Root canal treatment
For some reason, root canals have gotten a bad reputation in dentistry.
The reality is different. Root canal treatment is what allows us to save teeth that have been severely decayed and infected, teeth that would otherwise have to come out. For most patients, it feels much like having a large filling done, and it's what stops the pain rather than causes it.
Signs You May Need a Root Canal
You may need a root canal if you are experiencing any:
Spontaneous pain
Pain that keeps you awake at night
Pain that increases with pressure or eating
Darkening or discolouring of a tooth
Tender gums around a tooth
Extreme sensitivity to temperature
A pimple or swelling on the gum near the tooth
Not every sore tooth needs a root canal, and some teeth that need one aren't sore at all. Occasionally we'll recommend treatment on a tooth that isn't hurting, because an x-ray shows the nerve has already died or because a large old filling is likely to fail under a new crown.
If you're experiencing any pain or swelling in your mouth and gums, don't wait it out. Contact us immediately.
What Is a Root Canal?
Inside every tooth there's a soft tissue called the pulp, containing the nerve and blood supply. If tooth decay, cracks or repeated dental work lets bacteria reach it, the pulp can become infected. That's what causes the pain, and why an infected tooth doesn't get better by itself.
Root canal treatment, also called endodontic treatment, removes that infected tissue and seals the tooth so bacteria can't get back in. Step by step:
Numbing: local anaesthetic, exactly as you'd have for a filling.
Access: A small opening is made in the top of the tooth to reach the canals inside.
Cleaning and shaping: The infected pulp is removed, and the canals inside the tooth are cleaned, shaped and disinfected. This is the part that takes the time, and it's where care makes the difference to the long-term result.
Filling and sealing: The cleaned canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and sealed.
Restoring the tooth: A filling closes the access opening, and in most cases a crown follows to protect the tooth.
A fully developed tooth doesn't need its pulp to survive. It continues to be nourished by the tissues around the root, which is why a root-treated tooth can go on working normally for decades.
Does a Root Canal Hurt?
This is the question we're asked most. The treatment itself is carried out under local anaesthetic, so you shouldn't feel pain during it. After your root canal, you may experience some tenderness or pain in the treated tooth, particularly when biting on it, and this is normal. This tends to be similar to the pain you were previously experiencing and usually settles within a few days, and can be managed at home with what you usually use for pain relief.
If the pain is severe, or it's getting worse rather than better after a few days, call, email or text us.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery is usually straightforward:
Wait until the numbness wears off before eating, so you don't bite your cheek or tongue. Same goes for hot drinks like tea or coffee.
Chew on the other side until the tooth is permanently restored, especially if you have a temporary filling
A patient cam usually take whatever they usually use for pain relief for the first day or two if needed
Brush and floss as normal, including the treated tooth
If the pain worsens or if swelling develops, contact us straight away.
Will I Need a Crown Afterwards?
It is important to note that after a tooth has had a root canal treatment, it is usually recommended to have a crown placed to protect against fracture.
Removing the pulp leaves the tooth more brittle. A crown works like a helmet over it, holding it together under biting pressure and greatly reducing the chance of the tooth splitting. If a tooth splits or fractures, it usually means the tooth will need to be extracted.
Meet Your Root Canal Dentist
Dr. Shawn Shelley has worked in private practice in both Ireland and Singapore, having completed his Pre-Med degree at the University of Wyoming, USA before qualifying as a dentist at Trinity College Dublin.
At Fiacla Dental Clinic, each patient is unique and we base our high-quality dental care around your individual needs. Our newly-renovated clinic in Dublin 14 uses current endodontic equipment and techniques, and we'll explain what's happening at each stage to ensure your comfort and care..
Why Patients Choose Fiacla Dental Clinic
I recently had a route canal with Dr Shawn Shelley. It was the most relaxing trip to the dentist I've ever had. The reception area is beautiful, warm and welcoming . The dental nurse Maria, looked after me so well and continously checked in with me, to see if I was OK throughout the procedure.
Shawn was calm, gentle and patient while he worked on me, he was really accommodating and had no issue with me wearing earphones throughout the whole procedure which helped me feel at ease immediately.
I like many other people have a huge fear of the dentist from previous experiences. Therefore had neglected to go for checkups for years.
Shawn reassured me about my oral health and made a clear and easy care plan for the months ahead.
Niamh was very kind and accommodating recently when I spoke with her, and was so helpful and reassuring when I had to reschedule an appointment recently due to illness.
I want to sincerely thank the entire team at Fiacla dental for helping me to overcome my fear of the dentist, and for creating such a wonderful clinic. I look forward to my next visit already
Maura A.Couldn’t recommend this Dental practice more highly.
From the state of the art, modern clinic, to all the staff. I had a cracked tooth that had caused pain for a while but went undiagnosed for a couple of years.
Dr Shelley diagnosed the problem straight away and tried his best to save the tooth before going ahead with an extraction.
He has such a calm, caring manor and would put the most nervous patient at ease. Both my children & husband also attended and were equally impressed. Dr Shelley has a lovely way with children.
If you’re looking for a new Dentist, I doubt you’ll find another as good! Thank you Dr Shelley :)
M MG.Can not say enough good things about this dental practice.
I went to a different dentist who put me on a antibiotic for an infection on my wisdom tooth and told me to brush more, when the gums kept getting worse and more inflamed.
After 2 courses of antibiotics I went to fiacla, they fit me nearly straight away, they are very professional and explained everything so I knew exactly what was going on at all times, they explained the tooth wasn’t infected but impacted and had to come out.
I was nervous but the dentist did not rush me once, he was very patient and made sure I was comfortable the whole time before pulling the tooth which was quick and painless and has healed perfectly.
Anna A.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canals
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A root canal is a dental treatment that removes infected or inflamed tissue from inside a tooth, then cleans, fills and seals the space. It relieves the pain caused by the infection and saves a tooth that would otherwise need to be taken out.
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The tooth is fully numbed with local anaesthetic during so the treatment itself shouldn't hurt. But you can expect to feel some tenderness for a few days afterwards. This is normal and manageable with your usual pain relief methods.
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Between 45 and 90 minutes per visit, depending on the tooth.. Some root canal treatments are completed in one appointment, many will require two visits, with the overall cost split across the two visits..
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It can vary. At Fiacla Dental Clinic our root canal treatment range from €750 to €1050, and we give you the cost before any treatment begins, including what the tooth will need afterwards.
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Most people return to work or their usual routine the same day. The numbness wears off within two to four hours and any tenderness typically settles within a few days.
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Usually, yes, particularly on back teeth. Root canal treatment leaves the tooth more brittle, and a crown protects it from fracturing under biting pressure. We can advise you on this during your appointment.
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You can, but it's rarely the better option. Extraction costs less on the day and more in the long run, because the gap affects the teeth around it and replacing the tooth properly costs considerably more than saving it. In practice, this may mean implants, dentures, retainers, negative impact on your ‘smile line’, and/or can cause sagging of a person’s face without their teeth there to support the facial structure.
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The infection doesn't resolve on its own. the bacterial infection typically can spread to your jaw, face, neck, or bloodstream and cause severe, life-threatening complications, and tooth lost.
Book a Root Canal with Fiacla Dental Clinic
If a tooth is painful, sensitive or you've been told you need a root canal, contact us for an appointment. Call us on (01) 5635898, or leave a voicemail to request a callback, email hello@fiacladental.ie, or book online. We'll take it from there.