We Advance | Bringing You Brighter Smiles from Our Dental Team

4/3/2024 8:20:00 AM | SHP POP!

The article is contributed/written by

Our dental team treating a patient at SHP-Punggol.

In commemoration of World Dental Day that falls on 20 March 2024, SingHealth Polyclinics (SHP) reaffirms our commitment to deliver comprehensive and seamless dental care to patients. We would also like to take this opportunity to recognise and appreciate our dedicated dentists for restoring the smiles of our patients.

In the past few years, our SHP Dental team has implemented a range of new services. Beyond regular scaling and polishing, patients can now receive Endodontic treatments, commonly known as treatment for Root Canal, as well as Prosthodontic services for crowning procedures and dentures fabrication and repair at SHP-Bedok, SHP-Eunos, SHP-Punggol or SHP-Tampines.

These value-added treatments aim to help patients to achieve a better bite, healthier gums and better quality of life.

Endodontic Treatment (Root Canal)

Diagram of how root canal treatment works.
(Image credit: Canva)

Endodontics is a specialised branch of dentistry that deals with tooth root, dental pulp and surrounding tissue. At SHP, our Endodontists treat diseases and injuries to the dental pulp to conserve the tooth that may otherwise have to be extracted. Some examples include deep decay, a crack, or an injury to the tooth. When a pulp inflammation or infection is left untreated, it can cause pain or lead to an abscess. By undergoing an endodontic treatment, the inflamed or infected pulp is removed, and the inside of the tooth is carefully cleaned and disinfected, then filled and sealed.

Dr Maryelle Goh, Dental Surgeon at SHP-Tampines shared, “Our Dental team is taking on endodontic cases to better serve patients in need of urgent pain relief, which is in line with SHP’s mission to provide better, safer and affordable primary care to patients.”

With endodontic treatments made available in our dental clinics,
more patients will have access to a wider variety of dental treatments closer to their homes.

Prosthodontic Services (Dental Crowns)

An illustration of how a dental crown procedure is done.
(Image credit: Canva)

To better serve our patients, prosthodontic treatments, which involve the fabrication of crowns and dentures are now also available in SHP.

A dental crown, also known as a ‘cap’, is used to restore a badly broken-down tooth that may not be suitable for fillings anymore. The crown acts like a cap and will be cemented on the natural tooth to cover dental implants and root canal-treated tooth.

There are various types of materials used to make the crown – porcelain, metal, or a combination of materials, and the dentist will recommend suitable options for patients based on their condition and oral health needs.

A crowning procedure will take at least two dental visits to complete. During the first visit, the dentist will assess the patient and make the necessary preparations for a crown, followed by a crown-fitting session at the second visit to complete the full process.

Prosthodontic Services (Dentures)

Examples of dentures that can be tailored for different patients.
(Image credit: Canva)

A denture is a removable prosthesis for replacing missing teeth. It is commonly known as “false teeth” and is usually made from acrylic or a combination of acrylic and metal. Dentures help to restore your smile, aid eating and make speaking more comfortable. You will need a complete denture if all your natural teeth are missing, while a partial denture may be recommended if you are only replacing some missing teeth. Depending on the complexity of the case, the duration of the treatment will take about two to six visits to complete.

Patients who wish to seek Endodontic or Prosthodontic treatments at SHP Dental will be assessed for suitability. Appropriate cases with appointments will be referred to our Dental Surgeons, and complex cases may be referred to our tertiary centres for further evaluation and treatment.

Speaking to a satisfied patient, “I feel good about the root canal treatment provided by SingHealth Polyclinics. I would like to thank all the doctors and dental assistants who helped with the clear explanation and treatment!”

Another patient from SHP-Tampines shared, “Dr Maryelle Goh has provided an excellent level of service and professionalism. I am very satisfied with the root canal treatment I received. I no longer feel pain and I am glad that SingHealth Polyclinics is offering this service now.”.

A happy mouth is a happy body, and prevention is always better than cure. Let us keep our teeth strong and healthy by maintaining a good habit of brushing, flossing, and visiting a dentist regularly.