Root Canal Treatment Cost in Korea

A root canal treatment (endodontic therapy) is a dental procedure used to save a tooth with infected or damaged pulp (nerve). Instead of removing the tooth, the dentist removes infected tissue, cleans and shapes the root canal system, and seals it to prevent further infection.



If you’re a foreigner in Korea without Korean national health insurance (NHIS), understanding the root canal treatment cost in Korea helps you plan your visit, budget your care, and avoid unexpected expenses.

What Is Root Canal Treatment?

Root canal treatment involves:

• Diagnosing the infected tooth
• Removing infected pulp (nerve)
• Cleaning and disinfecting the canal system
• Filling and sealing the canals
• Restoring the tooth (often with a crown afterward)

Root canals are usually needed when:

• You have severe toothache
• You have prolonged sensitivity to hot/cold
• There’s swelling or abscess formation
• A crack or deep cavity reaches the pulp

Prompt root canal treatment can relieve pain and save your natural tooth.

Average Root Canal Treatment Cost in Korea

For foreigners without Korean national health insurance (NHIS), the root canal treatment cost in Korea typically ranges based on the location and complexity of the tooth:

• Front tooth (incisor/canine): 120,000 – 200,000 KRW
• Premolar: 140,000 – 250,000 KRW
• Molar: 180,000 – 350,000 KRW

These price ranges reflect common clinical fees and may vary slightly by clinic, technique used, and additional factors such as imaging or anesthesia.

Some clinics may charge a flat fee for root canal treatment regardless of tooth type, while others differentiate prices by difficulty.

Root Canal Treatment Costs at Different Clinics

Neighborhood Dental Clinics
Standard clinics typically offer root canal treatment within the lower to mid-range of the pricing scale. They are suitable for routine root canal needs.

Specialized Endodontic Centers & Large Dental Hospitals
Clinics in major areas like Seoul (Gangnam, Apgujeong) or specialty endodontic centers may charge toward the higher end due to advanced imaging, experienced specialists, and more comprehensive care.

Even at higher-end clinics, root canal treatment costs in Korea remain competitive compared to prices in many Western countries.

What’s Usually Included in the Cost

Quoted root canal costs in Korea typically include:

• Initial dental examination
• Local anesthesia
• Removal of infected pulp
• Cleaning and shaping of root canal system
• Filling and sealing the canals
• Basic post-treatment instructions

Some clinics also include diagnostic X-rays in the cost, but confirm this with your dentist beforehand.

What’s Not Usually Included

The treatment cost may not include:

• Dental consultation/check-up fee
• X-rays or advanced imaging (panoramic or 3D CT)
• Placement of a final restoration or crown (usually priced separately)
• Sedation or specialized anesthesia (if requested)
• Follow-up visits beyond the primary treatment

A crown after a root canal is recommended for most back teeth and often priced separately.

Crown After Root Canal (Separate Cost)

Since root canal–treated teeth are prone to fracture, placing a crown is often recommended after endodontic therapy. Typical crown costs in Korea include:

• Standard ceramic/porcelain crown: 150,000 – 400,000 KRW per tooth
• Zirconia crown (premium): 300,000 – 600,000+ KRW per tooth

If a post-and-core buildup is needed before the crown, it may cost an additional 80,000 – 200,000 KRW.

Factors That Affect Root Canal Cost

Several elements influence the root canal treatment cost in Korea:

Tooth Type and Complexity
Molars are more complex and usually cost more than front teeth.

Clinic Location and Reputation
Prestigious clinics or endodontic specialists may charge higher fees.

Technology Used
Advanced tools (microscopes, rotary instruments) may increase accuracy and treatment cost.

Diagnostic Needs
Costs may rise if X-rays or 3D imaging are required before or during treatment.

Anesthesia or Sedation
Standard local anesthesia is often included, but sedation or specialized pain control techniques may be extra.

Is Root Canal Covered by Insurance in Korea?

If you are enrolled in Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS) and the clinic accepts it, basic root canal treatment may be partially covered, reducing your out-of-pocket cost significantly. With insurance, the patient typically pays only the co-payment portion.

Foreigners without NHIS pay the full treatment cost out of pocket.

Travel insurance may reimburse some dental costs depending on your policy.

Why Root Canal Treatment in Korea Is Worth Considering

Korean dentists follow modern endodontic protocols and often use digital imaging, rotary instruments, and thorough disinfection techniques. Many foreign patients find the combination of quality care and competitive pricing cost-effective compared to similar services in their home countries.

Prompt treatment can relieve pain and prevent extraction or more complex procedures later.

Final Thoughts on Root Canal Treatment Cost in Korea

The root canal treatment cost in Korea for foreign patients without insurance typically falls within:

• Front tooth: 120,000 – 200,000 KRW
• Premolar: 140,000 – 250,000 KRW
• Molar: 180,000 – 350,000 KRW

These prices may vary by clinic and case complexity. A crown afterward is usually priced separately.

Knowing typical price ranges, what is included, and how costs vary helps you plan your dental care in Korea with confidence and transparency.