How many visits does a root canal take?

It depends on the condition of the tooth, the number of root canals and the degree of inflammation, and treatment is usually divided over several visits. After the diagnosis we give you a rough number of visits.

Do I definitely need a crown after a root canal?

A tooth that has had a root canal is weakened and breaks more easily, so we recommend protecting it with a crown, especially for molars. This can vary with the position of the tooth and the amount of tooth structure that remains.

Crown materials include zirconia, ceramic and metal, and the suitable material differs by location, chewing force and appearance. We will advise you according to your condition at your visit.

What if a tooth that had a root canal hurts again?

Inflammation may remain, or may have developed again, around the previous treatment, so an accurate diagnosis comes first. We check whether the natural tooth can be saved by retreatment, and if that is difficult we explain other options.

Why are my teeth sensitive?

There are many causes: gums that have receded and exposed the root, worn or cracked teeth, cavities and others. Treatment depends on the cause, so finding out the cause with an examination comes first, and leaving it for a long time can allow it to progress. Not every sensitive tooth leads to a root canal.

We try to keep your natural teeth wherever possible

Before extraction, Gangbuk Baeksang Dental Clinic first checks whether the tooth can be saved, for example with a root canal. Specialists in integrated dentistry, prosthodontics and conservative dentistry work together from diagnosis to treatment, and we explain, using X-ray and CT results, which treatment is really needed now and which areas can simply be monitored.

Please get checked if you have these symptoms

• Lingering sensitivity or pain to cold or hot
• Throbbing pain even when you are resting
• Pain when chewing, or a swollen gum with pus
• A tooth that had a root canal before hurts again

Having these symptoms does not mean every case needs a root canal. The exact cause has to be confirmed with an examination.