Gangnam Station Teeth Straightening: Can a Tooth That Has Had Root Canal Treatment Still Be Straightened?

If you have had root canal treatment, can you still get orthodontic treatment?

Many people think that teeth that have had root canal treatment cannot be straightened, but in most cases, orthodontic treatment is possible!

Why do so many people think it is difficult to straighten them?

When a tooth has had a lot of treatment, such as cavity treatment, root canal treatment, or a crown, people often vaguely worry that orthodontic treatment will be impossible. But in reality, that is not the case.

What is root canal treatment?

A tooth has a three-layer structure.

In the innermost part, there is a section containing nerves and blood vessels.

✅ If a cavity becomes deep enough to reach the nerve, infection occurs.

✅ The infected tissue must be removed and treated with medication to completely eliminate the bacteria.

✅ After that, placing a crown (prosthetic restoration) allows the tooth to function again.

👉 This process is called root canal treatment!

Why orthodontic treatment is still possible after root canal treatment

Orthodontic treatment works through the cells in the periodontal ligament surrounding the root of the tooth.

✔ Even after root canal treatment, the periodontal ligament remains alive, so the tooth can still move.

✔ In other words, teeth that have had root canal treatment can also be straightened!

❌ But there are exceptions!

In some cases, a tooth that has had root canal treatment may not respond to orthodontic treatment.

1️⃣ If the front tooth was injured at a young age and received root canal treatment

• The impact may have damaged not only the nerve but also the periodontal ligament.

• If the periodontal ligament dies, the tooth becomes attached to the jawbone and does not move.

2️⃣ If the tooth had severe decay, received root canal treatment, and a long time has passed

• Over time, the periodontal ligament may die.

• In this case as well, tooth movement is difficult.

Why does a tooth that has had root canal treatment hurt?

We often get asked, “Why does it still hurt even though it had root canal treatment?”

✔ Even after root canal treatment, the periodontal ligament remains alive.

✔ The periodontal ligament still has nerves, so when it receives orthodontic force (the force used to move teeth), it can react more sensitively than a normal tooth.

👉 If a tooth that has had root canal treatment hurts?

Your orthodontic clinic can resolve this by adjusting the force of the wire, so be sure to let the doctor know! 😊

🏥 Before root canal treatment, consult an orthodontic clinic first!

✔ If the front teeth are protruding or uneven and you have not had root canal treatment, orthodontic treatment is possible in most cases.

✔ However, if a front tooth is broken or is expected to need root canal treatment, consult an orthodontic clinic before treatment.

✔ If the order of orthodontic treatment and prosthetic treatment (placing a crown) is decided well, you can achieve better results!

💡 Having had root canal treatment does not mean orthodontic treatment is impossible! However, it can depend on the condition, so the best approach is to consult an orthodontic clinic first. 😊

📌 Therefore, if you are in a situation where you need root canal treatment, it is a good idea to consult an orthodontic clinic in advance!

(Especially if you were already considering orthodontic treatment.)

More detailed video information is available at the link below