top of page
root canal treatment

Root Canal

Root canal treatment, also known as endodontic therapy, is a highly effective dental procedure used to treat infections or damage in the center of a tooth, known as the pulp. If you're suffering from deep decay, trauma, or a cracked tooth, our root canal specialists are here to help. Root canal treatment is not painful and can save a tooth that might otherwise have to be removed completely.

What Is a Root Canal?

A root canal involves carefully removing the infected or damaged pulp, cleaning the area, and sealing it to prevent further issues. The pulp contains vital nerves and blood vessels, which can become inflamed due to decay or injury. By undergoing root canal treatment, you can save a tooth that might otherwise need extraction.

To understand what a root canal does, it's helpful to know the basic structure of a tooth. Your tooth consists of:

  • Enamel: The hard, outer layer that protects the tooth.

  • Dentin: The layer beneath the enamel.

  • Pulp: The soft core of the tooth, housing nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue

Endodontic Root Canal Treatment
root canal before and after
results after a root canal on decayed tooth

Root Canal Procedure

1. Initial Consultation and Examination 
The dentist examines the affected tooth and will take X-rays to assess the extent of the infection or damage in the tooth’s pulp (the innermost part containing nerves and blood vessels). If a root canal is deemed necessary, the dentist will schedule the procedure.

2. Tooth Isolation (Using a Dental Dam) 

A dental dam (a small rubber sheet) is placed around the tooth to keep it dry and free from saliva during the procedure. This ensures a sterile environment and allows the dentist to work with precision.

3. Accessing the Tooth's Pulp

The dentist drills a small access hole into the crown (top) of the tooth to reach the infected or damaged pulp tissue inside the tooth’s canals.

4. Removing Infected Pulp 

Using specialised instruments, the dentist removes the infected or inflamed pulp from the tooth's root canals. This step also involves cleaning and disinfecting the canals to eliminate any remaining bacteria.

5. Shaping and Cleaning the Canals 

The dentist shapes and enlarges the root canals to prepare them for filling. The canals are thoroughly cleaned to prevent future infections.

6. Filling the Canals

Once the canals are clean and shaped, they are filled with a biocompatible material, usually gutta-percha, a rubber-like substance. This filling seals the canals and prevents bacteria from re-entering.

7. Temporary Filling 

After the canals are filled, the dentist may place a temporary filling to seal the access hole. This protects the tooth until a permanent restoration (like a crown) is placed in a future appointment.

8. Final Restoration  

After the root canal treatment, most teeth need a crown to restore their strength and functionality. In some cases, the dentist may perform this in the same visit, but it often requires a separate appointment. The crown is custom-made to fit the tooth and restore its appearance and function.

Root Canal Specialists

At The Dental Suite we have root canal specialists, or endodontists, that have advanced training in diagnosing and treating complex cases related to the dental pulp and root canals. Our specialists use state-of-the-art technology and techniques to ensure a painless and efficient procedure, restoring your tooth's health and function.

When Do You Need A Root Canal?

Several common dental issues may require root canal treatment:

  • Deep tooth decay that reaches the pulp

  • Tooth trauma or injury that damages the inner tissues

  • Cracks or chips that expose the pulp to bacteria

  • Repeated dental procedures that have irritated or inflamed the pulp

 

Signs you may need a root canal include:

  • Persistent pain while chewing or biting

  • Sensitivity to hot or cold

  • Swollen gums or a darker tooth

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

  • Save Your Natural Tooth: A root canal preserves your original tooth, maintaining your natural bite and oral health.

  • Relieve Pain: Removing the infected pulp eliminates pain, allowing you to eat and chew comfortably.

  • Prevent Future Infections: The procedure seals the tooth, reducing the risk of further infection.

a patient going through a root canal procedure
root canal on the back teeth
molar root canal treatment

Root Canal Cost

Our root canal treatments are competitively priced, offering transparent costs based on the tooth type. Here's the breakdown:

  • Incisor/Canine Root Canal: €450

  • Premolar Root Canal: €650

  • Molar Root Canal: €850

Recovery After Root Canal

patient undergoing root canal treatment
  • Immediate Post-Treatment: It is normal to experience some mild discomfort, tenderness, or swelling for a few days after the procedure, especially in the area surrounding the treated tooth. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen is typically recommended to manage this discomfort. 

 

  • Healing Time: Most patients can resume normal activities the day after treatment. The soreness should subside within a few days.

 

  • Long-Term Care: Proper care, including good oral hygiene, regular dental checkups, and avoiding hard foods on the treated tooth, is essential to ensure the tooth remains healthy after the root canal. Once the crown is placed, the tooth will function like a natural tooth.

  • What are dental implants?
    Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of titanium or zirconia that are surgically placed into the jawbone to replace missing teeth. They provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures.
  • Are implants safe, and how long do they last?
    Implants can last 20 to 30 years or even a lifetime with proper care. However, their longevity depends on factors such as oral hygiene, lifestyle habits (like smoking), and regular dental check-ups. While the implants themselves are designed to be long-lasting, the crowns or prosthetics attached to them may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years due to wear and tear.
  • Can implants always replace missing teeth?
    Yes, for the vast majority of patients. Even if there is limited bone or other challenges, modern techniques such as bone grafting or sinus lifts can often make implants possible.
  • Does the procedure hurt?
    The dental implant procedure is typically pain-free, as it is performed under local anaesthetic to numb the area. Most patients report feeling little to no discomfort during the procedure itself.​ After the procedure, some mild soreness or swelling is normal, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
  • Can I remove the teeth attached to implants?
    Most implant-supported teeth are fixed permanently and can only be removed by a dentist.
  • What if the implant doesn’t bond with the bone?
    In rare cases, if an implant becomes loose, it can be removed, and another implant can be placed after healing, or alternative treatments like a bridge can be used.

Our Clinics

Carlow
68-69 Tullow Street

Carlow Town

Co. Carlow (R93 H6Y2)

Phone: 059 914 3957

Donnybrook

55 Donnybrook Road

Dublin 4

Co. Dublin (D04 E9F7)

Phone: 01 211 9042

​​Rathdrum

Fairgreen

Rathdrum

Co. Wicklow (A67 FX90)

Phone: : 0404 46728

Athy

1 Dominican Church Road (Opposite Garda Station)

Athy

Co. Kildare (R14 X226)​

Phone: 059 863 3338

Call us

Tel: 1800 83 2013 | 083 151 5375

rathdrum email
donnybrook email
  • TikTok
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

Contact Us

Thanks for submitting!

The Dental Suite Group

Our core values in patient care are centred around treating everyone as we would want to be treated ourselves, respecting and valuing both our teams and our patients. We are committed to continually improving and innovating through training and technology. Our aim is to provide a dental care experience that is focused on on our patients and tailored to suit their individual needs.

Please note, our clinics are extremely busy delivering care in the community. If you cannot attend your appointment we would appreciate a call to let us know 24 hours in advance. If you do not cancel and fail to turn up for your appointment, we cannot guarantee you a new appointment for a minimum 4-6 weeks. There will be a €30 fee for a short notice cancellation (within 24 hours of your appointment) or failure to attend. This must be paid before you can be booked for your next appointment. Thank you.

© 2025 by The Dental Suite

bottom of page