Skip to content

Endodontic: Frequently Asked Questions

General

What time does Aster Dental Specialists open?

Aster Dental Specialists is open on Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, and Saturday 9am to 1pm. We are closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. 

If you would like to book an appointment with us but are unsure as to whether we are open on a particular day or date, you can reach out to us via the following channels: 

Yes, it is possible to walk into Aster Dental Specialists without booking an appointment for dental emergencies and pain cases. 

However, it is best if you could call the clinic to check on the availability of the doctor you prefer before heading to the clinic. 

Doing so can help us serve you better and ensure a seamless experience.

If you have dental pain, you do not need a referral to make an appointment with Aster Dental Specialists.

In fact, we often see walk-in patients or patients who find us online. 

If you would like to make an appointment with us, we can be conveniently reached via the following channels: 

An endodontist (root canal specialist) works with root canal treatments all day.

An average endodontist sees about 40-60 patients monthly for root canal treatments, while a general dentist works with most general dental conditions without focusing on any specific dental treatment. You would not see an endodontist for dental fillings or general dental cleaning. 

When you see an endodontist for root canal treatment, you are working with a dental specialist in root canal treatment who focuses on diagnosing, treating, and managing tooth pain and saving teeth. An endodontist has, with experience, learned the best way you can restore your teeth without extraction.

There is no hard and fast rule on whom you should visit for any dental treatment. However, when you see a root canal specialist (endodontist) for root canal treatment, you are assured of receiving root canal treatment from an extensively trained and experienced dental professional who can work with you on simple to complex root canal treatment. 

An endodontist specializes in root canal treatment. This means that besides their specialized and extended education in root canal treatment, they work with root canal treatments all the time. Their focused experience in root canal treatment can help navigate unexpected complications that might arise during your root canal treatment.

Dr Josephine Tay and Dr Soh Yu Jie will be rendering root canal treatment for you at Aster Dental Specialists. 

Dr Josephine Tay is an endodontist with close to 20 years of working experience from doing simple to complex root canal treatments and restorations. Besides founding Aster Dental Specialists, she is also a visiting consultant at the National Centre of Oral Health Singapore to collaborate on the study of MTA-based products which is a material known to have exceptional biocompatibility, antibacterial ability and seal. 

Dr Soh Yu Jie gained experience working at various public health institutions before pursuing a three-year Master’s program in Endodontics at NUS. His training focused on the management of dental pain, non-surgical root canal treatment and retreatment, cracked teeth, and root canal surgery. Throughout his career, Dr. Soh has actively participated in academic and research initiatives, contributing to numerous publications and presenting his work at international conferences.

Aster Dental Specialists serves primarily patients who need root canal treatment or tooth pain management. Our first line of treatment will always be to restore your natural tooth without resorting to tooth extraction or dental implants. 

However, we also work with patients who require gum disease treatment or who require other forms of teeth restorations such as dental implants.

Yes, Aster Dental Specialists does see emergency dental patients who are experiencing toothaches, severe dental pain, or dental trauma. 

If you are currently experiencing tooth pain, or prolonged dental pain, please reach out to us immediately via the following channels: 

  • Our clinic number and;
  • Our WhatsApp number.

Emergency Patients

Can I just take a painkiller to get rid of the pain instead of doing root canal treatment?

It is possible to use a painkiller to temporarily reduce or relieve the pain from a toothache. However, the effects of this are temporary. It does not and cannot get rid of the root cause of your pain. 

A root canal treatment is more than just a temporary fix. Root canal treatments get rid of the root cause of your pain while restoring your natural tooth. 

When you do root canal treatment, you are prolonging the lifespan of your natural tooth for the next 20 years. This means that you not only relieve the pain that you have felt but also can eat, chew, and bite properly using your teeth. 

If you are currently experiencing prolonged tooth pain, it is highly recommended that you seek dental support from a dentist or dental specialist instead of just taking painkillers. Early diagnosis and intervention can contribute to better results for your root canal treatment.

It is possible to get rid of your toothache immediately by doing a pulpectomy. A pulpectomy relieves your toothache or tooth pain by removing the nerve in your tooth. 

If it is not possible to reach out to a dentist or dental specialist (e.g. you have a toothache in the middle of the night), you might want to take a painkiller or use a warm compress first to relieve the pain then head to a dental professional when you are able to.

It is possible to treat cracked or fractured teeth with root canal treatment. Early intervention can help save and restore your natural tooth. However, there are some exceptions. 

If the crack has extended into the pulp, the tooth can be treated with root canal treatment with a dental crown over it. The dental crown will protect the crack from spreading and doing any further damage to your existing tooth. 

If, however, the crack has already extended into your gum line, then there is a high chance that root canal treatment will not be able to save it. It is thus no longer treatable by root canal treatment. In such instances, you might need to extract your tooth and replace it with a tooth replacement alternative such as a dental implant.

Payment Modes

What payment modes does Aster Dental Specialists accept?

Aster Dental Specialists accepts cash, PayNow, bank transfer, as well as credit cards from most banks. 

If you are unsure as to whether your payment method will be accepted by us, please feel free to drop us a message on one of your preferred modes of communication.

Consultations cost $100 – $150 (excluding 9% GST) at Aster Dental Specialists. 

During the consultation, we will diagnose and assess the affected tooth/teeth and provide a treatment plan for you. We will also provide you with your treatment timeline and financial information so that you are informed on the relevant steps and cost before proceeding with treatment. 

If you are concerned about the cost of seeking treatment at Aster Dental Specialist, we are more than happy to guide you through the costs of treatment with us, as well as the financial subsidies available.

Yes, X-rays cost $40 (PA X-rays) (excluding 9% GST) at Aster Dental Specialists. 

PA X-rays are 2-D X-rays that capture a single-tooth (the affected tooth). 

If additional X-rays are necessary for diagnosis, you will be advised on the cost of the X-rays before they are taken.

It is not possible to use your Medisave to pay for your root canal treatment as Medisave can only be used for surgical procedures such as root canal surgery, gingivectomy, dental implants surgery or extensive gum and bone grafting. 

If you are looking to finance your dental treatment but are unclear as to what subsidies are available for you, please reach out to our friendly team who will guide you through your financing options.

At Aster Dental Specialists, we believe in making our specialist-rendered root canal treatments accessible, ranging from $1,000 – $2,500 depending on tooth location and complexity.

We encourage you to contact the clinic to clarify further or schedule an appointment with our doctor to get a more accurate quotation after a detailed assessment of your condition.

It is possible to use dental insurance to pay for your root canal treatment at Aster Dental Specialists. 

Some insurances like Henner or Cigna cover the entire cost of root canal treatment, while others are co-pay or cover a portion of treatment. The amount of insurance claims you can make are largely reliant on what insurance premium you or your company has signed you up for.

If you intend to use your dental insurance for your root canal treatment but are unclear as to how much it would cover, please drop us a message or call to find out more. We are more than happy to help you work through financial arrangements.

Aster Dental Specialists accepts AIA, Henner and Cigna dental insurance. 

If you do not have any dental insurances but wish to find out about other financing alternatives, do drop us a message or call us to find out more. We will be happy to help you find a financing option that can work best for your needs and budgetary concerns.

Equipment and Technology

What makes Aster Dental Specialists different?

Aster Dental Specialists has a strong belief in doing right by our patients. This is reflected in our attitude towards our service, diagnosis, treatment and continual professional development. 

We strongly believe in rendering the right treatment for our patients without forcing a diagnosis to close a treatment sale. We understand that patient education is equally important as treating a patient and strive to educate patients about the pros and cons of each treatment based on their individual diagnosis and preferences. 

Besides ethical treatment, we also practice holistic dentistry (endodontics) that uses safe and biocompatible materials like MTA in all our treatments. We want long-term and lasting success for our patients that benefits both their systemic and oral health, and not just quick fixes. 

Outside of our clinical work, we advocate strongly for research-driven clinical improvement by working on research studies that examine the impact of dental materials for their biocompatibility and success in dental treatments (specifically root canal treatments). 

If you are looking for experienced hands to help you restore your tooth via root canal treatment, we encourage you to drop us a message or call to find out more about holistic endodontics.

If you are currently experiencing persistent and prolonged tooth pain or have recently experienced dental trauma or a cracked or fractured tooth, and wish to prolong the lifespan of your natural tooth with an experienced dental professional, Aster Dental Specialists can help you achieve that through root canal treatment.

With close to 20 years of working experience and now dedicatedly focused on root canal treatments, Aster Dental Specialists (under Dr Josephine Tay) can help you resolve dental pain while restoring your tooth to its former glory with safe and tested dental materials.

At Aster Dental Specialists, we use Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) – a research tested and proven root canal filling material – for all our root canal treatments and retreatments. MTA provides high biocompatibility, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, and bioactivity with high success rates. 

To help properly assess and treat complex root canals, we employ the use of the premium Zeiss Extaro microscopes to perform precise procedures. These high-definition microscopes help us reach hard-to-access root areas to increase the success rates of your root canal treatment procedure.

Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA)

What is MTA?

MTA or Mineral Trioxide Aggregate is a type of hydraulic calcium silicate cement that is used in root canal treatment for root repairs, root canal fillings or for vital pulp therapy. 

Unlike other root canal treatment fillings, Ortho MTA® has in research studies and patient case studies exhibited consistently higher success rates in the treatment and sealing of root canals. Its success can be attributed to its material characteristics. It has higher biocompatibility, exceptional seal, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and bioactivity.

There is no additional cost for the use of MTA at Aster Dental Specialists. MTA is offered in all our root canal treatment and retreatments. 

If you would like to find out more about the benefits of MTA or why we use MTA for our root canal treatments, please feel free to reach out to us.

Yes, MTA  is a more advanced root canal filling, different from traditional root canal treatment which employs the use of conventional rubber points (gutta-percha) with various types of root canal sealers. 

In Aster Dental Specialists, we use Ortho MTA® (BioMTA, Seoul Korea), a global-first dental material designed for root canal filling. This cement is manufactured from medical grade pure calcium silicates which do not contain toxic elements, namely arsenic and lead. 

If you would like to find out more about the benefits of MTA or why we use MTA for our root canal treatments, please feel free to reach out to us.

If you have encountered both MTA and Gutta Percha while enquiring about root canal treatments, you might be wondering what the main differences are. Both are researched and tested dental fillings that are used to fill root canals during root canal treatment. 

At Aster Dental Specialists, we use MTA for all our root canal treatment and retreatment procedures. There are a few reasons for this preference: 

  • MTA is a biocompatible and antibacterial sealant that can seal canals well. Research has also shown that it is a better sealant than Gutta Percha. This means that there is less risk of reinfection or bacteria entering the sealed canal. 
  • MTA has a basic PH up to 1 month and remains antibacterial up to 3 months upon completing the treatment. This means MTA continues to eliminate bacteria for a period of time, enabling better success rates.

The good news is that MTA does not cause cancer. There is no scientific basis behind this root canal myth. In fact, MTA is so biocompatible that it is used for regenerative procedures and promotes healing.

Yes, it is possible that MTA can help your root canal treated tooth last longer with good control of infection.

This is because MTA is bioactive and forms apatite crystals that can help seal root canals and prevent further bacterial leakage. However, your root treated tooth can still suffer from structural damage from daily wear and tear, which may render the tooth unrestorable. A change in chewing and dietary habits may help minimize this risk.

Root Canal Treatment

My dentist referred me to a root canal specialist. Is it really necessary?

If you have recently been referred to a root canal specialist by your usual dentist, you might be thinking: Is my dentist trying to rip me off? Why can’t my dentist work on my root canal treatment himself/herself? Is it because my dentist is not capable of doing root canal treatments? 

The answer to all the above is: No, it might not be all the above. 

In most cases where a general dentist refers your root canal treatment to a root canal specialist like myself, it can be because of the following reasons: 

  • Your general dentist might not be comfortable doing the root canal treatment because your specific tooth might fall under complex treatment; 
  • The root canal treatment might be a premolar or molar tooth which usually has more complex and larger variations in anatomy, and might require more experience in treatment to prevent potential errors.
  • Your anterior tooth might have an open apex (incomplete or yet to be completely formed tooth) that might be more difficult to get good and predictable results; 
  • There is existing or newly formed dental trauma; 
  • The patient is of an advanced age where canals can be calcified/blocked/harder to find; or 
  • The canals are very curved, or irregularly shaped, and an endodontist will have the experience to clean and fill the root canal better for more predictable results.

Yes, the good news is that it is possible for all your teeth to be treated with root canal treatment. 

Root canal treatment is usually recommended over tooth extraction to prolong the lifespan of your natural healthy tooth. 

However, there are exceptions such as: 

  • You are left with a root stump which makes it less favourable to restore after a root canal treatment has been done; 
  • You have an existing root fracture; 
  • You have certain instances of cracked teeth where the crack runs too deep, and might affect the success rates of your root canal treatment.

It depends on what you mean by partial. Root canal treatment is usually done in stages. 

It consists of 3 stages. The first is to remove the dead or infected nerve from the root canal (pulpectomy). This stage would usually relieve your pain or toothache. 

The second is to clean out the canal and shape the canal walls to clear the bacterial invasion and prepare the root canal space for the next stage. This is an important step as it is the biggest determining factor of the success of your root canal treatment. 

The last and final stage is to obturate or fill the canal with a biologically compatible material to prevent reinfection of the now emptied clean canal space from bacteria. At Aster Dental Specialists, we use MTA, which is a material known to have exceptional biocompatibility, antibacterial ability and seal. 

While it is possible to do your root canal treatment in stages, it is not advisable to leave too long windows of time between each stage as there is always a risk of reinfection. This would not be ideal treatment and will lower the success rate of your root canal treatment. 

If budget is a primary concern, please let our friendly staff or dental professionals know so that we can work with a specific timeline and budget with you. 

You probably need root canal treatment if you have the following symptoms: 

  • Tooth pain from severe tooth decay or a tooth with a deep restoration that may not necessarily have been recently placed; 
  • Small, localised swelling inside your mouth that might or might not be recurrent; 
  • Pus discharge from your tooth; 
  • Slight mobility of your tooth (in cases where the rest of your teeth are healthy and firm); 
  • Tenderness when there is slight pressure on the tooth (e.g. when you are biting or chewing); 
  • Sharp and lingering sensitivity to cold, hot or sweet foods/drinks; 
  • Tooth pain at night that stops or hinders you from falling asleep; 
  • Tooth pain that wakes you up while you are sleeping; 
  • Severe tooth pain that radiates to headaches or jaw pains. 

Please take note that this is not a comprehensive list of symptoms. Do be aware that in some of the aforementioned symptoms, it can also be a sign of periodontitis (gum disease) or even more or less serious dental or health conditions. 

It is best to visit a dentist or a dental specialist if you do spot these signs to be accurately diagnosed.

A dental filling does not treat the root cause of the pain if the nerve of the tooth is infected or necrotic (dead). 

If you simply place a dental filling or a dental crown on the tooth without a root canal treatment, the tooth might still be a source of pain. It can even progress to a full-blown infection. 

This might manifest in gum swelling, jaw fluid build-up consisting of bacteria and pus, dental cysts formation within your jaw, loosening of your tooth and further pain. This pain could flare up at any time and might be a ticking time bomb. 

A root canal treatment ensures that the root cause of the pain is treated before the bacteria causes further infections or problems in your mouth.

Pain is not an indication that there is no infection. In fact, we do see many patients who decide to put off root canal treatment because there is little to no pain, but end up landing in our dental chair because of other dental problems caused by the infection. 

Infections can continue to develop even if there is little to no pain present. 

If you have recently experienced dental pain that might have mysteriously disappeared after some time, it is highly recommended to seek a proper diagnosis from a dental professional instead of leaving it alone. 

Early intervention can help prevent costly dental treatments like dental implants and even help save your natural tooth.

Root canal treatments do not cause cancer. This is a common misconception without any scientific evidence to back it. 

Part of this misconception stems from the belief that when there is a root canal infection, the bacteria within the root of the tooth releases toxins into the body that can eventually find their way into the bloodstream. This toxin release is believed to be able to cause and spread cancers. 

However, the American Cancer Society has stated that there is no evidence to suggest that root canal treatments contribute to cancer.

This question is challenging because it involves taking into account your personal priorities as well as budget. Of course, in the ideal scenario, root canal treatment is better than simply extracting your tooth for a tooth replacement solution. 

Your natural tooth will always be the best option over other teeth replacement options such as dentures or dental implants/bridges. In Aster Dental Specialists, we look to impart knowledge on how to care for your teeth so that you can keep them for a long time after root canal treatment.

You are suitable for root canal treatment if you fit the following criterion: 

  • Experiencing persistent tooth pain that might be constant, lingering or coming and going;
  • Have a deep dental cavity; 
  • Extremely sensitivity to hot and cold; 
  • Experiencing sharp and lingering pain when biting down;
  • Your tooth has started discolouring; 
  • Experiencing swelling in your gums or jaw, especially if it near to the affected tooth;
  • Have had dental trauma; 
  • Have had repeated dental work done (e.g. dental fillings) with no long-term resolution. 

If you are unsure as to whether you require a root canal treatment, please reach out to us. We are more than happy to assist you with an accurate diagnosis.

The short answer is: Yes, root canal treatment is worth it if you intend to retain your natural teeth long-term with the least invasive and most sustainable treatment available. This is especially true if your teeth are still restorable. 

 

Research studies have shown that besides the high treatment success rates (more than 95% success), root canal treated teeth can also last up to 30 years with proper care and maintenance. That would be 30 more years of your natural teeth for eating, chewing, biting and smiling! 

Undergoing root canal treatment is like getting the best of all worlds. You leave with all your teeth intact, without pain or fear of infection. 

If you are still uncertain or hesitant to seek root canal treatment, drop us a call or message to see whether root canal treatment is for you!

The cost of root canal treatments in Singapore usually ranges from $900 – $2,000 per tooth, while the cost of tooth extractions might range from $90 – $200 per tooth. 

Based on the average survivability rates of root canal treatments – 10 years and above – that is about $90 – $200 per year or less than $7.50 – $16.70 per month to retain your natural tooth instead of leaving a gaping missing tooth at the affected site! A small price to pay for healthy and functional teeth! 

However, from the quick cost comparison, root canal treatment is usually more costly than other treatments like tooth extraction because the final cost is dependent on factors such as: 

  • The severity of the tooth infection; 
  • The complexity of your root canal treatment procedure; 
  • Whether you are visiting a root canal specialist (endodontist) or general dentist; and
  • Whether your root canal specialist or dental clinic are using biocompatible materials to help save and restore your tooth. 

While a tooth extraction is considered a simple dental procedure as it simply removes the infected tooth completely, root canal treatment requires way more than plucking out your teeth. It requires skill and expertise in diagnosis, assessment, treatment planning and rendering the different steps of treatment. This is so that your treated tooth does not get re-infected or suffer continued damage after treatment. 

You can expect your endodontist or general dentist to disinfect and clean your root canal space before filling it up properly to prevent re-infection. In some cases where your root canal is smaller, blocked, or needs extensive treatment, a root canal specialist (endodontist) might step in with more dedicated tools (e.g. a high definition microscope) to deliver treatment.

Non-surgical root canal treatment is usually the first line of treatment. It focuses on cleaning and disinfecting an infected tooth from the crown of the tooth, then sealing it up to prevent re-infection.

However, when there is persistent root canal infection even after an adequately performed non-surgical root canal treatment s, due to hidden root canals, complex root anatomy or blocked canals, an apicoectomy a.k.a. root-end surgery is rendered. This surgery is done by removing 3mm of the infected root tip and its surrounding tissues to completely eliminate the bacteria.

These procedures are done under local anaesthesia which are effective in managing pain. You will also be given a regime of  medications such as painkillers and antibiotics to help with potential pain and swelling after the complex procedure. The average downtime is usually about 3 days.

Our doctors will do their best to render pain-free root canal treatment but the control of pain depends largely on the severity of infection and pain you are presented with. 

Often, it is very manageable with local anaesthesia and our doctors will take good care of you.

One of the best parts about root canal treatment is the pain relief that you experience. Many patients are grateful that they are able to enjoy the best of both worlds post-treatment – retaining their natural tooth while getting rid of the pain. 

However, if you come with acute pain and severe infection, immediate relief is often not possible. The usual downtime for such cases is 2 to 3 days after the initial visit, even with the help of painkillers and antibiotics.

Root canal treatment does not kill your tooth. It is not meant to kill your tooth but to restore it to its function. Some patients believe that root canal treatment kills the tooth because of the removal of the nerve. This is not true. 

When you get a root canal treatment, your endodontist or dentist will be removing the infected pulp from your tooth so that it can function normally without any disease. Your tooth can survive perfectly well without the nerve in it. 

Once the root canal is cleaned thoroughly, it is filled and sealed with a root canal filling like MTA to prevent further infections.

It is possible that you might need a dental crown after root canal treatment if your tooth is a premolar or molar (teeth at the back of the jaw used for chewing).

If a dental crown or permanent restoration is not placed over your tooth after the root canal treatment, there is a high possibility of reinfection due to leakage. Your tooth might be damaged or weakened further by the force from chewing or grinding your tooth. 

Generally, you can place the dental crown 1 to 2 weeks after completing root canal treatment, to allow the tooth to settle down.

It is possible for a root canal-treated tooth to last a lifetime if it is properly maintained. 

However, the duration of your teeth longevity is largely dependent on many factors (besides preserving your natural tooth with root canal treatment): 

  • Your daily dental maintenance; 
  • Whether you have a permanent restoration fitted after your root canal procedure; 
  • Types of prosthetic crown materials fitted after the root canal treatment; you should choose a prosthetic crown where hardness and modulus of elasticity matches human natural enamel and dentine.
  • Whether you suffer from bruxism or clench your teeth often;
  • Your dietary and chewing habits; 
  • Whether you have gum disease that can compromise the supporting bone;
  • Whether you have any underlying medical or chronic health conditions that causes rampant tooth decay.

It is possible for your tooth to last at least 10 to 15 years or longer after root canal treatment with proper care and maintenance as mentioned above.

There are measures that you can employ to care for your teeth after complex treatment is done to ensure prolonged longevity.

The success rates of root canal treatment with an experienced root canal specialist l is over 95%. This means that very few root canal treated teeth fail. 

It is crucial to note that the success rates of your root canal treatment are also affected by the following: 

  • How extensive your root canal infection is; 
  • The skill and experience of your root canal specialist specialist or dental professional;
  • The location of the treated tooth; 
  • The condition of the treated tooth;
  • Whether there is a permanent restoration placed  or types of restoration placed); 
  • Your age; dietary and chewing habits;
  • The quality of the filling used for the endodontic treatment.

It is easy to tell whether your root canal treated tooth is good – you do not return to visit your root canal specialist or dentist. Some signs of a good root canal treated tooth include: 

  • No persistent pain or swelling;
  • No tenderness to your gums or nearby tissues; 
  • No sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures; 
  • No discolouration of your tooth; 
  • No tooth mobility; 
  • No dental cysts or pimple-like bumps near your gums of the treated tooth.

If you need a root canal treatment but do not get one, there are a number of possible scenarios that could happen.

You could experience mild to severe pain, have bone loss or even lose your tooth. A spreading root canal infection can also lead to facial swelling, cellulitis and abscess, if left unattended can be life-threatening.

Root Canal Treatment Alternatives

What is the difference between tooth extraction and root canal treatment?

Tooth extractions remove your affected tooth entirely while root canal treatments are done to salvage your existing tooth and save it from being extracted. 

When a tooth can still be saved, your endodontist or dentist might recommend a root canal procedure to remove the infection and save your tooth. If the tooth is severely damaged with no chance of restoration, then you might require a tooth extraction instead.

Root canal treatments save your existing affected tooth and restore it so that you retain your natural tooth.

Dental implants, on the other hand, replace your missing or extracted tooth by inserting a titanium metal into your jaw bone followed by a prosthetic crown fitted onto it.

While both treatments have their pros and cons, root canal treated teeth have the added benefit of keeping your natural tooth for at least 10 to 15 years.

Your natural tooth has properties that are largely irreplaceable such as having an inherent immune system against gum infection.

In contrast, man-made dental implants do not have those abilities, hence they can quickly deteriorate once gum infection sets in.

The best treatment option for you will depend on your current tooth condition, the extent of your current tooth damage, your general oral health and your budget. 

If your tooth is still salvageable, and if you wish to retain your natural tooth, root canal treatment might be more suitable for you. Root canal treatments can last more than 10 to 15 years with the right care and proper treatment, with some restorations lasting much longer. 

However, if you have severely damaged or infected teeth that cannot be saved with a root canal procedure but still want a permanent tooth replacement, then dental implants might be better suited for you.

Root Canal Treatment Patient Journey

How long does root canal treatment take?

Your root canal treatment will typically take about 60 – 90 minutes depending on how severe the tooth infection or damage is.

Yes it is possible to do your root canal treatment in a single-visit, but this is dependent on a case-by-case basis.

It is generally not advised to rush through your root canal procedure even if you have a busy schedule. This is because every step in the root canal procedure is aimed at removing your infection and strengthening your natural tooth for the long term.

The rule of thumb is to ensure that all infections have been cleared before filing up the root canal. This might not be possible to be done in a single-visit.

If you have recently undergone root canal treatment, here are some important tips that will help you maintain your treated tooth: 

  • Do not chew, drink hot or cold drinks on the treated tooth, for at least 2 hours after treatment, to prevent accidentally chewing on your cheek, lip and tongue as the mouth is still numb from the local anaesthesia;
  • Brush and floss gently around the treated tooth; 
  • Avoid chewing on hard foods (e.g. nuts, ice, hard candies) using the treated tooth in the long run, to reduce risk of root cracks and fractures.

Root Canal Treatment Complications

How do I know if my root canal treatment is a success?

You will typically know if your root canal treatment is a success if you do not find yourself having to pick up your phone to drop me a message or call. 

Successful root canal treatments means you can function with the tooth without any signs and symptoms. Clinically, the tooth is not tender (but some sensation may vary among individuals due to scar tissues).

Radiographically, the periodontal ligaments and supporting jaw bone that surround your tooth will look normal but the time taken for complete bone healing is about 2 years. Generally, your teeth will appear normal and healthy.

If you have a failed root canal treatment, there is no need to panic. There are a few treatment solutions that your root canal specialist (endodontist) can help you with depending on the condition of your tooth and the severity of your root canal infection.

Some options include retreatment, apicoectomy (root-end surgery) or if the tooth is no longer salvageable, tooth extraction along with a dental implant. Either of these options will be offered to you based on your current dental condition and the success rates.

Prescription antibiotics is the immediate and short-term approach of controlling an infection. The antibiotics are usually taken over a short period of time – about 5 days– and are issued by a dental specialist or a dentist. 

However, re-doing the failed root canal treatment is still necessary where medication is placed in the root canal system to clear the infection. This involves an endodontist or dental professional re-opening your tooth to remove any remaining infected tissue. Your canals are then re-cleaned and re-sealed using new filling materials. 

The earlier the infection is caught, the easier it is for the infection to go away. 

If the infection does not go away due to complex infections or if your root canal is anatomically challenging to access, additional procedures like a root-end  surgery will be done.

Holistic Endodontics

What exactly is holistic dentistry root canal treatment?

Holistic dentistry root canal treatment looks to eliminate tooth infection while minimising the amount of stress on your body by using materials that are biocompatible and that encourages healing and wellness. 

At Aster Dental Specialists, we use Ortho MTA® as root canal filling because it has excellent biocompatibility and does not contain heavy metal components of arsenic, chromium, and lead. Not only is this material not toxic to our body, it also allows favorable responses from our body. Therefore, with Ortho MTA®, you can reap the benefits of getting a root canal treatment without any unpleasant side effects. 

When you head to a root canal specialist or dentist that practices holistic root canal treatment, you can be sure that the dental practitioner takes a holistic approach to your treatment. This takes into account things like your overall health and well-being and not just your oral health.

The cost of holistic endodontics is highly dependent on how much the dental practitioner chooses to price their services. Some dental practitioners choose to price their services higher, while others like Aster Dental Specialists do not. 

At Aster Dental Specialists, we believe in rendering safe but affordable root canal treatments with biocompatible materials such as MTA. 

Generally in holistic dentistry, the cost of materials used are usually more costly as more biocompatible materials are being used. This increases the overall cost of treatment rendered.

When you seek treatment from a dental clinic that practices holistic endodontics, you will be receiving treatment that prioritises long-term overall health and wellness alongside your oral health. 

In the case of a toothache, it is not just about providing immediate relief to your pain but also providing a long-term solution that takes the health of your whole body into account. 

At Aster Dental Specialists, this holistic approach is done by using biocompatible materials during root canal treatments that are non-toxic and safe to the body. 

Learn how we helped 100 top brands gain success