At a glance
Who it is for
What happens
Visits and time
Cost
Learn how root canal treatment is assessed and planned, including the final filling or crown and follow-up.
Overview
The pulp inside a tooth contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. Deep decay, a crack or an injury can damage it. Root canal treatment removes affected tissue, cleans and disinfects the internal spaces, and seals them.
The aim is to treat the internal problem while retaining a tooth that can be restored. It is not suitable for every tooth. The condition of the roots, remaining structure and supporting tissues affects the decision.
Reasons to seek care
Lingering sensitivity after hot or cold, or pain when biting.
Persistent toothache, swelling or a small recurring swelling on the gum.
A heavily damaged tooth or a tooth that has changed colour after injury.
Symptoms or infection associated with a previously root-treated tooth.
These symptoms have several possible causes; they do not prove that you need a root canal. Swelling with serious medical symptoms requires urgent help, as described on the emergency page.
What care involves
Your dentist examines the tooth and any relevant X-rays or scans, then explains whether root canal treatment and a lasting filling or crown are suitable. A dental microscope may provide a magnified view during treatment. Your plan and likely outcome depend on your individual case.
Local anaesthetic numbs the area, and the tooth is kept separate from saliva during treatment. The root canals are cleaned, shaped, disinfected and sealed. A temporary filling may be used between visits. A final filling or crown, with any supporting build-up needed, is planned to protect the tooth.
Care process
Confirm the diagnosis
Your dentist reviews your symptoms, tests and imaging to assess whether the tooth can be restored and whether referral would be appropriate.
Treat the root canals
Your dentist removes affected tissue, then cleans and disinfects the internal spaces. This may require more than one treatment appointment.
Seal and restore
Your dentist seals the root canals and plans the final filling or crown with you. Root canal treatment and a crown are separate stages, even when planned together.
Review healing
At the agreed follow-up, we review healing. Please let us know about recurring symptoms or a damaged filling or crown.
Retreatment can be more complex because existing materials or posts may need to be managed. Discuss the whole course, including restoration and review, before comparing prices or arranging travel.
Why patients choose Tokyo Expat Dental
Explained in English
Care planned with you
Instrument hygiene
Easy to reach
Risks and limitations
Possible complications include soreness, persistent or returning infection, canals that are missed or difficult to reach, an instrument breaking inside a canal, an accidental opening in the tooth or root, and damage to existing dental work. A weakened tooth can fracture. Further root canal treatment, surgery, referral or removal of the tooth may be needed.
Symptoms may take time to settle, and keeping the tooth long term cannot be guaranteed. The final filling or crown and ongoing care are important parts of the plan.
Alternatives
Depending on the diagnosis, alternatives may include other pulp-preserving care, extraction, referral or monitoring when justified. Leaving a diagnosed infection untreated is not a reliable substitute for care. Your dentist can help you compare the outlook for keeping the tooth with removal and any replacement options.
Fees and treatment time
We will explain the suitable options and provide a detailed treatment plan and cost estimate before treatment begins.
Initial root canal treatment: ¥99,900 per tooth
Root canal retreatment: ¥109,900 per tooth
Root canal treatment, fillings and crowns are separate entries in the fee schedule. Your estimate will confirm the complete course and cost, including the final restoration and follow-up.
Diagnostic imaging and other examinations may incur additional charges unless expressly included in a treatment package. Local anaesthesia, when used, is ¥9,900. Your estimate will confirm which items apply to your care.
All prices are in Japanese yen (JPY) and include 10% consumption tax. Fees may vary with case complexity and individual requirements.
In Tokyo for a short time?
Tell us your travel dates when you book so we can discuss what fits your stay and whether further appointments will be needed. We provide reports to support international insurance claims; cover depends on your policy.
After your visit
Follow the care and review instructions your dentist gives you. Please contact the clinic if you have a question or your symptoms change.
For difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading facial or neck swelling, or uncontrolled bleeding, call 119 for an ambulance. Seek urgent care from a service that is open rather than waiting for an online reply.
Related treatments
Dental crowns and bridges
Crowns to repair damaged teeth and bridges to replace missing teeth. We explain the options before treatment.
Tooth-coloured fillings
Repair holes in teeth (cavities) and small areas of damage. We explain the filling material and other options.
Emergency dentist
Assessment for toothache, swelling, injuries and broken teeth, fillings or crowns.