Root Canal Treatment
Overview
Root canal treatment is an advanced procedure that removes infected or inflamed pulp from within a tooth, relieving pain while preserving your natural tooth structure.
At Ocean Dental, the canals are meticulously cleaned, disinfected, shaped, and sealed to prevent further infection—helping you avoid tooth extraction. With local anaesthesia and modern techniques, patients can expect a comfortable experience and high success rates. Proper restoration after treatment is essential to restore strength, function, and ensure long-term chewing comfort and oral health.
Root Canal Treatment Cost
Treatment
Cost (inclusive of 9% GST)
Root canal — front teeth (incisors/canines)
$599.50 – $708.50
$708.50 – $817.50
$1,090 – $1,308
What’s Included
Pulp removal & cleaning
Canal shaping & disinfection
Sealing with biocompatible filling
Restoration & aftercare advice
Treatment Procedure
Initial examination & X-ray
- The dentist examines the affected tooth and takes X-rays to assess pulp health, root structure, and the extent of infection.
- Evaluation is done to determine whether the tooth can be saved, considering decay, cracks, fractures, or previous treatments.
Local anaesthesia & isolation
- The tooth and surrounding area are numbed using local anaesthetic to ensure patient comfort.
- A rubber dam (dental dam) is placed to isolate the tooth, keeping it dry and free from saliva and contamination.
Access to the pulp chamber
- A small opening is created through the crown of the tooth to reach the pulp chamber and root canals.
- Initial cleaning is performed to remove decayed tissue and establish access to the root canal system.
Removal of infected pulp and tissue
- Specialised endodontic instruments (manual or rotary files) are used to remove infected pulp, nerves, and blood vessels from the canals.
- The canals are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to eliminate bacteria and debris.
Shaping of root canal system
- The canals are carefully shaped to allow proper sealing and to ensure no spaces remain where bacteria could persist.
Interim medication (if needed)
- In multi-visit treatments, antibacterial medication may be placed inside the canals between visits to ensure complete disinfection before final sealing.
Canal filling and sealing
- Once the canals are clean and dry, they are filled with a biocompatible material (commonly gutta-percha) and sealed to prevent reinfection.
- A temporary or permanent filling may be placed, depending on the final restoration plan.
Post and crown if required
- For teeth that are structurally weakened—especially molars or heavily damaged teeth—a post may be placed and a crown fitted to restore strength and function.
Final adjustments & aftercare instructions
- The dentist checks bite alignment, comfort, and sealing, and removes any excess material.
- Patients receive personalised aftercare advice, oral hygiene instructions, and follow-up appointments to monitor healing and long-term success.
Treatment Subsidies
Our clinic offers options to make your treatments more accessible, so you can focus on your oral health without worrying about the cost.
Type of CHAS Card
Consultation fee
Root Canal Treatment (Anterior)
Root Canal Treatment (Premolar)
Root Canal Treatment (Molar)
Pioneer Generation (PG)
$21
$336
$472.50
$594.50
Merdeka Generation (MG)
$16
$331
$467.50
$589.50
Blue CHAS Card
$11
$326
$462.50
$584.50
Orange CHAS Card
$7.50
$217.50
$308.50
$389.50
Green CHAS Card
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Why Root Canal Treatment?
Relieve severe dental pain
Infected or inflamed pulp causes persistent throbbing, sensitivity, or swelling root canal removes the source, providing relief.
Save natural tooth function
Preserves your tooth rather than extracting it allowing you to chew, bite and speak naturally, and avoid replacements like implants or bridges.
Prevent spread of infection
Cleaning and sealing the canals stops bacteria from spreading to surrounding gums or bone protecting oral and overall health.
Long-term cost savings
With good care and restoration (filling or crown), treated tooth can last many years often avoiding costlier extractions + implants in future.
What is Root Canal Treatment/ Root Canal Therapy (RCT)?
Every natural tooth contains a pulp chamber at its centre, located between the crown (the visible part of the tooth) and the root canals. This chamber houses the pulp, a soft tissue made up of nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. These tissues enter through the tip of the tooth root, travel along the root canals, and gather in the pulp chamber.
When the pulp becomes inflamed or infected—most commonly due to deep cavities, cracked or fractured teeth, trauma, or repeated dental procedures—it can cause severe pain and infection. If left untreated, the tooth may need to be extracted.
Root canal treatment (also known as endodontic treatment) is a procedure that removes the infected pulp tissue from inside the tooth, eliminates infection, and preserves the natural tooth structure.
Although we only see the crown of the tooth in the mouth, the tooth structure extends below the gums into the jawbone as roots, which make up about two-thirds of the tooth. These roots anchor the tooth firmly in place with the support of surrounding bone, gums, and connective tissues.
Inside each tooth lies the pulp chamber and root canal system, which contain the tooth’s nerves and blood supply. When this internal tissue becomes infected or damaged, RCT is required to remove the infection while keeping the tooth functional.
How is root canal treatment done?
Root canal treatment involves several carefully planned steps:
- Anaesthesia and isolation
Local anaesthetic is administered to numb the tooth and surrounding area for comfort. A rubber sheet (dental dam) is placed to isolate the tooth and keep it free from saliva and bacteria. - Access and removal of infected tissue
A small opening is made in the tooth to access the pulp chamber. Infected pulp and nerve tissue are removed using specialised instruments. - Cleaning, shaping, and disinfection
The root canals are thoroughly cleaned, shaped, and disinfected to remove bacteria and debris. - Medication (if required)
In multi-visit cases, antibacterial medication may be placed inside the canals between appointments to ensure complete disinfection. - Filling and sealing
Once the canals are clean and dry, they are filled and sealed with a biocompatible material such as gutta-percha, followed by placement of a permanent core filling. - Final restoration
If the tooth is severely weakened, a post and crown may be required to restore strength, function, and long-term durability. Crowns are especially important for back teeth used for chewing.
Front teeth usually have simpler canal systems and may require fewer visits, while molar teeth are more complex. Treatment cost and number of visits depend on the tooth involved. In complex cases, referral to a root canal specialist (Endodontist) may be recommended.
When do you need Root Canal Treatment?
Common causes include:
- Deep cavities or severe decay
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Dental trauma
- Severe gum disease
- Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
Signs and symptoms of Tooth Infection
- Sharp pain triggered by hot or cold that lingers
- Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold
- Spontaneous, unprovoked pain (often disturbing sleep)
- Pain radiating to other areas of the face or jaw
- Pain worsening when lying down or leaning forward
- Temporary relief from cold drinks
- Pain when biting or chewing
- Swollen gums or pus discharge
- Darkening or discolouration of the tooth
- Swollen or tender lymph nodes in the neck or jaw
- Loose tooth
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to relieve pain, save the tooth, and prevent spread of infection.
What happens after root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment saves natural teeth but may weaken the remaining tooth structure due to removal of infected tissue. Teeth with large cavities are more prone to fracture after treatment.
- Avoid chewing on the treated tooth until it has been fully restored.
- A crown is often recommended, especially for back teeth, to reinforce strength and prevent fracture or reinfection.
- Mild discomfort or sensitivity after treatment is common and usually temporary.
With proper restoration, good oral hygiene, and regular dental check-ups, a root-canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime, restoring both function and comfort.
Why Choose Ocean Dental?
Modern Endodontic Technology
Uses up-to-date tools and techniques to clean, disinfect, and seal canals effectively — increasing success and comfort.
Comfort-Focused Treatment
Local anaesthesia and options like nitrous oxide if needed minimise discomfort along with isolation methods to ensure sterility and safety.
Trusted Diagnosis & Specialist Referral
Thorough pre-treatment assessment. Complex cases (e.g. molars or re-treatments) may be referred to specialists for best outcomes.
Comprehensive Aftercare & Restoration Guidance
Dentures prevent tooth shifting, restore facial aesthetics, support gums, and improve confidence and oral health.
Tooth-saving, precision-focused care
Our dentists prioritise preserving your natural tooth whenever possible, using precise techniques to thoroughly clean, disinfect, and seal the canals for long-term success.
Comfortable treatment with modern techniques
With local anaesthesia and contemporary endodontic methods, root canal treatment is performed comfortably, helping patients stay relaxed and pain-free throughout the procedure.
Experienced dentists & appropriate specialist referral
Our clinicians are experienced in managing both simple and complex cases. For highly complex molar or re-treatment cases, we ensure timely referral to trusted endodontic specialists when needed.
Complete care from treatment to final restoration
We don’t stop at cleaning the canals. From proper sealing to post-treatment restorations such as fillings or crowns, we ensure your tooth is fully restored for strength, function, and longevity.
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FAQs
Got questions? Relax, we’ve got your back
Is root canal treatment painful?
No. Before the procedure, the tooth and surrounding area are numbed with local anaesthesia, effectively blocking pain.
Most patients feel little to no discomfort during the treatment.
Will there be pain after root canal treatment?
Some mild discomfort or tenderness may occur once the anaesthesia wears off. This is usually temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers.
If pain persists longer than advised or worsens, please contact the clinic for a review.
Is there any other alternative apart from root canal treatment?
In cases of severe infection, the main alternative is tooth extraction.
However, extraction can lead to:
- Jaw bone shrinkage
- Tilting of adjacent teeth
- Over-eruption of opposing teeth
- Gum disease, spacing, and chewing problems
For this reason, dentists generally recommend saving the natural tooth whenever possible.
How long does root canal treatment take?
Treatment usually requires two or more visits, especially for complex cases.
Each visit typically lasts 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the tooth and infection severity.
The procedure itself is painless, and for added comfort, patients may request movie viewing during treatment.
Is root canal treatment covered by insurance or MediSave?
Root canal treatment is generally not covered by MediSave or most dental insurance plans unless it involves surgical procedures that are deemed medically necessary. Routine, non-surgical root canal treatments are typically not eligible for such coverage.
What are the signs of needing root canal treatment?
Common signs include:
- Deep tooth decay with severe or lingering pain
- Sharp pain triggered by hot or cold that does not subside
- Pain spreading to the face or nearby teeth
- Pain worsening when lying down or changing posture
- Temporary relief with cold drinks
- Pain on biting or chewing
In some cases, the pulp may become non-vital (dead), resulting in little or no pain, yet treatment is still necessary to prevent infection from spreading.
What are the success rates?
While no medical procedure has a 100% success rate, root canal treatment has generally high success rates, depending on the condition of the tooth:
- Teeth with no prior infection: >90%
- Teeth with existing infection or bone involvement: ~70–80%
- Re-treatment without symptoms: >90%
- Re-treatment with active infection: ~50–80%
Proper restoration and good oral hygiene significantly improve long-term outcomes.
Are all teeth savable with root canal treatments?
Not all teeth are salvageable. If a tooth is too severely decayed or fractured, leaving insufficient structure to support a filling or crown, extraction may be required.
Replacement options include dentures, bridges, or dental implants.
Are radiograph (x-rays) necessary?
Yes. Dental X-rays are essential before and during root canal treatment to:
- Assess root canal shape and length
- Detect infection or bone involvement
- Ensure proper cleaning and sealing of canals
Multiple X-rays may be taken to ensure high standards of care and the best possible outcome.