Root canal treatment at Trust Dental Surgery costs between $650 and $1,200 per tooth (before GST), depending on whether it is a front tooth, premolar, or molar. A crown is usually needed afterwards and costs $600–$1,500. Patients aged 60 and above can use Flexi-MediSave (up to $200/year), and CHAS subsidies may also apply for eligible cardholders.
How Much Does a Root Canal Cost in Singapore?
Root canal treatment in Singapore generally costs between $650 and $1,200 per tooth before GST. The exact price depends primarily on which tooth needs treatment, because different teeth have different numbers of root canals that need to be cleaned and sealed.
Root Canal Pricing at Trust Dental Surgery
| Tooth type | Number of canals | Cost (before GST) |
|---|---|---|
| Front tooth (incisor/canine) | 1 canal | From $650 |
| Premolar | 1–2 canals | From $750 |
| Molar | 3–4 canals | From $1,200 |
All prices are before GST (9%). A clear cost breakdown is provided before treatment begins, so there are no surprises.
What Affects the Cost of a Root Canal?
Several factors influence the final price of your root canal treatment.
1. Tooth Location and Complexity
This is the single largest cost factor. Front teeth have one canal and straightforward anatomy, making them quicker to treat. Molars at the back of the mouth have three to four canals with curved, branching roots that require more time, skill, and materials. A molar root canal can take twice as long as a front-tooth root canal.
2. Severity of Infection
A tooth with a large abscess or complex infection may require additional visits, more extensive cleaning, or temporary medication placed inside the canals between appointments. This can add to the overall treatment time but not necessarily to the quoted fee — your dentist will discuss this upfront.
3. Whether a Crown Is Needed
In most cases, a dental crown is recommended after root canal to protect the treated tooth from fracture. Crown costs depend on the material chosen:
| Crown type | Cost (before GST) |
|---|---|
| Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) | From $600 |
| Full ceramic / zirconia | From $800 |
| Gold alloy | From $1,000 |
For a deeper look at crown options, see our dental crown cost guide.
4. Need for Retreatment
If a previous root canal has failed and the tooth has become re-infected, retreatment is more complex than a first-time procedure. The old filling material must be removed, the canals re-cleaned, and new sealing material placed. Retreatment fees may be higher than an initial root canal.
Medisave, Flexi-MediSave & Root Canal Treatment
Standard Medisave does not cover routine root canal treatment, because root canal is classified as an outpatient dental procedure rather than a surgical one. However, there are important exceptions.
Flexi-MediSave (Aged 60 and Above)
Patients aged 60 and above can use Flexi-MediSave of up to $200 per year for outpatient dental treatments at CHAS-accredited clinics. This includes root canal treatment. Trust Dental Surgery is a CHAS- and Medisave-accredited clinic, so eligible patients can tap into this benefit directly.
Medisave for Surgical Cases
In certain situations where root canal treatment is performed as part of a surgical procedure (for example, an apicoectomy — surgical removal of the root tip), Medisave may be applicable. Your dentist will advise whether your case qualifies.
CHAS Subsidies for Root Canal
CHAS (Community Health Assist Scheme) subsidies can help reduce the out-of-pocket cost of root canal treatment for eligible Singapore citizens. The subsidy amount depends on your card tier:
| CHAS card tier | Subsidy coverage |
|---|---|
| CHAS Blue | Highest subsidy tier — covers a significant portion of treatment costs |
| CHAS Orange | Moderate subsidy for lower-middle-income households |
| CHAS Green | Basic subsidy available for all Singapore citizen households |
| Pioneer / Merdeka Generation | Additional subsidies on top of CHAS tier |
Subsidies are applied directly at the point of payment — simply bring your CHAS card to your appointment. For a full guide to maximising your dental subsidies, see our CHAS dental benefits article.
Root Canal vs Extraction: A Cost Comparison
Some patients wonder whether it is cheaper to simply extract the tooth rather than save it with a root canal. While extraction has a lower upfront cost, replacing the missing tooth afterwards (with a dental implant, bridge, or denture) often costs significantly more in the long run.
| Option | Estimated total cost |
|---|---|
| Root canal + crown | $1,250 – $2,700 |
| Extraction + dental implant | $2,449 – $3,449 (implant) + extraction fee |
| Extraction + dental bridge | $1,800 – $4,500 (3-unit bridge) |
| Extraction only (no replacement) | $150 – $350, but risks bone loss and teeth shifting |
Saving your natural tooth with a root canal is almost always the more cost-effective and clinically preferred option when the tooth can be preserved. Read our full comparison in Root Canal vs Extraction: Which Is Right for You?
How to Keep Root Canal Costs Down
While root canal treatment is an investment in your oral health, there are practical ways to manage the cost:
- Do not delay treatment. A tooth that needs a root canal today may need extraction tomorrow if the infection worsens — and replacing a missing tooth costs far more.
- Use your CHAS card. If you are eligible, CHAS subsidies reduce your out-of-pocket cost at the point of payment.
- Tap Flexi-MediSave if aged 60+. Up to $200 per year can be used for outpatient dental treatments including root canal.
- Ask about payment plans. Some clinics offer instalment options for larger treatment bills.
- Prioritise prevention. Regular scaling and polishing and dental check-ups catch problems early, before they reach the pulp and require root canal treatment.
Related Reading
- Root Canal Treatment: What to Expect — step-by-step walkthrough of the procedure, recovery, and aftercare.
- 7 Signs You Need a Root Canal — symptoms to watch for and when to see a dentist.
- Root Canal vs Extraction: Which Is Right for You? — a full comparison to help you decide.
