First-time treatment
For a tooth whose nerve is inflamed or infected.
- Deep cavity reaching the nerve
- Crack or trauma
- Abscess at the root tip
Gangnam Seoul · Tooth-saving endodontic care in English
Root Canal Treatment in Gangnam Seoul
Throbbing toothache or pain when biting? Root canal treatment removes the infection so you can keep your own tooth.
In short: root canal treatment (endodontic treatment) removes an infected or inflamed nerve (pulp) from inside a tooth, then cleans and seals it. It saves deeply decayed, cracked or abscessed teeth. It takes one to a few visits under local anaesthetic; back teeth usually need a crown afterwards.
English-speaking team · Saturday appointments · Cheongdam Station Exit 14
Dr. Hyo-Jin Lee
Lead Dentist, Conservative Dentistry & Root Canals
- Dr. Hyo-Jin Lee Lead Dentist, conservative dentistry & root canals
- 3D CT Imaging of roots, canals and infection
- In-house lab Crowns for root-treated teeth made on site
- NHIS · TRICARE Korean NHIS, TRICARE Dental and major private insurers
Understanding root canals
What is root canal treatment?
Inside every tooth is soft pulp holding nerves and blood vessels. Deep decay or a crack can let bacteria in, causing inflammation or an abscess at the root tip.
Root canals at A Plus Dental are led by Dr. Hyo-Jin Lee, who completed a conservative dentistry residency at SNU Dental Hospital and is an adjunct professor at the Hanyang and Hallym University dental hospitals.
Re-treating an old root canal
A previously treated tooth can become infected again.
- Old filling material removed
- Canals cleaned and re-sealed
- Your dentist advises if it is the best option
When to see a dentist
Signs you may need a root canal
Some infected teeth hurt; others cause no pain at all.
- Throbbing toothache, often at night
- Pain when biting
- Lingering sensitivity to hot or cold
- Swelling or a bump on the gum
Why save the tooth
Benefits & things to know
- You keep your natural tooth
- Infection pain usually settles
- Back teeth usually need a crown
- Some teeth can't be saved — we'll tell you honestly
How we treat it
Your root canal, step by step.
Under local anaesthetic, most patients feel pressure rather than pain.
- 1
Diagnosis
X-rays, and 3D CT when needed.
First visit - 2
Access
The tooth is numbed and opened to reach the pulp.
Treatment visit - 3
Cleaning
Infected pulp removed; canals cleaned and shaped.
1–3 visits in total - 4
Sealing
Canals filled and sealed, tooth closed.
Final canal visit - 5
Crown
Back teeth protected with a lab-made crown.
After the root canal
Options at a glance
Root canal treatment options in Seoul
Your plan and cost depend on the tooth and number of canals.
| Treatment | Best for | What it involves |
|---|---|---|
| Root canal treatment | Inflamed or infected pulp | Cleaning and sealing the canals |
| Retreatment | Re-infected treated tooth | Removing old filling, re-sealing |
| Crown | Back or weakened teeth | Protective cap from our in-house lab |
Costs depend on your diagnosis and the treatment you choose. After your examination we give you a written, itemised quote in English before any treatment begins.
For international patients
Root canals for expats and visitors
A root canal usually needs more than one visit, so tell us your travel dates. We plan around you — Saturdays included.
- Expats & residents: NHIS partly covers root canal treatment.
- U.S. military families: we work with the TRICARE Dental Program.
- Visitors: English receipts and treatment notes for your insurer.
A typical visit plan
- Day 1
Examination, X-rays and often starting treatment.
- Days 2–14
Further visits to clean and seal the canals.
- After sealing
Crown fitting, if needed.
- Ongoing
Check-ups to confirm healing.
Leaving before your crown? We place a strong temporary filling and give you English records.
After treatment
Caring for your tooth
Mild tenderness for a few days is normal.
- Avoid chewing on the tooth until it is restored
- Over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough
- Brush and floss as normal
- Keep your crown appointment
- Call us if swelling or pain increases
Questions patients ask us
Root canal treatment FAQ
Does a root canal hurt?
It is done under local anaesthetic, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. The tooth may be tender for a few days.
How many visits does a root canal take?
Usually one to three, depending on the tooth and the infection. A crown, if needed, comes afterwards.
How much does a root canal cost in Gangnam?
Cost depends on your diagnosis, the materials and the number of teeth or visits involved. After your examination we give you a written, itemised quote in English before any treatment begins.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Back teeth usually do, because root-treated teeth can crack. Front teeth may only need a filling.
Who performs root canals at A Plus Dental?
Dr. Hyo-Jin Lee, Lead Dentist for Conservative Dentistry & Root Canals, trained at SNU Dental Hospital.
Where is A Plus Dental Clinic and how do I book?
We are on the 3rd floor of the Samgang Building, 704 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu — right outside Exit 14 of Cheongdam Station (Line 7). Book on WhatsApp at +82 10-9325-2875.
Come and say hello
Toothache? Let's take a look.
Message us in English — we'll find a time that suits you and explain what to expect.
- Address
- 3F Samgang Building, 704 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
- Subway
- Cheongdam Station (Line 7), right outside Exit 14
- Hours
- Mon–Fri 9:30–18:00 (lunch 12:30–13:00)
Saturday 9:00–13:00 (no lunch break)
Closed Sundays & public holidays - +82 10-9325-2875
- Phone
- +82 10-9325-2875
This page is for general information and does not replace an examination by a dentist. A Plus Dental Clinic · Gangnam, Seoul · Since 1996 · Last updated October 2026
