When infection or deep decay reaches the pulp inside a tooth, the choice is treating the inside of the root or losing the tooth. Root canal treatment cleans and seals the canal system so the tooth can stay.
What the treatment does
The pulp – the nerve and blood supply inside the tooth – is removed, the canals are cleaned, shaped and disinfected, then filled and sealed. The tooth stays; the living tissue inside does not.
Anatomy varies more than patients expect. Some molars have additional or fused canals, and unusual configurations take longer to treat properly. That is a reason for extra appointments, not a complication.
Visits, and the crown afterwards
Most root canal treatments take 1 to 3 visits depending on how much infection is present and the canal anatomy.
A treated back tooth is more brittle than an intact one, so a crown is usually recommended afterwards to prevent fracture. Skipping it is the most common reason a successfully treated tooth is lost later.
If you are travelling, plan for the crown stage as part of the same treatment rather than something optional to do later.
Retreatment
A previously treated tooth can become symptomatic again – missed anatomy, a failed seal, or new decay. Retreatment involves removing the old filling material and re-cleaning the canals, and it is more demanding than first-time treatment.
Send us an X-ray if you have a treated tooth that hurts. It is often still savable.
We give you a written treatment plan and a cost estimate before anything begins, so you know the total before you commit. If the plan changes after we see your CT scan, we tell you why and what it changes before we proceed.
Frequently asked questions
Is root canal treatment painful?
The treatment is done under local anaesthetic. Many patients arrive in pain from the infection and leave more comfortable. Mild tenderness for a few days afterwards is normal.
How many appointments will I need?
Commonly 1 to 3 for the root canal itself, plus 2 for the crown. We give you the expected number after examining the tooth and X-ray.
Can the tooth be saved, or should I have an implant?
If enough sound tooth structure remains, keeping your own tooth is usually preferable. When it does not, we will say so and discuss implant options.
Do I really need a crown afterwards?
For back teeth, in most cases yes – they take the heaviest forces and treated teeth fracture more easily. For some front teeth a filling may be sufficient.
Related treatments
Ask us before you travel
Send a recent X-ray or a clear photo and tell us what is bothering you. We will reply in English with what the treatment involves, how many visits it needs, and how long to stay in Korea.
Email Us in English