So you’ve been struggling with bad tooth pain and found yourself wondering: Do I need a root canal treatment? Many might hear “root canal” and immediately think of painful and lengthy procedures. But thanks to advances in modern dentistry, root canal treatments are actually now much more manageable and often painless. We chat with Dr Elyssa Yap, a root canal specialist (endodontist) at Dental Designs Clinic, to find out what a root canal is and where to go for one.
What is a root canal treatment?
Dr Elyssa explains it simply: “It’s a dental treatment that saves your tooth when it is infected. We clean out the infection inside, disinfect the root canals, and seal them so the tooth can continue functioning normally.”
She adds that the goal is always to preserve the patient’s natural tooth whenever possible. “Your natural tooth is uniquely designed to handle the forces of biting and chewing,” she notes. “Once a tooth is removed, even the best replacement like a dental implant or bridge can’t fully replicate its strength, feel or function.”
Root canal treatments at Dental Designs Clinic
When a toothache becomes unbearable, every minute counts. Dr Elyssa highlights a few things offered at Dental Designs Clinic that makes their root canal treatments as speedy, precise and comfortable for patients as possible:
#1 Same-day appointments for urgent relief
At Dental Designs Clinic, same-day appointments are often available for patients in pain. “We understand that tooth pain can’t wait,” Dr Elyssa says. “If someone calls with an urgent toothache, we do our best to see them the same day. Getting relief quickly not only eases tooth pain but also prevents the infection from worsening.”
#2 Conservative keyhole technique
Dr Elyssa uses a minimally invasive keyhole technique that targets only the infected part of the tooth, preserving healthy structure to maintain its natural integrity and reduce the risk of fractures.
#3 Rotary instruments for efficiency
Instead of traditional manual files, the team at Dental Designs Clinic uses rotary endodontic instruments from Germany and the USA. “These advanced instruments let us clean and shape canals efficiently,” says Dr Elyssa. “It means shorter chair time for patients and better results. I’ve had people tell me they didn’t expect it to be done so quickly, and that’s the best kind of surprise.”
Dr Elyssa shares that a study done in 2021 also shows that rotary instruments reduce bacteria more effectively than manual methods, contributing to better long-term success.
#4 Microscopic dentistry for precision
Dr Elyssa performs most root canal treatments using a ZEISS dental microscope that magnifies up to 20 times, allowing her to see the tiniest details. “Imagine working inside something the width of a pinhead,” she says with a laugh. “That’s what root canal treatment is like. With magnification, we can find even hidden canals that could cause tooth pain later if untreated.”
#5 Laser-assisted canal disinfection
In selected cases, Dental Designs Clinic uses laser technology to disinfect root canals more thoroughly than traditional tools can. “The laser helps us reach tiny areas that regular cleaning might miss,” Dr Elyssa says. “It’s especially useful for stubborn infections or unusual canal shapes. I like knowing we’ve left no corner unchecked.” The benefits? Better cleaning, faster healing and a lower chance of reinfection.
#6 A pain-free and comfortable experience with happy gas
“People are often surprised when I tell them root canal treatment shouldn’t hurt,” says Dr Elyssa. “With proper administration of local anaesthesia, most patients feel only mild pressure, if anything at all.”
For those who still feel nervous, the clinic offers happy gas to help patients relax. “It’s the little touches that matter,” she adds. “A cosy blanket and your favourite Netflix show on the ceiling TV. It all helps make the experience feel less clinical and more comforting.”
How many sessions does a root canal take?
“Most root canal treatments at Dental Designs Clinic can be completed in one to two visits,” explains Dr Elyssa. “Teeth with multiple canals or persistent infections may require multiple visits to ensure all infection is fully removed.”
Before treatment, X-rays are taken to get a complete view of the tooth. At Dental Designs Clinic, low-dose digital X-rays are used, prioritising patient safety while providing a clear picture of the tooth’s structure.
Root canal recovery and dental crowns
For Dr Elyssa, a root canal experience shouldn’t end when you leave the chair. She provides clear, practical advice so the patient’s recovery is as seamless as possible. “The key is to be gentle with the tooth for a short while,” says Dr Elyssa. “Avoid very hard foods, keep the area clean, and most importantly, don’t skip the crown placement.”
That is because once a root canal-treated tooth is cleaned and sealed, it can become more brittle over time. A custom-made dental crown protects it from cracking and restores its full biting strength.
Don’t wait until it hurts!
“Tooth pain is your body’s SOS,” Dr Elyssa says. “It’s telling you something isn’t right. The earlier you come in, the more likely we can save your tooth with a simple procedure instead of something more complex later.” With her expertise, the clinic’s advanced technology and a team that genuinely cares about patient comfort, root canal treatment at Dental Designs Clinic is far from intimidating.
A bit more about Dental Designs Clinic
The clinic has three centrally located branches in Singapore, with a multilingual team fluent in Russian, Japanese, Spanish and Cantonese, helping both locals and expats feel understood and at ease.
Want to learn more about root canal treatment? Watch the clinic’s Before & Beyond series on YouTube for real patient stories and a look behind the scenes. Dr Elyssa also shares tips and insights on this episode of The Bite Angle Podcast. Tune in and get informed before your root canal treatment!
About the endodontist
Dr Elyssa Yap is an endodontics specialist registered with the Singapore Dental Council. She trained at the National University of Singapore (NUS), completing both her BDS and MDS, and has published research on managing cracked teeth.
With over a decade in public practice, she brings a wealth of experience and care to her patients. Now in private practice, she focuses on making root canal treatments stress-free and comfortable. Dr Elyssa is fluent in English, Mandarin and Teochew, and enjoys connecting personally with each patient.
Dental Designs Clinic
● Raffles Place branch: Level 3, The House of Eden Singapore, 4 Robinson Road
● Cecil branch: #01-01B Keck Seng Building, 133 Cecil Street
● Orchard branch: #12-05 Wisma Atria Office Tower, 435 Orchard Road
6221 8284 | WhatsApp 8200 9092 | dentaldesigns.com.sg | contact@dentaldesigns.com.sg
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