Root Canal Treatment in Seoul

Quick Facts

  • Purpose: Save an infected or inflamed tooth (pulp) and stop pain.
  • Visit count: Often 1–2 visits for front teeth/premolars; 2–3 for complex molars or retreatments.
  • Comfort: Local anesthesia; many clinics offer IV/conscious sedation on request.
  • Tech in Seoul: Rubber dam isolation, dental microscope, digital x-rays/CBCT, rotary files, warm gutta-percha filling.
  • After RCT: Most back teeth need a crown to prevent cracks.

Who Might Need a Root Canal?

  • Throbbing/spontaneous pain, pain that lingers after hot/cold
  • Pain on biting or chewing, night pain
  • Swelling, gum pimple (fistula), or abscess on x-ray
  • Deep decay, cracked tooth, or a failed old filling/crown

RCT may not be suitable if there’s a vertical root fracture or the tooth lacks enough structure to restore—your dentist will advise.

What Happens During RCT (Step by Step)

  1. Exam & imaging (digital x-ray; CBCT if complex).
  2. Numbing and rubber dam isolation.
  3. Cleaning & shaping the canals (rotary/hand files, irrigation).
  4. Medication in canals (if multi-visit) and temporary filling or
         Sealing the canals with gutta-percha in the same visit.
  5. Core build-up (foundation) and temporary or final crown plan.
  6. Bite check and post-op instructions.

One-Visit vs Two-Visit

  • Single visit: Simple front teeth or premolars with clean canals, no acute infection.
  • Two or more visits: Molars, significant infection/swelling, retreatment, complex anatomy, or when using intracanal medication.

Typical Costs in Seoul (Guide Only)


Approx. conversion: ₩1,300 ≈ US$1. Ask if prices include VAT and which steps are included.
  • Exam/consult: ₩20,000–₩60,000 (≈ US$15–$45)
  • X-rays (set): ₩20,000–₩40,000 (≈ US$15–$30)
  • CBCT (if needed): ₩80,000–₩150,000 (≈ US$60–$115)

Root Canal (per tooth):

  • Front tooth (anterior): ₩200,000–₩450,000 (≈ US$155–$345)
  • Premolar: ₩250,000–₩600,000 (≈ US$190–$460)
  • Molar: ₩400,000–₩900,000 (≈ US$310–$695)
  • Retreatment add-on: +₩200,000–₩500,000 (≈ US$155–$385)
  • Apicoectomy (surgical RCT, if needed): ₩500,000–₩1,500,000 (≈ US$385–$1,155)

Restoration after RCT:

  • Post & core (if needed): ₩120,000–₩300,000 (≈ US$90–$230)
  • Crown (zirconia/e.max/PFM): ₩350,000–₩1,000,000 (≈ US$270–$770)

Many clinics bundle RCT + core + crown—ask for an itemized estimate.

Travel-Friendly Timelines

Option A — RCT + Same-Trip Crown (3–7 days)

  • Day 1: Exam, imaging, RCT start (finish if simple).
  • Day 2–3: Core build-up + scan for crown; temporary placed.
  • Day 3–7: Final crown fit/cementation + bite check.

Option B — RCT Now, Crown Later (1–2 days)

  • Day 1: Exam + RCT (temporary filling).
  • Day 2: Core build-up (optional), temporary onlay → Final crown done back home.

Retreatment/Apicoectomy: Add extra visit(s) and days; your dentist will map this out.

Choosing a Clinic in Seoul (Checklist)

  • Rubber dam and microscope use (ask explicitly).
  • Clear endo/restorative plan: Will you get a core and crown, and when?
  • Imaging on-site: Digital x-rays; CBCT for complex cases.
  • Experience: Endodontist or GP with strong endo training; ask for success rates and case examples.
  • Language support: English (and/or CN/JP) coordinators; written aftercare.
  • Warranty policy: What’s covered if pain persists or a crown needs an adjustment?

Aftercare & Pain Control

  • Expect mild soreness for 1–3 days; OTC pain meds usually suffice (follow clinic guidance).
  • Eat on the other side until your permanent restoration is placed.
  • Call the clinic if you have swelling, fever, or persistent pain beyond a few days.
  • Crown protection: Back teeth almost always need a crown to prevent future fractures.

Success Rates & Risks

  • Modern RCT has high success when sealed well and restored with a crown.
  • Risks: Post-op tenderness, missed/extra canals, instrument separation (rare), persistent infection needing retreatment or apicoectomy, or eventual tooth fracture if left uncrowned.

Alternatives to Root Canal

  • Extraction → Implant/Bridge/Partial denture (longer/heavier treatment).
  • Palliative care (temporary relief) — not a long-term solution if the pulp is necrotic/infected.

Travel Tips

  • Schedule treatment early in your trip to allow follow-up or crown fitting.
  • Bring a medication/allergy list and recent x-rays if available.
  • Most clinics accept major cards; ask about bank transfer discounts.
  • Request an itemized English receipt listing tooth number, procedures, and materials.

FAQ

Will it hurt?
With modern anesthesia, RCT itself is usually comfortable; post-op soreness is common but manageable.

Do I always need a crown after RCT?
 Molars and many premolars: strongly recommended. Front teeth: case-by-case—often a bonded filling, sometimes a crown.

Antibiotics—yes or no?
Given only when there’s systemic involvement (e.g., swelling, fever) or specific indications—your dentist will decide.

Can I fly after RCT?
Yes. Many patients fly within 24–48 hours after a simple RCT. Complex cases may benefit from an extra check before departure.