Cavity Treatment in Seoul

Quick Facts

  • Great for: Tooth decay at any stage—from early enamel spots to deep cavities.
  • Typical visit count: 1 visit for small fillings; 2 visits for inlay/onlay; 2–3 if root canal + crown is needed.
  • Common materials: Composite resin (tooth-colored), glass ionomer (select sites), porcelain/e.max or zirconia for inlay/onlay.
  • Comfort: Local anesthesia; many clinics offer IV/conscious sedation on request.
  • Languages: Many Seoul clinics provide English/CN/JP support and itemized receipts.

Treatment Options by Cavity Depth

  • Early enamel lesions (white/brown spots, no holes)
  • Fluoride varnish, prescription toothpastes, diet & hygiene tweaks
  • Resin infiltration (ICON) for eligible spots (cosmetic + preventive)
  • Small–moderate cavities
  • Composite resin filling (most common; same-day)
  • Glass ionomer/RMGI near the gumline or for high-caries risk
  • Larger cavities / high-load areas
  • Indirect restoration: inlay/onlay (porcelain/e.max or composite); typically 2 visits (or same-day CAD/CAM at some clinics)
  • Deep decay / pain or abscess
  • Root canal treatment (RCT) → core build-up → crown (see RCT guide)
  • Pediatric / multiple early lesions
  • SDF (silver diamine fluoride) to arrest decay (turns lesion dark)
  • Stainless steel crowns/composite depending on case

Typical Costs in Seoul (Guide Only)


Approx. conversion used: ₩1,300 ≈ US$1. Confirm if VAT is included.
  • Exam/consult: ₩20,000–₩60,000 (≈ US$15–$45)
  • X-rays (set): ₩20,000–₩40,000 (≈ US$15–$30)
  • ICON resin infiltration (per tooth/area): ₩150,000–₩350,000 (≈ US$115–$270)
  • Composite filling (per tooth): ₩80,000–₩250,000 (≈ US$60–$190)
  • Glass ionomer (per tooth): ₩60,000–₩180,000 (≈ US$45–$140)
  • Inlay/Onlay (porcelain/composite): ₩300,000–₩600,000 (≈ US$230–$460)
  • If RCT is required: add ₩200,000–₩900,000 for RCT + ₩350,000–₩1,000,000 for crown (see RCT/Crowns pages)

Optional items: desensitizers/liners, sedation fee, same-day milling surcharge, night guard (for grinders).

Travel-Friendly Timelines

  • Same-Day Filling (most cases): Exam + x-rays → anesthesia → filling → polish (30–60 min/tooth).
  • Inlay/Onlay (2–3 days typical):
         Day 1: Prep + scan/temporary → Day 2–3: Lab milling → Delivery & bonding.
    Some clinics offer         same-day CAD/CAM for suitable cases.
  • If deep decay needing RCT: Plan 2–5 days for RCT start/finish and 3–7 days if adding a crown.

How to Choose a Clinic (Checklist)

  • Quality controls: Rubber dam or equivalent isolation for bonding; modern adhesive systems.
  • Digital workflow: Intraoral scanner, high-res photos; CAD/CAM availability for inlay/onlay.
  • Material transparency: Composite brand/shade, onlay material (e.max/zirconia), cement/adhesive details.
  • English support: Coordinators, written aftercare, itemized receipt (tooth numbers, materials).
  • Warranty: Early chip/stain touch-up policy; remake policy for indirects.

What to Expect (One-Visit Filling)

  1. Exam & imaging → 2) Shade match → 3) Numbing & isolation → 4) Decay removal
  2. Layered composite placement → 6) Shape, cure, polish → 7) Bite check & instructions.

Sensitivity to cold/biting can last days–weeks and usually settles. Return for quick bite adjustments if needed.

Aftercare & Longevity

  • Avoid hard/sticky foods until numbness resolves.
  • Brush with a soft brush; floss or water flosser daily.
  • Limit frequent sugar/acid snacks; sip water after coffee/soda.
  • Composite often lasts 5–10 years; inlay/onlay can last longer with good hygiene.
  • Schedule 6-month cleanings; consider fluoride rinses if high-risk.

Risks & How to Minimize Them

  • Post-op sensitivity: Usually temporary; desensitizers and bite tuning help.
  • Edge staining/wear: Periodic polishing; choose high-quality resins.
  • Recurrent decay: Excellent home care + professional check-ups.
  • Cracks in large restorations: Consider inlay/onlay or crown when advised.

Prevention Tips (So You Need Fewer Fillings)

  • Fluoride toothpaste (twice daily) + nightly flossing.
  • Xylitol gum after meals; water rinse after sugary/acidic drinks.
  • Sealants for deep grooves (molars), especially for teens/young adults.
  • Regular check-ups to catch early lesions for ICON/remineralization instead of drilling.

FAQ

Can I fly after a filling or ICON?
Yes—same day is fine.

Will the filling show?
Composite is shade-matched; front fillings are sculpted for a natural look.

Do I always need an inlay/onlay for big cavities?
Not always, but larger defects last longer with indirect restorations.

Can I whiten after a filling?
Whiten before if possible; composite doesn’t bleach and may need repolish/re-match after whitening.