Crowns and Bridges
A crown caps a weakened or root-treated tooth to restore its shape and strength; a bridge replaces a missing tooth by anchoring onto the teeth beside the gap. Both typically take two visits.
Pricing
By general dentist: front tooth S$500 to S$700; premolar S$700 to S$900; molar S$1,000 to S$1,300
By specialist (endodontist): front tooth S$700 to S$1,100; premolar S$1,000 to S$1,400; molar S$1,300 to S$1,800
Fees include the X-rays taken during and after treatment, and exclude diagnostic X-rays taken beforehand, the post, core, final crown and medication. Within each band, the fee depends on the tooth, the number of canals, and how complex those canals are to treat.
Patients aged 60 and above can also use Flexi-MediSave (up to S$400/year) towards root canal treatment at CHAS dental clinics from mid-2026.
Prices are indicative and based on normal case complexity. A consultation is required for a definitive quote.
Root Canal Treatment Cost in Singapore (2026): full fee breakdown →
Root canal treatment removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, then cleans, shapes and seals the root canals so the natural tooth can be kept. It is the alternative to removing the tooth. Treatment usually takes one to three visits, and a crown is often fitted afterwards.
When root canal treatment is needed
The pulp is the soft tissue inside a tooth that contains its nerve and blood supply. When decay, a crack or an injury lets bacteria reach it, the pulp becomes inflamed or infected.
Signs that this has happened include:
- sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the source is removed
- pain when biting on the tooth
- an abscess, or swelling around the tooth
Left untreated, the infection can spread into the bone around the root. Root canal treatment deals with the infection while keeping the tooth in place.
What the treatment involves
The tooth is numbed, and an opening is made to reach the pulp chamber. The infected pulp is removed, and each canal inside the root is cleaned and shaped along its full length. The canals are then filled and sealed, and the opening is restored.
Treatment usually takes one to three visits depending on the tooth and how many canals it has — front teeth have fewer canals than molars — with each visit commonly around an hour.
Related root canal procedures
Endodontic retreatment is for a tooth that has had a root canal before and has become infected again. The old root filling is taken out, the canals are cleaned and disinfected again, and the tooth is re-sealed.
Vital pulpotomy removes the affected part of the pulp where decay has reached it, leaving the healthy pulp below intact. It is used where the rest of the pulp can still be kept alive.
Revascularisation applies to a young permanent tooth whose root has not finished forming when deep decay or an injury damages the pulp. It aims to let the root complete its development.
Restorability assessment comes first where a tooth is cracked or heavily broken down. Tests and X-rays establish whether the tooth can be restored at all, before root canal treatment is started.
Why a crown is often recommended afterwards
A tooth that has had root canal treatment can become brittle over time, because the treatment removes tissue from inside it. A crown caps the tooth and protects it from fracturing under normal chewing.
Your dentist advises whether a crown is needed for your particular tooth and when to have it fitted.
Root canal or extraction and implant?
When a tooth is badly broken down, the alternative to root canal treatment is extraction followed by a replacement — usually a dental implant. On cost alone: a root canal and crown at a general dentist totals roughly S$1,500 to S$3,100 (add S$450 to S$500 where a post and core are needed), while a dental implant starts from S$2,600 for the implant itself, with the extraction billed separately. Our dental implant price guide itemises those fees.
Cost is not the whole picture. Whether a tooth is worth saving depends on how much sound tooth structure remains, the condition of the root and the surrounding bone, and how the tooth fits into your bite. Both routes have good long-term track records in the right situations — your dentist will assess the tooth and talk through both options with you before anything is decided.
Cost and CHAS
Root canal treatment is CHAS-accredited, so cardholders can claim a subsidy where eligible. For current fees by tooth type and how the crown is priced separately, see the root canal cost guide.
Seeing a root canal dentist or specialist
Root canal treatment is offered across our Singapore clinics by general dentists, and complex cases can be seen by a specialist in endodontics — the field concerned with the inside of the tooth and its root canals. Book online, call, or ask on WhatsApp.
Who it's for
People with a tooth whose nerve is infected or inflamed — often felt as lingering sensitivity, pain on biting, or an abscess — where the tooth is otherwise worth keeping. It is the alternative to removing the tooth; a badly broken-down tooth is assessed first to confirm it can be saved.
Time and visits
Usually one to three visits depending on the tooth and the number of canals, each commonly around an hour. A crown is often fitted afterwards to protect the treated tooth.
Recovery and aftercare
The tooth may feel tender for a few days, especially when biting, and settles with simple pain relief. You can usually eat normally once any numbness wears off; chewing on the other side until a crown is placed helps protect the tooth.
Risks and considerations
Many treated teeth last for years, but occasionally an infection persists or returns and the tooth needs re-treatment or, rarely, removal. A treated tooth can become more brittle over time, which is why a crown is often recommended afterwards.
FAQ
Root Canal Treatment: frequently asked questions
Are there alternatives to root canal treatment?
The alternative to root canal treatment is extracting the tooth. However, it is generally recommended to save the natural tooth whenever possible as it helps maintain proper biting and chewing function, prevents shifting of adjacent teeth, and preserves the jawbone structure.
Why is root canal treatment necessary?
Root canal treatment is necessary when the pulp of a tooth becomes infected or inflamed due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, or trauma. It is performed to save the tooth from extraction and to relieve pain and discomfort caused by the infection.
A temporary filling was placed on my tooth after the root canal treatment. Is there anything that I should be aware of?
It is not unusual for a thin layer of temporary filling to wear off in-between appointments. However, if the entire filling wears off or dislodges, please contact our clinic so we can arrange to have it replaced.
What is a root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a dental procedure that involves removing infected or damaged pulp from the inside of a tooth. The pulp is then cleaned, disinfected, and sealed to prevent further infection and save the tooth.
Is root canal treatment painful?
Pain is caused when the nerves in your tooth are damaged by bacteria or trauma. Removing the nerve essentially removes the feelings of pain you are having. During the first stage of a root canal, local anaesthesia will be applied to the surrounding area so that the pulp containing the nerves in your tooth can be removed painlessly. Once the nerve is gone and the canal is cleaned out, the rest of the treatment itself is painless.
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What happens after a root canal treatment?
After a root canal treatment, the tooth may require a dental crown or filling to restore its strength and protect it from further damage. Your dentist will discuss the appropriate restoration options for your specific case.
What are the steps involved in a root canal treatment?
The treatment has two stages: 1) Cleaning and disinfecting the canal and 2) Filling the canal to prevent bacterial regrowth. These stages can be performed in one or more sessions, depending on the tooth's condition. After treatment, the tooth is restored with a filling or crown.
Can I drive myself home after a root canal treatment?
Yes, in most cases, you can drive yourself home after a root canal treatment. The local anesthesia used during the procedure wears off relatively quickly, allowing you to resume your daily activities. However, if you receive sedation or if you feel uncomfortable driving, it's best to arrange for someone to drive you home.
My tooth and the area surrounding it feel tender to touch. Is this normal after my root canal treatment?
Your tooth and surrounding gum tissue may be tender or sore for a few days, especially if there was pain or infection before the procedure. You may also feel some tenderness in your jaw from keeping it open for an extended period of time during the treatment.
Can a tooth that has had a root canal treatment get reinfected?
In rare cases, a tooth that has undergone root canal treatment can get reinfected. This may occur if the tooth was not properly sealed, there was a fracture in the tooth, or new decay developed. Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are crucial for monitoring and preventing reinfection.
How successful is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment has a high success rate, with most treated teeth lasting a lifetime. However, success depends on various factors, including the extent of the infection, the tooth's condition, and proper restoration and maintenance after the treatment.
Will I get a medical certificate (MC) for root canal treatment?
If you would like to request for an MC, kindly raise your concern to your treating dentist and he/she will assess your condition to see if you require medical leave.
Is root canal treatment expensive?
The cost of root canal treatment varies depending on factors such as the tooth's location, complexity of the case, and the need for additional procedures. While root canal treatment may require a significant investment, it is often more cost-effective than tooth extraction followed by tooth replacement options like dental implants or bridges.
For a root canal treatment, should I see a general dentist or a specialist?
Simple root canal cases can be performed by our general dentists. Complex cases, such as molars with many canals or re-treatment of failed root canals, will be referred to our in-house specialists.
Can a cracked tooth cause sensitivity?
Yes, a cracked tooth can lead to tooth sensitivity, especially when biting or chewing. Cracked teeth should be evaluated by a dentist and may require treatment, such as bonding, a dental crown, or root canal therapy.
How long does root canal treatment take?
Depending on the severity of the tooth, the duration of each appointment varies between 30 and 90 minutes.
Is there anything I should avoid eating or doing after my root canal treatment?
Do not eat or drink anything for the first half an hour after your treatment. The temporary filling in your tooth takes about half an hour to harden. Also, avoid chewing on the affected site until your tooth has been restored with a permanent restoration, as the tooth is still fragile and unprotected. Switching to a softer diet may be necessary but otherwise, you may eat what is comfortable on the opposite side.
Explore
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Replaces a missing tooth with a titanium post placed in the jawbone, restored with a crown once healed. From placement to final crown typically takes three to six months.
Dental and Facial Trauma
Emergency and follow-up care for knocked-out, broken or displaced teeth and injuries to the jaws and face, from splinting and re-implantation to surgical repair.
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Sedation options for anxious patients and longer procedures, ranging from inhalation and intravenous sedation to general anaesthesia for selected cases.
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