | ✅ Yes |
| CHAS Green | All Singapore Citizens aged below 65 | Selected procedures | ✅ Yes |
| Pioneer Generation | Singapore Citizens born on or before 31 Dec 1949 | Selected procedures | ✅ Yes |
| Merdeka Generation | Singapore Citizens born 1 Jan 1950 – 31 Dec 1959 | Selected procedures | ✅ Yes |
Subsidy Schemes
We are an accredited dental group for Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS), Merdeka Generation Scheme,
Pioneer Generation Scheme, and the Medisave Scheme
Root Canal Treatment at
Meiplus Dentalcare
Meiplus Dentalcare offers root canal treatment consultations and procedures at two clinic locations in Singapore. Our Singapore-registered dentists are trained at internationally recognised universities including King’s College London, the University of Melbourne, and the National University of Singapore. Consultations are available in English, Korean, Mandarin, and Japanese
Address
1 Tanjong Pagar Plaza #02-24, S082001
Tanjong Pagar
(Flagship Clinic)
Address
141 East Coast Road, Katong, S428831
Marine Parade Branch
Meiplus Dentalcare:
Your Smile, Our Priority
From routine checkups to advanced treatments, we’re here to support your oral health every step of the way.
