In Singapore, more than one-third of adults (34.8%) have untreated dental caries, while an alarming 77.6% are affected by periodontal disease.1 If tooth decay is left untreated, it can progress into the pulp of the tooth, resulting in infection or irreversible inflammation that may require root canal treatment. Root canal treatments is relatively common in Singapore, with the National Dental Centre Singapore (NDCS) performing around 5000 root canals each year.2
While root canal treatment can help preserve a natural tooth and prevent the need for extraction, the associated costs may be a concern for some patients, particularly when multiple visits or specialist care are required. To help make dental treatment more accessible, the Ministry of Health has expanded Flexi MediSave coverage from 1 June 2026. The wider scheme allows eligible Singaporeans to use MediSave for a wider range of outpatient dental procedures, including certain root canal-related treatments.
This article explains what root canal treatment involves, the signs that you may need one, the root canal procedures that are claimable under MediSave, how to make a claim, and the typical costs of treatment in Singapore. Understanding what is covered, how much can be claimed, and the eligibility requirements can help you better plan for any treatments and avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic treatment, is a procedure used to treat infection, irreversible inflammation, or damage affecting the dental pulp. The dental pulp is the soft tissue at the centre of the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels.
During a root canal procedure, the infected or damaged pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned, disinfected, and sealed. This helps eliminate bacteria, prevent further infection, and preserve your natural tooth, avoiding the need for extraction in many cases.
Depending on the complexity of the tooth and the extent of the infection, root canal treatment may be completed in a single visit or over multiple appointments.
Signs You May Need Root Canal Treatment
You may not always realise that a tooth is infected or damaged, especially in the early stages. Some common signs that could indicate the need for root canal treatment include:
- Ongoing toothache or discomfort: Persistent pain when biting, chewing, or applying pressure may indicate an infected or damaged tooth.
- Increased sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures: Sensitivity that lingers after eating or drinking may indicate inflammation or damage within the tooth.
- Swollen or tender gums: Redness, swelling, or tenderness around a tooth can occur when infection is present.
- A pimple-like bump on the gums: This may be a sign of a dental abscess caused by an underlying infection.
- Tooth discolouration: A tooth that appears darker or greyish may indicate damage to the pulp inside.
- Pain that spreads beyond the tooth: Discomfort may radiate to the jaw, face, or nearby teeth.
- A loose tooth: In some cases, severe Infection may affect the supporting structures around the tooth, causing it to feel loose.
It is important to note that not all infected teeth cause noticeable symptoms in their early stages. If you experience persistent dental pain, changes in tooth appearance, or any unusual symptoms, a dental assessment can help determine the underlying cause and whether treatment is required.
Can You Use MediSave For Root Canal Treatment in Singapore?
If you are aged 60 and above, you may use Flexi-MediSave to help offset the cost of root canal treatment at participating CHAS dental clinics and public healthcare institutions that are accredited under the MediSave/Flexi-MediSave scheme. Eligibility criteria, annual claim limits and covered treatments may vary, so it is advisable to check your eligibility before treatment.
The standard MediSave can be used for all Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents. Under MediSave guidelines for dental, dental claims are generally limited to surgical procedures such as wisdom tooth extraction. This means routine and restorative treatments, including root canal treatment, are typically not claimable under standard MediSave.
However, certain endodontic surgical procedures, such as an apicoectomy, performed to treat persistent infection around the root tip, may be claimable under standard MediSave, subject to prevailing MediSave guidelines.
Flexi-MediSave is a scheme that allows eligible seniors to use part of their MediSave savings for approved outpatient treatments, including selected elderly dental care procedures.
To qualify for Flexi-MediSave for root canal treatment, you must:
- Be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident aged 60 and above
- Undergo treatment at a participating CHAS dental clinic or public healthcare institution
- Receive treatment from a MediSave/Flexi-MediSave accredited provider
- Have sufficient MediSave funds available
Eligible patients can withdraw up to $400 per year under the scheme. You may also use your spouse's MediSave account if they are also aged 60 and above and have sufficient MediSave savings available.
Note:
The annual withdrawal limit of $400 applies per patient, regardless of whether the claim is made using their own MediSave account or their spouse's account.
What Are The Claimable Root-Canal Procedures Under MediSave?
If you are eligible for Flexi-MediSave, you may use it for the following treatments:
- Root canal treatment for anterior (front) teeth
- Root canal treatment for premolar teeth
- Root canal treatment for molar teeth
- Permanent dental crowns placed following root canal treatment
You may also receive CHAS subsidies for root canal treatment at participating CHAS dental clinics. The exact subsidy amount depends on the patient's CHAS, Merdeka Generation, or Pioneer Generation status and the complexity of the procedure. Please refer to the prevailing CHAS dental subsidy schedule, as subsidy amounts and covered procedures may change over time.
How to Claim MediSave for Root Canal Treatment
If you are eligible to use MediSave for root canal treatment, the claim process is straightforward. Follow the steps below to submit your claim and offset part of your treatment costs:
Cost of Root Canal Treatment in Singapore
The cost of root canal treatment in Singapore ranges from $300 to $1,500 per tooth, depending on factors such as the tooth’s location, complexity of the procedure, and whether additional restorative work is required afterwards.
At i.Dental, the cost of root canal treatment ranges from $545 to $1,417 (inclusive of GST), depending on the severity of your condition:
The initial consultation is priced between $21.80 and $54.50 (inclusive of GST). Following root canal treatment, particularly for premolars and molars, a permanent dental crown is often recommended to restore strength and reduce the risk of fracture. The cost of a crown can range from approximately $763 and $1,417 (inclusive of GST) depending on the material used.
References:
- Sim CPC, Lee YH, Sim YF, Wong J, Soh SH, Goh BT, Poon CY, Allen PF, Chia KS, Wong ML. "Findings from the 2019 Nationally Representative Oral Health Survey for Adults in Singapore." Community Dentistry and Oral Epidemiology, Vol. 52, No. 3, Jun. 2024, pp. 281–291. [PubMed: 38747365]
- Lim WY, Wu S, Chong QX C, Lui JN, See Toh YL. "Value-driven Endodontics: Pioneering a Comprehensive Clinical Quality Index Incorporating a Root Canal Therapy Standard Outcome Set Arising from a Singapore Tertiary Dental Institution." ICHOM 2024 Conference Abstract, National Dental Centre Singapore, Oct. 2024. Available from: https://conference.ichom.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Abstract-12.pdf
FAQs About Root Canal Treatment
Eligible patients may use their spouse's MediSave account to pay for approved root canal treatments under the Flexi-MediSave scheme, subject to prevailing eligibility requirements and withdrawal limits.
If your available Flexi-MediSave savings are insufficient to cover the cost of treatment, any remaining amount will need to be paid out of pocket. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be eligible for CHAS subsidies or other financial assistance schemes.
Root canal treatment is often preferred over extraction because it allows you to preserve your natural tooth while eliminating infection and relieving pain. Keeping the natural tooth helps maintain normal chewing function and prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting, which may reduce the need for additional tooth replacement treatments.
Yes, eligible patients may receive CHAS subsidies for root canal treatment at participating CHAS dental clinics. In fact, from 1 October 2025, CHAS dental subsidies for various dental treatments, including root canals, were increased to provide greater financial support for restorative dental care.
Coverage for root canal treatment depends on your insurance plan. While MediShield Life and most Integrated Shield Plans generally do not cover routine dental treatments, some private dental insurance plans and employer-sponsored dental benefit programmes may provide partial coverage, subject to the policy terms and annual claim limits.
Not always. Whether a crown is needed depends on the amount of remaining tooth structure and the location of the treated tooth. Crowns are more commonly recommended for premolars and molars, as these teeth are exposed to greater chewing forces.
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