Magnification-assisted
Optical magnification supports accurate canal location and cleaning.
Endodontic Treatment
Root Canal Treatment in Tokyo — Save Your Natural Tooth
Microscope-assisted endodontic care for irreversibly damaged tooth nerves. Initial root canal ¥99,900; retreatment ¥109,900. English support.
Key Takeaways
- Root canal treatment removes irreversibly damaged tooth nerve tissue and seals the canal system to prevent reinfection.
- Initial root canal: ¥99,900. Retreatment of previously root-canalled teeth: ¥109,900.
- Performed with magnification for improved accuracy in canal location and cleaning.
- Typically followed by a crown to protect the tooth long-term — quoted separately.
- Treatment usually completes in 2–3 visits over 1–2 weeks.
Quick Facts
At a glance
Treatment Duration
2–3 visits over 1–2 weeks
Cost Range
¥99,900 (initial) / ¥109,900 (retreatment) + crown
Number of Visits
2–3 visits typical
Anesthesia Type
Local anesthesia; IV sedation available
Recovery Time
1–3 days for mild post-op discomfort
Suitable for
Teeth with irreversible nerve damage or infection
About
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment (endodontics) removes irreversibly damaged or infected nerve tissue from inside a tooth, then cleans, shapes, and seals the canal system to prevent reinfection. It allows a tooth that would otherwise need extraction to be retained for many years.
The nerve tissue inside a tooth can become damaged from deep decay, fracture, trauma, or repeated dental procedures. Once the damage is irreversible — typically signalled by severe pain, sensitivity that lingers, or radiographic infection — root canal treatment is the standard option for saving the tooth.
At Rodin, root canal treatment is performed with magnification for improved canal location and cleaning. After completion, a crown is typically recommended to protect the tooth from future fracture.
How it works
How does a root canal work?
- 01
Diagnosis
Examination, x-ray, and pulp testing confirm that root canal treatment is needed and rule out alternatives.
Initial visit
- 02
Access & cleaning
Tooth isolated with a rubber dam. Small access opening; nerve tissue removed; canals shaped and disinfected.
60–90 minutes
- 03
Medication (if needed)
For infected teeth, an antibacterial dressing is placed and the tooth temporarily sealed.
Between visits
- 04
Sealing
Canals filled with a biocompatible material to prevent reinfection. Tooth temporarily sealed pending crown.
Second visit
- 05
Crown restoration
A crown is fitted to protect the treated tooth — typically a few weeks later once healing is confirmed.
Separate appointment
Why Rodin
Why Rodin for root canal treatment?
Rubber dam isolation
Standard isolation protects the airway and maintains a sterile field.
Coordinated crown restoration
Crown planned alongside root canal — single practice handles both phases.
English-speaking care
Procedure explained step-by-step in English. Comfort and questions addressed throughout.
IV sedation available
Available for anxious patients or longer multi-canal cases.
Conservative philosophy
Root canal preserves the natural tooth — preferred over extraction when the tooth is restorable.
Comparison
Root canal vs extraction + implant
When a tooth's nerve is irreversibly damaged, the choice is typically between root canal (save the tooth) and extraction + implant (replace it).
—
Root canal + crown
Extraction + implant
Natural tooth preserved
Root canal + crownYes
Extraction + implantNo
Treatment time
Root canal + crown2–3 visits over 1–2 weeks + crown
Extraction + implantSurgery + 3–6 months + crown
Cost
Root canal + crownRoot canal ¥99,900 + crown ¥179,900–¥229,900
Extraction + implantImplant case ¥578,800–¥588,800
Long-term
Root canal + crownTypically a decade or longer; tooth can re-infect
Extraction + implantOften 20+ years; implant cannot decay
Bone preservation
Root canal + crownYes — root supports bone
Extraction + implantYes — implant stimulates bone
Surgery required
Root canal + crownNo
Extraction + implantYes
Process
Your root canal journey
- Image: Diagnosis visit
01
Diagnosis visit
Examination, x-ray, and pulp testing confirm the diagnosis. Treatment plan and cost discussed.
Visit 1
- Image: First treatment session
02
First treatment session
Tooth isolated with rubber dam. Access opening, initial cleaning, and disinfection. Temporary seal placed.
Visit 1 or 2
- Image: Second session (if needed)
03
Second session (if needed)
For infected teeth, the antibacterial dressing is checked; if symptoms resolved, canals are sealed.
Visit 2 (1–2 weeks later)
- Image: Permanent seal
04
Permanent seal
Canals sealed with biocompatible material. Tooth temporarily restored pending crown.
Same visit as seal
- Image: Crown restoration
05
Crown restoration
Crown fitted 2–4 weeks later once tooth has settled. Restores strength and seals the tooth long-term.
Separate appointments
- Image: Review
06
Review
Periodic x-ray review at 6 and 12 months confirms healing.
Long-term
Pricing
Root canal cost in Tokyo
Per-tooth pricing for initial root canal and retreatment of previously root-canalled teeth. Crown restoration quoted separately.
Root Canal Treatment
¥99,900
Root Canal Retreatment
¥109,900
What's included — no hidden costs
- Diagnostic examination and x-rays
- Rubber dam isolation
- Access opening, canal cleaning and shaping
- Antibacterial medication between appointments
- Final canal sealing
- Temporary restoration pending crown
We accept Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB, bank wire transfer, and cash in JPY. Payments are processed in Japanese yen. International credit cards are accepted.
For international patients
Root canal for international patients
Typical itinerary: 2 visits over 1–2 weeks for the root canal itself. Crown can be added during the same trip if 7–10 days is available, or on a return visit.
Pre-arrival online consultation
A doctor reviews your photographs and history before you travel, and replies in writing within two business days with a preliminary plan.
Hotel & access guidance
We can recommend hotels within walking distance of the clinic in Onarimon / Minato-ku, and provide written directions in your preferred language.
Interpretation support
Care is delivered in English by default. Mandarin, Korean, and Spanish support is available for consultations on request.
Aftercare from your home country
Video follow-ups and written records in English. Where local in-person care is needed, we coordinate with a referral network of trusted clinics.
Risks & considerations
Risks & considerations
Every dental procedure carries some risk. The points below outline what most patients can expect. Your individual risk profile is discussed in detail during your consultation, and any case-specific considerations are noted in writing as part of your treatment plan.
- Mild discomfort or sensitivity for 1–3 days after each appointment; managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
- Some teeth (curved canals, calcified canals) are more complex and may take longer.
- Root canal can fail and require retreatment or extraction if reinfection occurs — typically signalled by recurring symptoms.
- A treated tooth becomes more brittle over time — a crown is strongly recommended to prevent fracture.
- Rarely, a tooth's anatomy makes complete cleaning impossible; surgical endodontics (apicoectomy) or extraction may be alternatives.
Not suitable for
- Teeth with insufficient remaining structure for restoration after the root canal.
- Teeth with vertical root fractures.
- Patients with active infection requiring antibiotics first.
Concerns addressed
Common questions from international patients
Will language be a barrier?
No. Our team provides care fully in English, with additional support available in Mandarin, Korean, and Spanish. Treatment plans, consent forms, and aftercare instructions are issued in your preferred language.
Are there hidden costs?
No. Every estimate is issued in writing before treatment begins, with all-inclusive pricing covering consultation, imaging, materials, the procedure itself, and routine follow-up. Anything not included is disclosed explicitly.
What about post-treatment care after I return home?
We provide remote video consultations and written aftercare instructions in your language. If urgent attention is required, we maintain a referral network of trusted clinics in major cities and coordinate directly with your local dentist.
How long do I need to stay in Tokyo?
Stay length depends on the treatment — see the section above for the typical timeline. Your final itinerary is confirmed after the online consultation so flights and accommodation can be planned with confidence.
Common questions
Frequently asked
How much does root canal treatment cost in Tokyo?
+
Initial root canal treatment is ¥99,900 per tooth. Retreatment of a previously root-canalled tooth is ¥109,900. A crown to protect the treated tooth is quoted separately (¥179,900–¥229,900).
Is root canal treatment painful?
+
Modern root canal treatment is performed under local anesthesia and is comparable to a routine filling. The most common source of pain is the underlying infection — root canal treatment relieves that pain. Mild post-procedure tenderness for 1–3 days is common.
How long does root canal treatment take?
+
Typically 2–3 visits over 1–2 weeks. The first visit accesses and cleans the canal system; subsequent visits seal the canals once any infection has settled. The crown is added separately.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
+
Yes — strongly recommended. A treated tooth becomes more brittle over time and is at higher risk of fracture without a crown. The crown is typically fitted 2–4 weeks after the root canal completes.
Can I get root canal treatment in one trip to Japan?
+
Yes for many cases. The root canal itself completes in 2 visits over 1–2 weeks; the crown can be added if 7–10 days is available, or scheduled for a return visit.
What's the success rate of root canal treatment?
+
Modern root canal treatment has a success rate of around 85–95% depending on the tooth, condition, and case complexity. Failures are typically detected by symptoms or x-ray review at 6–12 months.
Can a root canal fail?
+
Yes — reinfection can occur if the canal system is not fully sealed or if bacteria persist. Failure is typically signalled by recurring symptoms. Options at that point are retreatment, surgical endodontics, or extraction.
What if I have severe anxiety about root canals?
+
IV sedation by a licensed anesthesiologist is available for anxious patients or longer multi-canal cases. See IV Sedation Dentistry for details.
Case Studies
Before & After
Each case below is published with the patient's written consent. The treatment performed, material used, treatment period, total cost (incl. tax), and main risks are listed in full on each case page.
Self-pay (non-insured) treatment. Individual results vary. See each case page for full treatment details, cost, and risks.
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Ready to discuss root canal treatment?
Choose the option that fits where you are in your decision. A doctor — not a coordinator — replies to every online consultation within two business days.
Reply within 2 business days from a doctor — not a coordinator.
