How much does a root canal cost in Singapore?

Root canal treatment commonly ranges from about $300 to $1,200 before any crown, depending on the tooth, number of canals, infection complexity and whether retreatment is needed. Molars usually cost more than front teeth.

Is a root canal painful?

The tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic before treatment. You may feel pressure, vibration or soreness after the visit, but sharp pain during treatment should be raised with the dentist immediately.

Can CHAS or Medisave be used for root canal treatment?

CHAS subsidies may apply for eligible cardholders at participating clinics. Medisave is generally for approved surgical dental procedures, so routine non-surgical root canal treatment is not usually Medisave-claimable. Ask the clinic to confirm your exact eligibility.

Will I need a crown after a root canal?

Many back teeth need a crown after root canal treatment because the tooth can become weaker after decay and drilling. Front teeth or teeth with more remaining structure may sometimes be restored with a filling. Your dentist should explain the restoration plan before treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek prompt dental care if you have swelling, fever, severe pain when biting, pus, facial swelling or pain that wakes you at night. These can suggest infection that should not be delayed.

21 nearby clinics · confirm treatment availability

Root canal treatment in Tanjong Pagar: costs, process and clinic checks

A root canal can save an infected tooth when the tooth structure is still restorable. Before booking, confirm the diagnosis, tooth type, number of visits, whether a crown is needed and which subsidies apply.

21 nearby clinics listed · confirm root canal treatment availability

Root canal treatment costs: what changes the price

$300 - $1,200 before any crown or complex retreatment

Tooth location and complexityhigh

Front teeth usually cost less because they have fewer canals; molars often cost more because they have multiple canals and can take longer.

Extent of infectionhigh

Mild infections in early stages cost less; severe, long-standing infections may need extra visits or retreatment

Clinic experience and technologymedium

Clinics with digital imaging and rotary instruments may charge more but reduce treatment time and complications

Post-treatment restorationmedium

A crown may be recommended after treatment to protect a weakened tooth. Crown fees are usually separate from the root canal fee.

CHAS subsidies may apply to eligible root canal treatment at participating clinics, depending on card tier and claim limits. Medisave is generally limited to approved surgical dental procedures, so a routine non-surgical root canal is not usually Medisave-claimable. Confirm eligibility with the clinic before treatment.

Option	Cost	Longevity	Best for
Standard root canal (single visit, uncomplicated)	$300–$500	10–15+ years with proper restoration	Mild infection, healthy tooth structure, front teeth
Multi-visit root canal (staged treatment)	$600–$900	10–15+ years with proper restoration	Complex cases, severe infection, multiple canals, back molars
Root canal retreatment (re-infection)	$800–$1,200	10–15+ years if successful	Failed previous root canal, persistent symptoms

Prices are indicative. Contact clinics directly for current quotes.

What happens during root canal treatment: step by step

1
Diagnosis and X-ray
10–15 minutes
Your dentist takes an X-ray to see the tooth's roots, the extent of infection, and whether a root canal is needed. This confirms the diagnosis and guides the treatment plan.
2
Local anaesthetic
5 minutes
The area around the tooth is numbed with local anaesthetic so you feel pressure but not pain during the procedure. This is the same injection used for fillings.
3
Pulp removal
20–45 minutes
The dentist creates an access hole in the tooth and carefully removes the infected pulp tissue from inside the root canal using specialized instruments. The canal is cleaned and shaped to prepare for filling.
4
Canal filling and sealing
10–20 minutes
The empty canal is filled with a biocompatible material (gutta-percha) and sealed with adhesive cement to prevent reinfection. A temporary restoration closes the access hole.
5
Restoration (filling or crown)
Scheduled at follow-up visit
After the root canal heals (usually 1–2 weeks), the tooth is restored with a filling or crown to restore strength and function. This step is crucial because untreated teeth are brittle and prone to fracture.

Total timeline: Uncomplicated root canals take 1 visit (1–2 hours); complex cases may need 2–3 visits over 2–3 weeks. Full healing with restoration takes 4–6 weeks.

Are you a candidate for root canal treatment?

Good candidates

Tooth is severely decayed but root structure is intact — extraction would mean losing the natural tooth permanently
Deep cavity, large filling, or trauma (crack/chip) has exposed the pulp and caused pain or swelling
You have a painful abscess or recurring gum swelling near the tooth — antibiotics alone won't solve it without treating the infected root
You want to save your natural tooth instead of extracting it and replacing it with an implant (which costs $3,000+)

May need extra assessment

Tooth has multiple curved or calcified roots — your dentist may refer you to an endodontist (root canal specialist) or use advanced imaging to assess feasibility
Previous root canal failed or symptoms persist — retreatment requires careful assessment to identify why the first treatment didn't work
Severe gum disease or bone loss around the tooth — bone health must be evaluated before investing in root canal treatment; extraction may be necessary

Frequently asked questions

Compare root canal options near Tanjong Pagar

Compare nearby clinics in Tanjong Pagar, then confirm root canal treatment availability, pricing and suitability before booking.

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Clinics in Tanjong Pagar to contact about root canal treatment

We do not yet have verified service-level data for root canal treatment at these clinics. Use this list to shortlist nearby clinics, then confirm treatment availability, dentist experience, pricing and referral requirements before booking.