Going to the dentist
Delaying dental care multiplies the cost. Going while a cavity is still small is the cheapest option.
When to go
- Sensitivity or pain
- Bleeding gums
- A loose tooth
- Persistent bad breath
- Even with no symptoms, scaling once a year
Steps
- Find a nearby dentist — search "치과" in a map app.
- Book an appointment. Some take same-day patients if urgent.
- Bring ID and your insurance details.
- Describe the symptom — which tooth, since when, what kind of pain.
- Ask about the plan and cost first. "Is it covered by insurance? What is the total?"
- Receive treatment. It often takes several visits.
Useful Korean at the dentist
- "이가 아파요" — my tooth hurts
- "여기예요" — it's here (point with your finger)
- "시려요" — sensitive to cold
- "잇몸에서 피가 나요" — my gums bleed
- "보험 되나요?" — is it covered?
- "얼마예요?" — how much?
Where to go
- A nearby dental clinic
- 1577-1000 National Health Insurance Service (coverage questions)
- Your nearest public health centre (some dental services)
- 1345 · 1577-1366 interpretation
Questions people ask
Is it covered? Fillings, extractions, scaling (once a year) and gum treatment are covered. Implants, orthodontics and whitening differ. See the dental-insurance-coverage guide.
The cost is a burden. Look into public health centre dentistry, university hospital dentistry, and free clinics for foreign residents run by local governments and NGOs.
I don't speak Korean. Write your symptoms in a translation app. Pointing at the tooth works.
It suddenly hurts at night. Take a painkiller and see a dentist the next day. If your face swells and you have a fever, consider the emergency room.
Take care
Never accept unlicensed dental work offered cheaply. The risk of infection and permanent damage is high. Always use a licensed dentist.
Related
dental-insurance-coverage · hospital-system-overview · medical-cost-without-insurance
Source
Ministry of Health and Welfare www.mohw.go.kr / As of 2026-08