Root Canal Cost & Procedure in Singapore

After my root canal, I asked another friend who'd had the same procedure done at a different clinic — their bill was almost twice mine. That's because the cost depends on several specific factors, not just the dentist's hourly rate.

• Which tooth is affected: Front teeth (incisors) have one root and are simpler and faster to treat — expect $800–$1,500. Premolars have 1–2 roots and cost $1,200–$2,000. Back molars have 2–4 roots and are the most complex and expensive — $2,000–$3,500.

• Complexity of the root system: Some teeth have calcified (hardened) canals or unusual shapes that are harder to navigate. Your dentist may need to use a microscope or cone-beam CT scan (additional $200–$400) to see inside properly. Curved roots or multiple branches also increase time and cost.

• Extent of infection: A tooth with a small, contained infection is simpler than one where the infection has spread to the bone (periapical abscess). Severe infections may require antibiotics first and a two-visit approach, which adds cost.

• Clinic type and dentist experience: Private specialist endodontists charge $2,000–$3,500 because they have advanced equipment (microscopes, ultrasonic tips, rotary systems) and years of focused training. General dentists at private clinics charge $1,200–$2,500. Public hospitals (NDCS, KKH, government polyclinics) charge $400–$1,000 but have longer wait times (3–6 months).

• Treatment in one visit vs. multiple visits: Simple cases done in one visit cost less. Infected teeth requiring medicament placement and a follow-up appointment will cost more.

One of the first things I wanted to know after my root canal was whether I could claim this from my CPF Medisave account — and the answer is yes, but with limits.

Mediasave covers root canal treatment at all MOH-registered private dental clinics and at public dental hospitals. However, the claim is capped at $500 per tooth per visit. If your treatment costs $1,500, you claim $500 from Medisave and pay the remaining $1,000 out of pocket. This cap has not increased in many years, so it covers only a portion of the actual cost.

How to claim:

• Ask your dentist's clinic to submit the claim directly to your Medisave account (most clinics do this automatically). You'll need your NRIC and your clinic's MOH license number.

• If the clinic doesn't submit automatically, you can claim manually through the CPF Board website using your SingPass login.

• The claim is processed within 1–2 weeks after treatment completion.

CHAS (Community Health Assist Scheme) subsidies apply if you earn less than $2,500/month and visit a CHAS-approved clinic. CHAS subsidises basic dental care but typically doesn't cover root canal treatment — only emergency pain relief and extractions. Check the CHAS website to see if your clinic participates and what's covered.

Not every toothache means you need a root canal — but certain signs strongly suggest the nerve is infected or dying. Knowing the difference saves you both money and unnecessary treatment.

You likely need a root canal if:

• You have severe, throbbing pain in a specific tooth that wakes you at night or doesn't respond to painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.

• Your tooth has discoloured (turned grey or dark) without any visible cavity or crack.

• You have a pimple-like bump on your gum above or below the affected tooth — this suggests a bacterial infection has broken through to the bone.

• You have pain when biting or chewing on that tooth, even if the tooth looks fine from the outside.

• An X-ray shows a dark shadow (radiolucency) around the tip of the root, indicating bone loss from infection.

You might NOT need a root canal if:

• You have sensitivity to hot and cold that fades within 10–15 seconds after the stimulus is removed (this is usually reversible pulpitis, treatable with a filling).

• You have a cavity that's been caught early with no deep infection (a simple filling often works).

• Your pain is caused by a cracked filling or crown, not nerve damage (sometimes replacing the filling solves it).

After the root canal itself is done, the work doesn't stop — your recovery and what you do next affects how long the tooth actually lasts.

Immediate aftercare (first 24–48 hours):

• Avoid chewing on the treated tooth while it's under a temporary filling. Use the other side of your mouth for eating.

• Take over-the-counter painkillers (paracetamol or ibuprofen) if you have mild discomfort — this is normal and usually fades within 2–3 days.

• Avoid hard, sticky, or hot foods and drinks.

• Do not rinse or spit forcefully; let your mouth heal gently.

Longer-term (weeks to months):

• Your tooth will feel slightly different — it no longer has a nerve, so it won't respond to temperature as before. This is normal.

• A permanent filling or crown must be placed within 2–4 weeks. Teeth without a crown after root canal are significantly more likely to crack (studies show a 45–80% failure rate within 5 years if left unfilled). A crown protects the tooth and typically costs $800–$2,500 depending on material (composite, gold, ceramic).

• About 5–10% of root canal-treated teeth fail even after correct treatment (due to missed canals, reinfection, or persistent symptoms). If pain returns after a few weeks, see your dentist — you may need retreatment.

The pulp chamber is the hollow space inside your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria reach it through a deep cavity or crack, it causes severe pain — and that's when a root canal is needed.

An apex locator is an electronic device that tells your dentist exactly where the root canal ends — so they clean all the way to the tip without going too far.

After cleaning and shaping, the root canal is filled with gutta-percha and a sealer to prevent bacteria from re-entering. This is the final step before a crown is placed.

Inside every tooth is a small chamber filled with nerve tissue and blood vessels — this is called the pulp. When you're healthy, the pulp keeps your tooth alive and sensitive to temperature and pressure. But the pulp can become infected or inflamed for several reasons, and once that happens, the problem doesn't resolve on its own.

Here's what typically leads to needing a root canal:

• Deep tooth decay that reaches the pulp: Bacteria from cavities burrow down through the enamel and dentin until they reach the nerve chamber, causing infection and inflammation.
• Trauma to the tooth: A blow to the face or a fall can crack or chip a tooth, exposing the nerve and allowing bacteria to enter.
• Repeated dental procedures: Multiple fillings or procedures on the same tooth can irritate the pulp over time, eventually killing the nerve.
• Cracked or leaking fillings: Old fillings can develop gaps, allowing bacteria to re-infect the inside of the tooth even if it was treated before.
• Gum disease: Severe periodontal infection can spread down to the root tip and infect the pulp from the bottom.

Once the pulp is infected, you typically experience sharp, throbbing pain — especially when chewing or applying pressure to the tooth. Some people describe it as a constant ache; others say it comes and goes. The pain often gets worse at night. You might also notice the tooth becoming darker than surrounding teeth, or swelling and tenderness in the gum or jaw.

The obvious question is: why not just pull the tooth out? In Singapore, dentists will generally recommend saving the tooth if possible because extraction creates more problems down the line than root canal treatment does.

When you lose a tooth, the bone underneath begins to shrink within weeks. This happens because there's no longer a root anchoring the bone in place. Over months and years, the bone loss becomes significant, which changes the shape of your jaw and can cause your remaining teeth to shift out of alignment. If you later want to replace that tooth with an implant, the bone loss means you may need expensive bone grafting first — adding $2,000–$5,000 to your total cost.

A tooth that has had root canal treatment stays in your jaw for life. The nerve is gone, so it no longer senses temperature or pain, but it functions normally for chewing. Your natural tooth is almost always better than any replacement — implants can fail, bridges involve grinding down adjacent teeth, and dentures require daily maintenance.

Root canal treatment also costs less upfront than extraction plus implant replacement. A root canal in Singapore runs $1,500–$4,500 depending on the tooth (molars are more complex and expensive than front teeth). An implant costs $4,000–$8,000, plus the cost of bone grafting if needed. So even though root canal treatment seems expensive on its own, it's actually the more economical choice when you factor in the long-term cost of replacing the tooth.

The only times extraction is the better choice are when the tooth is so badly damaged that it cannot be restored, when the cost of treatment is prohibitive for your situation, or when the infection has spread so far that treatment is unlikely to succeed.

Root canal treatment is a procedure that requires precision and time. Most treatments take 60–90 minutes, though larger teeth with multiple roots can take 2 hours or more. Here's what to expect:

1. 1Local anaesthesia is administered: Your dentist injects numbing medication around the tooth and gum, just like for a filling. You'll feel pressure but no pain during the procedure.

1. 2The dentist creates an access hole: A small opening is drilled into the crown (top) of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber inside.

1. 3The infected pulp is removed: Using tiny instruments called files, the dentist removes all the infected or inflamed tissue from inside the tooth and its root canals. This stops the infection immediately.

1. 4The canals are shaped and cleaned: A series of increasingly larger files gradually widen and smooth the inside of the canals, removing debris and bacteria.

1. 5The canals are filled with a biocompatible material: A rubber-like material called gutta-percha is inserted into the canals and compressed to seal them completely. This prevents bacteria from re-entering.

1. 6A temporary or permanent restoration is placed: The access hole is sealed with a temporary filling or permanent crown, depending on how soon you can return for a crown.

Most root canals are completed in one appointment in Singapore. Some very complex cases with multiple or severely curved roots may require a second visit, but this is less common.

After treatment, you may feel some mild discomfort or sensitivity for a few days, especially when chewing. Over-the-counter pain relief and a soft diet usually manage this. The tooth itself no longer has nerve sensation, so you won't feel pain from that tooth again — only from the surrounding gum or jaw if there's residual inflammation.

Waiting to treat an infected tooth can lead to serious complications. Here are the warning signs that you need to see a dentist urgently:

• Severe, persistent pain in a single tooth, especially when chewing or applying pressure: This is the most common indicator that the nerve is inflamed or infected.
• Swelling or pus-filled bump on the gum above or below the tooth: This is a dental abscess — a pocket of infection. It will not heal on its own and requires treatment.
• Discoloration or darkening of the tooth: A tooth that turns grey, brown, or black often indicates the nerve is dying or dead.
• Sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers long after the stimulus is removed: Unlike normal sensitivity, which fades quickly, pulp damage causes prolonged pain.
• Swelling in the jaw, neck, or face: This means the infection is spreading beyond the tooth and into surrounding tissue — a serious situation that can become life-threatening if left untreated.
• A tooth that feels loose or higher than adjacent teeth: This can indicate the infection has reached the bone.

If you experience any of these signs, book an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. If you have facial swelling, fever, or difficulty swallowing, go to an emergency department — these are signs of spreading infection.

Root canal treatment costs in Singapore vary significantly depending on which tooth needs treatment and how many root canals the tooth has.

• Front teeth (incisors and canines): $1,500–$2,500. These teeth have a single root canal, making them simpler and faster to treat.
• Premolars: $2,000–$3,000. These teeth typically have one or two canals.
• Molars: $2,500–$4,500. Molars have two or three root canals that are often curved and complex, requiring more time and skill.

These prices are typical for private dental clinics in Singapore. Public dental clinics like those operated by the National Dental Centre (NDC) or polyclinics charge significantly less — typically $400–$1,200 depending on the tooth — but waiting times can be 3–6 months. Some specialist endodontists (dentists who focus exclusively on root canal treatment) charge at the higher end of these ranges, especially if the case is complex.

MediaveSave coverage for root canal treatment depends on the tooth and the reason for treatment. Root canal treatment is claimable under Medisave, but only for certain situations:

• Medisave can be claimed for root canal treatment if the tooth has been traumatised (injury) or if the treatment is necessary to prevent tooth loss due to infection or decay.
• Medisave cannot be claimed if the root canal is being redone because the first attempt failed, or if the tooth is being extracted instead.
• The Medisave claim typically covers $500–$800 of the cost, meaning you pay the remainder out of pocket.

CHAS (Community Health Assist Scheme) provides subsidies for root canal treatment at participating polyclinics and private clinics. CHAS subsidies reduce the cost to $300–$600 depending on your CHAS card tier (Blue or Orange). You must be registered with CHAS to access these subsidies.

An apex locator is an electronic device that tells your dentist exactly where the root canal ends — so they clean all the way to the tip without going too far.

After cleaning and shaping, the root canal is filled with gutta-percha and a sealer to prevent bacteria from re-entering. This is the final step before a crown is placed.

I was surprised when my dentist said my root canal needed two separate appointments—I thought it could all be done in one sitting. Turns out, most dentists in Singapore split the procedure for good reason.

A root canal cleans out infected or dead nerve tissue (the pulp) from inside your tooth, then seals the canal. Doing this properly takes time. Your dentist needs to:

1. 1Access the pulp chamber: drill into the crown of your tooth to reach the infected area
2. 2Remove the infected pulp: use specialized files to carefully extract the pulp tissue
3. 3Clean and shape the canal: use increasingly larger files to clean the entire length of the canal
4. 4Dry and seal the canal: fill it with a biocompatible material called gutta-percha
5. 5Restore the tooth: place a permanent crown or filling

Doing all of this in one visit is possible (single-visit root canal treatment exists), but it rushes the cleaning and drying steps—areas where moisture or incomplete removal of infected tissue can lead to re-infection. Most Singapore dentists, especially at public polyclinics and general dental practices, prefer a two-visit approach. This gives the tooth time to settle, lets your dentist verify the infection is clear, and reduces the risk of failure.

The timeline typically looks like this: Visit 1 (access, removal, cleaning, temporary filling) → 1–2 weeks → Visit 2 (removal of temporary filling, final seal with gutta-percha, permanent restoration).

Understanding each visit helps you mentally prepare and know what to expect.

Visit 1: Pulp Removal and Temporary Seal

• Your dentist takes X-rays to map the canal and check tooth length
• Local anesthetic is administered (you should feel no pain, only pressure and vibration)
• The dentist drills an access hole into the crown of the tooth
• Using small files, they remove the infected or dead pulp tissue
• The canal is cleaned, shaped, and flushed with disinfectant (sodium hypochlorite) to kill remaining bacteria
• The canal is dried
• A temporary filling is placed to seal the access hole and protect the canal until Visit 2
• The whole appointment usually takes 45–90 minutes depending on canal complexity

The Gap Between Visits

You'll wait 1–2 weeks (sometimes up to 3) before Visit 2. This allows:

• Any residual infection to clear
• The tooth to rest
• Your dentist to verify healing (some dentists take a follow-up X-ray)
• Time for your body's natural healing response to work

During this time, avoid chewing on the tooth—the temporary filling is just that, temporary. If the temporary seal comes loose or falls out, contact your dentist immediately.

Visit 2: Final Seal and Restoration

• The dentist removes the temporary filling
• The canal is checked for any residual infection and re-cleaned if necessary
• Gutta-percha (a rubber-like material) is warmed and injected into the canal, then compacted to seal it completely
• A final filling or crown is placed to restore the tooth's structure and seal the access hole
• This appointment usually takes 30–60 minutes

After Visit 2, your tooth is sealed and restored. Most dentists recommend a crown (especially for back teeth) because root-canal-treated teeth become brittle and are more prone to fracture without the additional support and seal a crown provides.

Where you go makes a massive difference to your bill.

Public Sector (Polyclinics & Public Hospitals)

Polyclinics like those run by PHPC (Personally-Held Private Clinics under subsidy schemes) and public hospitals offer the lowest costs:

• Simple single-canal tooth (incisor, canine): $250–$450
• Moderate (premolar, 2–3 canals): $400–$700
• Complex (molar, 3–4+ canals): $600–$1,000

Specialists (endodontists) at public hospitals charge slightly more, typically $800–$1,200 for complex cases.

Private General Dental Practice

Private dentists in suburban or non-central locations typically charge:

• Simple: $500–$900
• Moderate: $800–$1,400
• Complex: $1,000–$1,600

Private Specialists (Endodontists)

Specialist endodontists, especially in central areas (Orchard, Marina Bay, CBD), charge the highest:

• Simple: $800–$1,200
• Moderate: $1,200–$1,800
• Complex: $1,600–$2,200+

Specialists use advanced imaging (3D CBCT scans), rotary instruments, and sometimes operating microscopes—these increase precision and success rates, but they also increase cost.

What Affects the Final Bill

• Number of canals: front teeth have 1, back teeth have 2–4
• Calcification: if canals are calcified or narrow, treatment takes longer
• Severity of infection: large abscesses may need additional antibiotics or multiple visits
• Crown after treatment: add $1,000–$2,000 for a permanent crown (tooth-coloured or gold)
• If extraction is needed instead: cheaper upfront ($200–$600) but leaves you needing a bridge, implant, or partial denture later

When comparing clinics, always ask: does the quote include the crown? Many clinics quote the root canal alone, then surprise you with a $1,500 crown bill afterward.

Good news: root canals are covered under Medisave. Bad news: coverage depends on where you go and your plan.

Medisave Coverage

Root canal treatment is a claimable dental procedure under Medisave. Typical coverage:

• Polyclinics and PHPC-registered clinics: up to 80% of the bill, capped at around $200–$400 per tooth (depending on your Medisave balance and the claimed amount)
• Private dentists and specialists: only if they are Medisave-approved providers; coverage is typically 50–60%, with a lower ceiling

• Example: A $1,200 root canal at a private dentist might cover $600–$720 under Medisave, leaving you to pay $480–$600 out of pocket. At a polyclinic, a $600 root canal might be covered up to $400–$480, leaving you $120–$200 to pay.

You must ask the clinic directly: "Are you a Medisave provider? What is my estimated coverage for this root canal?" Different clinics have different agreements with CHAS/Medisave.

CHAS Subsidies

If you have a CHAS card (for low-income households), you get additional subsidies:

• CHAS Green card holders: 50% off consultation and X-rays, discounted treatment
• CHAS Blue card holders: 65% off consultation and X-rays

CHAS subsidies stack on top of Medisave. CHAS-registered clinics (listed on chas.sg) can apply both in one visit.

How to Claim Medisave

1. 1Ensure the clinic is a Medisave provider (ask before treatment)
2. 2Ask the clinic to submit the claim on your behalf (most do this automatically)
3. 3The clinic deducts the Medisave amount from your bill at the point of payment
4. 4You pay the remainder in cash or card

Some private clinics require you to claim Medisave yourself afterward, which means you pay the full bill upfront. Always clarify this before starting treatment.

If You Don't Have Medisave or Enough Balance

Many clinics offer payment plans (monthly installments) for root canals costing over $1,000. Also consider:

• Polyclinic: cheapest option, often no payment plan needed because the bill is smaller
• Dental insurance: check if your employer or private insurance covers root canals (many plans cap endodontic coverage)
• Extraction as a last resort: cheaper but leads to bigger problems later (bone loss, shifting teeth, eventual implant cost of $3,000–$6,000)

The decision often comes down to cost, urgency, and your tooth's complexity.

Choose a Polyclinic if:

• You have limited budget and Medisave/CHAS coverage is important
• The tooth is a simple case (single canal, no complications)
• You can wait 2–4 weeks for an appointment (polyclinics are often fully booked)
• You're willing to visit a public facility for longer wait times

• Polyclinics: typically $300–$700 for a full root canal treatment (both visits), with Medisave covering most of it.

Choose a Private General Dentist if:

• You want faster appointments (often within 1–2 weeks)
• You value convenience (location, hours, same-day X-rays)
• You can afford $800–$1,400 out of pocket
• The case is straightforward (no severe infection, accessible canals)

Private dentists: balance of cost and convenience, with decent success rates if the dentist is experienced in endodontic treatment.

Choose a Specialist Endodontist if:

• The tooth has a history of failed treatment (retreatment cases)
• Canals are severely calcified, curved, or complex
• You've already been told the case is "difficult" by another dentist
• You want the highest success rate, even if it costs more

• Endodontists: $1,200–$2,200+, but they're specialists trained specifically in root canal treatment and use advanced equipment like operating microscopes and rotary systems.

Success Rates

According to major endodontic research, first-time root canal treatment succeeds 85–90% of the time across all clinic types. However:

• Specialists achieve 90–95% success rates
• General dentists achieve 80–85%
• Inadequate case selection or infected cases (large abscesses) reduce success rates below 80%

If your tooth is complex or has failed before, the extra $400–$1,000 for a specialist often pays for itself by avoiding a second retreatment (which costs as much as the first root canal).

Most patients expect pain after a root canal, but the reality is often different.

Pain and Sensitivity

• During treatment: You should feel nothing except pressure and vibration. If you feel sharp pain, tell your dentist immediately—they can give more anesthetic.
• First 24–48 hours after Visit 1: Mild sensitivity or aching is normal. The tooth has been irritated, and the temporary filling can cause biting discomfort. Over-the-counter paracetamol or ibuprofen usually suffices.
• After Visit 2: Usually minimal pain because the infection is removed. You might feel sore from the injection site or mild sensitivity to temperature for a few days.

If you have severe pain after either visit, especially if it's worse than before treatment, contact your dentist—this can indicate:

• Incomplete removal of infected tissue
• A fractured root
• An allergic reaction to the seal material

Care Between Visits

• Avoid chewing hard or sticky food on that tooth until Visit 2
• Keep the temporary filling dry (avoid very hot food and drinks)
• If the temporary filling falls out, call your dentist for an emergency appointment
• Take antibiotics if prescribed (always complete the course)
• Continue normal brushing and flossing on other teeth

After the Final Seal (Visit 2)

• Avoid chewing on the tooth for at least 24 hours while the final seal sets
• If a crown is placed, follow your dentist's instructions for how long to wait before eating normally
• If only a filling is placed, you can usually eat normally after 1–2 hours
• Mild sensitivity to cold for a week or two is normal and should subside
• If sensitivity doesn't improve in 2–3 weeks, tell your dentist

Common Complications (Rare)

• Sealed canal leakage: if saliva or bacteria seep around the seal, re-infection can occur. This shows up as recurring pain months or years later. Prevention: get a crown placed to seal the tooth from above.
• Broken file: rarely, a file fractures inside the canal. A good dentist documents this in writing. If the case succeeds anyway, no problem. If it fails and needs retreatment, the retreating specialist needs to know.
• Allergic reaction: very rare, but some patients react to gutta-percha or other materials. Symptoms include swelling or itching.

Long-Term Success

Root-canal-treated teeth last 10+ years and often a lifetime, especially if a crown is placed. However, they gradually become brittle over time because the tooth loses its blood supply. This is why a crown is recommended—it protects the weakened tooth from fracture.

After cleaning and shaping, the root canal is filled with gutta-percha and a sealer to prevent bacteria from re-entering. This is the final step before a crown is placed.

During a root canal, your dentist places a thin rubber sheet around the tooth to keep it dry and clean — it also stops any liquid from going down your throat.

An apex locator is an electronic device that tells your dentist exactly where the root canal ends — so they clean all the way to the tip without going too far.

After cleaning and shaping, the root canal is filled with gutta-percha and a sealer to prevent bacteria from re-entering. This is the final step before a crown is placed.

I didn't understand why my dentist kept talking about a root canal and a crown as though they were connected until she explained the sequence: a root canal cleans out the infected nerve inside your tooth, but it leaves the tooth weakened and brittle. A crown then protects that tooth and restores its function. They're separate procedures, but the root canal almost always comes first, and you'll almost certainly need a crown afterwards to save the tooth.

Here's what you'll pay in Singapore:

• Root canal: $800–$2,500 SGD depending on which tooth, how many canals it has, and whether complications arise during treatment
• Crown: $600–$3,000 SGD per tooth, depending on the crown type (porcelain, ceramic, zirconia, or gold)
• Total combined cost: $1,400–$5,500 SGD

These are private practice rates. Costs at polyclinics and private dental institutions are significantly lower (often 30–50% less), but waiting times are typically longer.

Multiple visits are built into this timeline. You're not doing this all in one afternoon. Expect 2–4 visits for the root canal alone (1–2 hours per visit), then 2–3 visits for the crown preparation and fitting (spaced weeks apart to allow time for the lab to craft it).

Understanding your appointment schedule matters because you'll need time off work, and you want to plan around your budget.

Root canal visits typically break down like this:

1. 1Diagnostic visit: Your dentist takes an X-ray, tests the tooth for sensitivity, and confirms the nerve is infected. This visit confirms you need treatment. (30–45 minutes)
2. 2First treatment visit: The dentist numbs the tooth, removes the infected nerve tissue, and begins cleaning and shaping the canals. If the tooth is severely infected, they may place medication inside and seal it temporarily. (45–90 minutes)
3. 3Follow-up visit(s): If your tooth needed medication, you'll return 1–2 weeks later for removal of that medication and completion of the canal filling. (30–60 minutes)
4. 4Final visit: The dentist places a permanent filling in the root canal and may place a temporary crown or core to protect it until the real crown is made. (30–45 minutes)

Crown visits follow the root canal completion:

1. 1Preparation visit: The dentist prepares the tooth (removes old filling/decay, reshapes it), takes an impression, and fits a temporary crown to protect the tooth while the permanent one is being made in the lab. (45–60 minutes)
2. 2Fitting visit: You return after 1–2 weeks once the lab has finished. The dentist removes the temporary crown, checks the fit of the permanent one, and cements it in place. (30–45 minutes)
3. 3Follow-up visit (optional): Some dentists ask you to return a week later to check the bite and ensure everything feels normal.

Total time commitment: 3–6 weeks from start to finish, with 5–8 separate appointments.

Root canal cost isn't one flat fee—several factors push it up or down:

• Tooth location: Front teeth typically cost less ($800–$1,200) because they have one canal. Molars cost more ($1,500–$2,500) because they have 2–4 canals, and those canals are harder to access and treat.
• Complexity: A straightforward infection in a tooth with normal canal anatomy costs less. If your canals are curved, calcified (hardened), or blocked, the dentist may need specialized equipment (rotary files, microscope) or refer you to an endodontist (a specialist), which adds $300–$800.
• Private vs. public: Private practice dentists typically charge the full range above. Public polyclinics charge $150–$400 for root canal treatment, but waiting lists can be 2–6 months.
• Specialist referral: If your dentist refers you to an endodontist (a root canal specialist), expect $1,800–$3,500 for the full treatment, but success rates are slightly higher.

Crown cost depends primarily on the material:

• Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM): $600–$1,200. Durable, tooth-coloured, and the most common choice. Metal base means it's visible if your gum line recedes.
• All-ceramic or zirconia: $1,200–$2,500. Completely tooth-coloured, more aesthetic, and stronger than PFM. Best for front teeth.
• Gold crown: $1,500–$3,000. Most durable, doesn't wear out other teeth, and rarely needs replacement, but visibly metallic.

Lab costs, dentist experience, and clinic location add another 10–20% to crown pricing.

This is where a lot of people get confused, so I'll be direct: Medisave covers part of your root canal, but not your crown.

Root canal: You can claim root canal treatment from your Medisave account under dental procedures. The CPF Board allows claims for endodontic (nerve) treatment when performed by a registered dentist or specialist. Most private practices will let you claim directly (they submit the claim for you), and you pay the remaining balance out of pocket. Typical Medisave coverage is around 40–60% of the total cost, depending on your claim limit and your dentist's charges.

• Crown: Crowns are classified as prosthetics (artificial replacements), not treatment, so Medisave does not cover them. You pay the full $600–$3,000 out of pocket.

• CHAS (Community Health Assist Scheme): If you're enrolled in CHAS and visit a polyclinic, you can access subsidized root canal treatment (around $50–$150 after subsidy). However, CHAS crown coverage is extremely limited—most polyclinics do not offer crowns, or they require a long waiting period. Check with your nearest polyclinic to confirm their crown services.

First root canal visit: You'll sit in the chair for 45–90 minutes. The dentist will isolate the tooth with a rubber dam (a rubber sheet that keeps your tooth dry and away from saliva), numb it thoroughly with local anesthetic, and drill into the top of the tooth to access the infected nerve chamber. You'll feel pressure and hear the drill, but no pain if the anesthetic is working—speak up if you do feel pain. Once the chamber is open, the dentist uses small files to remove the infected nerve tissue. This part isn't painful, but it can feel intense or uncomfortable. The canals are then flushed and shaped, and if infection is severe, medication is placed inside before a temporary seal closes the access hole.

Crown preparation visit: After the root canal is complete (usually 1–4 weeks later), you'll return for the crown. The dentist removes the temporary seal and any remaining soft filling, then carefully reshapes the tooth to a smaller, smoother shape. This allows the crown to fit snugly on top. You'll feel vibration and hear the drill, but no pain. Once shaped, the dentist takes a detailed impression (either a mold or a digital scan) and applies a temporary crown (made of plastic or composite) to protect the tooth. This temporary crown lets you chew and function normally, but it's not permanent—you'll bite differently than usual at first, which feels strange but is normal.

Crown fitting visit: You return 1–2 weeks later when the lab has finished the permanent crown. The dentist removes the temporary crown, cleans off the adhesive, and tries the permanent crown on. They'll check the fit, the bite (how your teeth come together), and the colour match. Minor adjustments may be made at this visit. Once everything looks good, the crown is cemented permanently onto the tooth. The whole appointment takes 30–45 minutes, and the tooth is immediately back to normal function.

Anesthesia and pain: Root canal treatment has a reputation for being painful, but in reality, the procedure itself is painless because the nerve has already died (that's why you needed treatment in the first place). What hurts before treatment is the inflammation around the dead nerve; the procedure relieves that pain by removing the infected tissue. Crown preparation is also painless under anesthetic, though you may feel pressure or vibration. Some patients experience mild discomfort in the days after treatment, especially if infection was severe—over-the-counter paracetamol or ibuprofen usually resolves this.

The pulp chamber is the hollow space inside your tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels. When bacteria reach it through a deep cavity or crack, it causes severe pain — and that's when a root canal is needed.

An apex locator is an electronic device that tells your dentist exactly where the root canal ends — so they clean all the way to the tip without going too far.