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Dental · 신경치료

Root Canal Treatment

Removes infected nerve tissue from inside a tooth, disinfects the canals and seals them. Usually 2 to 4 visits, then a crown on back teeth.

Quick facts
  • Korean name: 신경치료
  • Procedure time: About 30 to 60 minutes per visit
  • Anesthesia: Local anaesthesia
  • Sessions: Usually 2 to 4 visits a few days apart, plus crown visits
  • Downtime: None; tenderness on biting for a few days
  • Results: Pain often eases after the first visit; tooth fully restored once the crown is fitted
  • Lasts: A well-sealed and crowned tooth can last many years

What is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment is needed when the pulp inside a tooth is infected or dying, usually from deep decay, a crack or trauma. Signs include lingering pain to hot or cold, swelling or pain on biting.

Korean dentists often spread the work over several short visits a few days apart. Molars usually need a crown afterwards because the hollowed tooth becomes brittle.

How it works

Under local anaesthesia, the dentist opens the tooth, removes the pulp, and shapes and disinfects each canal with fine files and rinses. Medication is placed between visits. Once the tooth is symptom-free, the canals are filled with gutta-percha and sealed, and a core build-up and crown follow.

Who it suits

  • Teeth with lingering pain or an abscess
  • Cracked teeth where the nerve is affected
  • Teeth needing a post for a crown

Who should skip it or wait

  • Teeth with severe vertical root fractures
  • Teeth with too little structure left to restore
  • Gum disease with severe bone loss around the tooth

Side effects and risks

  • Persistent infection needing retreatment or apicoectomy
  • Instrument separation inside a canal
  • Tooth fracture before the crown is fitted
  • Flare-up of pain between visits

Aftercare

  • Do not chew hard food on the tooth until the crown is fitted
  • Take painkillers as advised
  • Return promptly if swelling appears
  • Keep the temporary filling intact

Planning around your trip

Tell the clinic your departure date at the first visit so they can compress visits or seal the tooth properly before you fly.

Dental clinics near Apgujeong

Last reviewed October 2026. General information only, not medical advice. A doctor confirms what suits you at consultation.

Root Canal Treatment price

Prices for this treatment depend on the doctor's assessment, so clinics quote after consultation. Message us and we collect quotes from clinics near Apgujeong Station.

Root Canal Treatment questions

Why does Korea split root canal into so many visits?

Canals are cleaned and medicated in stages so infection settles before final sealing. Dentists can sometimes reduce visits for patients with a fixed departure date.

Can I fly with a half-finished root canal?

Usually yes if the tooth is sealed with a temporary filling and not swollen, but finish the treatment at home soon after.

Do front teeth need a crown afterwards?

Not always. Front teeth with little damage can often be restored with a filling. Molars and premolars usually need a crown.

Is root canal covered by insurance in Korea?

For National Health Insurance members, basic root canal is covered. Visitors without it pay the full fee, and microscopes or special materials may cost extra.

How painful is it?

With local anaesthesia the procedure is usually comfortable. Soreness on biting for 2 to 3 days is normal.

Does a microscope make a difference?

A dental operating microscope helps find extra or narrow canals, especially in molars and retreatments. Some Gangnam clinics charge extra for microscope-guided treatment.

Plan your visit

Get a quote before you fly

Send the treatment, your dates and any past procedures. We reply in English with options, prices and clinic locations near Apgujeong Station.