What Is Root Canal Treatment ?
Root Canal Treatment (RCT) is a highly effective dental procedure used to treat and save a tooth that is badly decayed, infected, or inflamed. Rather than extracting the tooth, root canal therapy removes the damaged pulp tissue inside, disinfects the root canal space, and seals it — allowing
you to retain your natural tooth structure and restore normal function.
Common reasons for root canal therapy:
- Deep cavities
- Cracked or fractured teeth
- Severe toothache or sensitivity
- Infection or abscess at the root tip
- Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
At LQ Dental, we use modern technology and techniques to make root canal therapy precise, comfortable, and highly successful.
Root Canal Treatment at LQ Dental – A Step-by-Step Guide
Our team of general dentists and endodontic professionals ensures your root canal is pain-free, efficient, and long-lasting.
Clinical Diagnosis & Digital Imaging
Anaesthesia & Comfort Planning
Root Canal Procedure (Cleaning & Shaping Phase)
Root Canal Filling & Sealing
Final Restoration – Crown Placement
Retreatments & Surgical Root Canal (Apicoectomy)
A) Clinical Diagnosis & Digital Imaging
What’s involved:
A full clinical exam and detailed pain history
Digital X-rays or 3D CBCT scan to:
Confirm infection or inflammation in the tooth’s pulp
Identify the number and curvature of root canals
Detect hidden cracks or root complications
💬 We’ll explain your condition and walk you through all options, including whether root canal therapy or extraction is recommended.
B) Anaesthesia & Comfort Planning
The tooth and surrounding area are numbed using local anaesthesia.
For nervous or anxious patients, we also offer:
IV sedation for deep relaxation
General anaesthesia for complex or multi-root canal cases
✅ Many patients say the experience is no more uncomfortable than getting a filling.
C) Root Canal Procedure (Cleaning & Shaping Phase)
Procedure steps:
Access Opening: A small hole is made in the tooth to access the pulp chamber.
Pulp Removal: The infected or damaged pulp tissue is gently removed from the canals.
Cleaning & Shaping: The canals are disinfected, shaped, and smoothed using rotary or ultrasonic
instruments.
Irrigation: Antibacterial solutions are used to flush out bacteria and debris.
🕒 Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours per visit
📌 Front teeth usually have 1 canal; molars may have 3–4 canals, requiring more time or visits.
D) Root Canal Filling & Sealing
Once the canals are cleaned and shaped:
Biocompatible material (usually gutta-percha) is inserted into the canals.
The canals are sealed tightly to prevent reinfection.
A temporary or permanent filling is placed to protect the tooth.
🦷 In some cases, medication may be placed inside the canal and the filling delayed for a second
visit (e.g., in severe infections or abscesses).
E) Final Restoration – Crown Placement
After root canal treatment, the tooth can become brittle over time. To protect and restore its strength, we usually recommend a dental crown.
Options include:
Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns
All-ceramic or zirconia crowns for superior aesthetics
Post and core buildup for teeth with large loss of structure
🗓 Crown placement usually occurs 1–2 weeks after the root canal once healing is stable.
F) Retreatments & Surgical Root Canal (Apicoectomy)
For teeth with previous failed root canal treatment, we offer:
Non-surgical retreatment: Removing old root fillings, cleaning canals, and resealing.
Apicoectomy: A minor surgical procedure to remove the infected root tip and seal the canal from the bottom.
We use microsurgical tools and dental operating microscopes for precision and high success rates.
🦷 Save Your Natural Tooth with Root Canal Therapy at LQ Dental
At LQ Dental in Novena, Singapore, our experienced dental team performs root canal treatments with care, accuracy and modern technology to give you lasting relief and a healthy smile.
📍 Conveniently located near Novena MRT
📷 3D imaging & rotary endodontics for precise treatment
🦷 Same-day appointments for dental emergencies
👉 Call us at 6538 0890 or book your consultation online today to stop the pain and save your tooth — comfortably and confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
No — modern root canal treatment is done under local anaesthesia and is virtually pain-free. Most patients feel relief after treatment, especially if there was prior infection or inflammation. Frequently the relation to pain with root canal treatment stems from the pain prior to commencement of the treatment.
How many visits does it take?
Most cases can be completed in 2 visits. More complex cases may require more visits to ensure treatment success is increased.
Why do I need a crown after a root canal?
The treated tooth becomes more brittle and prone to fractures. A crown protects the structure and restores full biting strength.
What happens if I delay or avoid root canal treatment?
Untreated pulp infections can lead to abscess formation, jawbone loss, severe pain, and
eventual tooth loss. It may also allow the infection to spread.
What’s the success rate of root canal therapy?
Over 90–95% success rate, especially when paired with good oral hygiene and regular checkups.
Is root canal therapy better than tooth extraction?
In most cases, yes. Preserving your natural tooth maintains jawbone strength, alignment, and
function. Extraction may lead to shifting teeth or require further replacement like implants.
Save Your Natural Tooth with Root Canal Therapy at LQ Dental
At LQ Dental in Novena, Singapore, our experienced dental team performs root canal treatments
with gentle care, high precision, and advanced technology to give you lasting relief and a healthy
smile.