Root Canal Cost: Why the Quote Changes by Tooth
Published by The Seoul Dental Clinic · Meet the dentists
The Seoul Dental Clinic does not publish a fixed root canal price. The cost is quoted after examination because it depends on the tooth, the number of canals, whether there is infection and what restoration the tooth needs afterwards. Ask for the quote in writing, with the crown and any build-up listed separately.
Why there is no single price
A front tooth usually has one canal, while a back tooth can have several, and some are narrow or curved. A tooth with long-standing infection may need more time than one that is treated early. A repeat treatment on a tooth that had one before is a different job again.
Because of this, any flat price given without examining the tooth is a guess. We prefer to examine first and then quote.
What affects the quote
Which tooth
Back teeth tend to have more canals than front teeth.
The condition
Inflammation or infection can add steps to treatment.
Previous treatment
A tooth that was treated before may need more work.
The final restoration
A treated tooth is often protected with a crown, which is a separate item.
Related costs you can see
| Item | Published price (KRW) |
|---|---|
| Core build-up or post | 100,000 |
| Metal crown | 300,000 |
| PFM crown | 400,000 |
| Zirconia crown, back tooth | 450,000 |
| Zirconia crown, front tooth | 550,000 |
| Root canal treatment | Quoted after examination |
Price list as published; confirm at consultation. VAT may apply.
Root canal or extraction
| Root canal | Extraction | |
|---|---|---|
| Aim | Keep your natural tooth | Remove the tooth |
| What follows | Usually a restoration such as a crown | A gap, which may be replaced by an implant, bridge or denture |
| Price | Quoted after examination | Quoted after examination |
| Decision | Depends on how much sound tooth is left and its prognosis | Depends on the same factors |
This choice is made by your dentist after examination and imaging.
What to ask at the visit
Ask what the diagnosis is
You should hear which tooth, which problem and what the proposal is.
Ask about the whole plan
Root canal, build-up and crown should each be listed, with their prices.
Ask about the visits
Find out how many appointments are needed and whether this fits your stay in Korea.
Ask about aftercare
Know what to expect in the days afterwards and what signs mean you should call.
If you are in pain now
Do not wait for a price comparison if you have severe pain, swelling or a fever. Call the clinic, describe your symptoms and ask whether you can come in. Pain relief and a diagnosis come first, and the details of cost can be explained when the dentist knows what is wrong.
After the root canal
The treated tooth can feel tender for a few days. Follow the dentist's instructions on chewing, and avoid biting hard on the tooth until it has its permanent restoration.
Do not skip the final restoration. A treated tooth with a temporary filling is more likely to crack or become re-infected. Ask for a date for the crown or filling before you leave.
Contact the clinic if you notice swelling, a bad taste, worsening pain or a loose temporary filling.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a root canal at your clinic?
There is no fixed published price. It is quoted after examination.
Is a crown included in the root canal price?
Not by default. Crowns and core build-ups are listed as separate items, so ask for them in your quote.
Is root canal treatment painful?
Comfort depends on the case, and the dentist can explain how it will be managed. Sedation is also available as a listed option.
Can I get an estimate by message?
A reliable figure needs examination. You can message the clinic to ask what it needs from you.
English-speaking dentists in Seongnam
The clinic was founded by two brothers trained at Seoul National University who direct it together. Three further dentists hold Ministry of Health and Welfare specialist certifications. Full credentials →
Dr. Hyun Sung Park
Clinic Director
- Co-founder and joint clinic director
- DDS, Seoul National University School of Dentistry
- Master’s degree, SNU Graduate School of Dentistry
- Former staff, Dept. of General Dentistry, SNU Dental Hospital
- Microendodontics Programme, SNU
- Course completion, UCLA, USA
- Member, UPenn Endodontics Study Club, USA
- Certified Invisalign Provider
- Osstem Implant AIC Programme
- Member, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
Dr. Hyeonjoon Park
Clinic Director
- Co-founder and joint clinic director
- DDS, Seoul National University School of Dentistry
- Master’s degree, SNU Graduate School of Dentistry
- Former staff, Dept. of General Dentistry, SNU Dental Hospital
- Affiliate Associate Fellow, American Academy of Implant Dentistry (AAID)
- Certified Invisalign Provider; leads orthodontic treatment
- Course completion, UCLA, USA
- Member, UPenn Endodontics Study Club, USA
- Member, International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI)
- Member, Seoul Prime Orthodontic Study Club
Dr. Yu Jin Kim
Dentist
- Board-certified specialist, Advanced General Dentistry (Ministry of Health and Welfare)
- Johns Hopkins University, USA
- Master’s degree, SNU Graduate School of Dentistry
- Former staff, Osaka University Dental Hospital, Japan
Dr. Min Ji Choi
Dentist
- Board-certified specialist, Conservative Dentistry
- Board-certified specialist, Advanced General Dentistry
- Internship and residency, Jeonbuk National University Dental Hospital
- Master’s degree in Conservative Dentistry, Jeonbuk National University
Dr. Jin Young Choi
Dentist
- Board-certified specialist, Advanced General Dentistry
- Clinical training, Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Canada
- Master’s degree, Kyungpook National University Graduate School of Dentistry
- BA in English Language and Literature, Korea University
Ask a question or request a consultation
Message us or call +82-31-757-1525. Tell us what you need and we will explain the next step in English.