What Is A Root Canal Treatment?

Julie McCabe's Root Canal Testimonial - "I felt absolutely NO PAIN! It didn't hurt one bit!"

What Is A Root Canal Treatment?

What Is A Root Canal Treatment?

Julie McCabe's Root Canal Testimonial - "I felt absolutely NO PAIN! It didn't hurt one bit!"

A root canal treatment is a painless dental procedure with a high success rate that gets you out of discomfort - fast!

When a tooth has been damaged or has deep decay, bacteria and plaque can start attacking the tooth pulp (the soft tissue in the tooth itself), affecting the blood vessels and leading to an infected tooth.

This can be extremely painful and must be treated as soon as possible to prevent the risk of developing an abscess or further infection.

A root canal procedure aims to stop any pain or infection by removing the inflamed or infected pulp and cleaning the root canal system of bacteria before sealing the treated tooth.

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How Does Root Canal Treatment Work?

Dr. Thibaut Merit (One Of Our Root Canal Specialists) Explains How Root Canal Treatments Work

How Does Root Canal Treatment Work?

How Does Root Canal Treatment Work?

Dr. Thibaut Merit (One Of Our Root Canal Specialists) Explains How Root Canal Treatments Work

We start by taking a 3D model of your tooth so we can see exactly what is going on inside.

The endodontic treatment works by clearing the infection caused by bacteria and plaque while also saving the natural tooth, which is often badly decayed or traumatised.

To increase longevity, every treated tooth receives restoration on the day of the procedure.

Restoring your tooth immediately after root canal treatment reinforces the hard layer of the tooth's structure and improves the treatment’s long-term success.

Cost Of Root Canal Treatment

Dr. Thibaut Merit Discusses The Cost Of Root Canal Treatments At 3Dental

Cost Of Root Canal Treatment

Cost Of Root Canal Treatment

Dr. Thibaut Merit Discusses The Cost Of Root Canal Treatments At 3Dental

A root canal treatment costs between €550-€800 per tooth. More details about our root canal treatment pricing can be found on our pricing page.

We also have a post on 'How Much Does Root Canal Cost?' which breaks cost down in more detail and provides information on insurance and payments plans.

Root canal treatments have a very high success rate, evaluated at 90-95%. Dr. Thibaut Merit explains the root canal procedure further in this video.

Why Is Root Canal Treatment Required?

Why Is Root Canal Treatment Required?

Why Is Root Canal Treatment Required?

A root canal treatment is necessary when the tooth pulp becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, repeated dental procedures, cracks, or trauma.

The pulp chamber contains blood vessels and nerves that keep the tooth alive, but when bacteria enter, it can cause pulp inflammation, severe pain, swelling, and sensitivity.

If left untreated, the infection can spread, leading to abscesses, bone loss, and even a loose tooth. A root canal procedure removes the infected pulp, cleans the root canals, and seals the treated tooth to prevent further infection, preserving the natural tooth structure.

When Is Root Canal Treatment Required?

When Is Root Canal Treatment Required?

When Is Root Canal Treatment Required?

A root canal treatment is required when a tooth shows signs of infection or pulp damage that cannot heal independently.

Common symptoms include:

  • Persistent tooth pain
  • Sensitivity to hot and cold
  • Swelling of the gums
  • Visible chips or cracks in the tooth
  • Darkening of the affected tooth
  • Pus formation around the tooth

In some cases, a tooth may have no pain but still require a root canal treatment due to an infection detected on an X-ray. Early intervention can prevent complications, save the tooth, and avoid extraction.

Benefits of Root Canal Treatment

Maintain Your Natural Smile

Limit The Need For Ongoing Dental Work

Most Root Canal Treatments Can Last A Lifetime

Virtually Painless - Most Patients Feel Little To No Discomfort

Avoid Extractions And 'Save' Your Natural Tooth!

Stop Infection In The Root Of Your Tooth

Restore Your Smile And Prevent Tooth Discolouration

Protect Against Further Infection

Available in our Dublin (Red Cow), Dublin 2 (Aungier Street), Limerick and Galway clinics

The Root Canal Treatment Procedure

  • 1st Phase
  • 2nd Phase
  • Final Phase
  • Our Technology
  • After Root Canal Treatment
  • More Information On Root Canal Treatments
1st Phase
1st Phase
1st Phase

1st Phase

Your dentist will first examine your tooth by taking an X-ray of the root canal system and the infection, or sometimes a scanner for a 3D visualisation of the tooth.

This lets the endodontist assess the pulp chamber, check the scale of the infection, and provide extra details relevant to the procedure.

You will then be given a local anaesthetic to ensure minimal discomfort during the treatment.

2nd Phase
2nd Phase

2nd Phase

Using an operatory microscope for accuracy, a tiny hole is drilled into the top of the tooth, allowing access to the infected pulp inside the root canal system.

The inflamed or infected pulp is cleaned out using special tools.

This phase is highly technical and may take longer depending on whether the back teeth or other teeth are affected.

Final Phase
Final Phase

Final Phase

Once cleaned, the tooth is disinfected to prevent further infection and filled with a rubber-like material called gutta percha, for example, to seal off the root canals.

The tooth is then either filled in with a regular cavity filling material or if the tooth has been damaged further, a dental crown can be fitted at a later date, to ensure it remains strong and doesn’t break or crack.

Our Technology
Our Technology

Our Technology

Our dentists and endodontists use advanced technology to ensure your root canal treatment is efficient and effective.

We use

  • CBCT Scanner – The CBCT allows the endodontist to map out the complex root canal anatomy to ensure all of it is treated the first time around, and ensure the highest success rates"
  • Operatory Microscopes – Enables precise work for a successful procedure

This technology ensures a higher treatment success rate.

After Root Canal Treatment
After Root Canal Treatment

After Root Canal Treatment

Since a treated tooth is often structurally weaker due to deep decay, fractures, or extensive damage, additional protection may be necessary.

We frequently recommend a dental crown to reinforce the tooth and provide long-term durability. If this is necessary, we will do this during a follow up appointment.

With proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime.

More Information On Root Canal Treatments
More Information On Root Canal Treatments

More Information On Root Canal Treatments

A root canal treatment is the only option to save the natural tooth, as the sole alternative is tooth removal.

It is a quiet dental procedure performed under local anaesthetic, so most patients feel little to no discomfort.

Root canals hurt is a common myth, but modern endodontic treatment makes the procedure straightforward and relatively painless.

For more information on root canal treatments, check out our posts on:

What Our Patients Say

What Our Patients Say

The Whole Experience Was Painless! I Would Not Get A Root Canal Done Anywhere Else!

After the procedure I was surprised that I didn't feel any pain. I was very, very happy with the treatment!

Alex Ambrose (Root Canal Treatment)
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Root canal treatment testimonial - 3dental Watch Video

What Our Patients Say

I Would Recommend If Anyone Needs A Root Canal To Go To 3Dental!

I felt absolutely no pain - it didn't hurt one bit! It was an amazing experience!

Julie McCabe (Root Canal Treatment)
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Root canal testimonial - Julie McCabe - 3dental Watch Video

What Our Patients Say

The staff are what make the place.

It's a really nice, friendly atmosphere. I'd highly recommend 3Dental to my friends. Come sooner. Don't put if off for so long.

Tom Palmer
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What Our Patients Say

I would highly recommend.

I never had one problem. I'm just so happy I came here. I tell everybody. All my family. My daughter comes here now. I've everybody coming over. They're fabulous; from the minute you walk in, from reception to the dentists to everybody. I would highly recommend.

Mary Littlewood (Dental Bridge)
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What Our Patients Say

For me really 3Dental has the complete package.

Being an actor and a singer, my smile is really important to me. 3Dental really has the complete package.

Liam O'Brian
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What Our Patients Say

People Look At My Teeth Now And Say - They're Amazing!

I told Peter I want a mouth full of teeth. People look at my teeth now and say - they're amazing!

Anne O'Connell (Smile In A Day)
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Root canal treatment testimonial - 3dental
Root canal testimonial - Julie McCabe - 3dental
cosmetic dentistry testimonial - tom palmer - 3dental
dental bridge testimonial - mary littlewood - 3dental
cosmetic dentistry testimonial - liam o brian - 3dental
teeth in a day testimonial - anne o'connell - 3dental

What Our Patients Say

I Would Recommend If Anyone Needs A Root Canal To Go To 3Dental!

I felt absolutely no pain - it didn't hurt one bit! It was an amazing experience!

Julie McCabe (Root Canal Treatment)
Watch Now
Root canal testimonial - Julie McCabe - 3dental Watch Video
Root canal testimonial - Julie McCabe - 3dental

Ready for the Next Step? Book Your Free Consultation

Our team of experienced endodontists are waiting to hear from you. Book your free consultation today.

Enquire Now View Pricing Options

Visit Us In Dublin (Red Cow), Dublin 2 (Aungier Street), Limerick Or Galway

13-16 Redmond's Hill, Aungier Street, Dublin 2, D02 RP46

The Red Cow Complex, Naas Rd, Fox-And-Geese, Dublin, D22 KV24

Old Quarter House, Little Ellen St, Limerick, V94 D72V

28, Briarhill Business Park, Galway, H91 C9DR

Commonly Asked Questions

How painful is a root canal?

There are many horror stories out there about root canal treatments.

Generally there is a slight discomfort with numbing of the gums but after that, you should feel very little pain.

How much does it cost to have a root canal treatment?

The anatomy of the nerves to be removed varies greatly from one tooth to another, therefore the time and techniques used to complete the procedure within the highest standards can be longer on a more complex tooth, then increasing the costs. Typically, a front tooth will take less time and cost less than a back tooth.

At 3Dental, prices range from €550 to €800 for all straightforward root canal treatments. In the case of a previously treated tooth, or when a tooth requires another specific endodontic procedure, the price may vary.

These special cases need to be assessed by an endodontist so all necessary information can be given to you prior to the treatment. 

Also, check out our post on How Much Does Root Canal Cost?

Why do I need a root canal treatment?

There are many reasons why someone may need to have a root canal treatment. It is best to discuss this with the dentist.

How long does root canal treatment take?

This length of the treatment depends a lot on the anatomy of the tooth. Some teeth, such as the front teeth have one canal where a molar can have many.

How long do they last?

The length a root canal treatment depends on the care that you give the tooth. With good oral hygiene they can save the tooth and bone structure.

How long does it take to recover from a root canal?

A mild discomfort or pain can be present for a few hours up to a few days after the procedure, although taking common painkillers before the local anesthesia wears off prevents any discomfort from coming up.

In less than 5% of cases, an endodontic flare up can happen where the tooth and gums can be sore and sometimes swollen for a week or so. This occurs randomly but very rarely, and when it does, the prognosis of the root canal treatment is not affected.

Is the tooth dead after a root canal?

When a tooth needs a root canal treatment, the nerve inside the tooth is in the process of dying. The procedure aims at removing the suffering nerve from the tooth and/or at disinfecting the tooth to remove the bacteria causing infection.

The root canal treatment allows the tooth structure to be maintained as a part of the jaw and mouth, but the nerves inside are gone, meaning that the tooth can not feel the cold anymore, for example.

Should I get a root canal or extraction?

Nothing feels or functions like a natural tooth. A root canal treatment is most of the time the only way for you to keep your natural tooth, as the only alternative is an extraction.

It is a purely medical procedure and as such, its success is a matter of balance between the quality of the treatment and the body's response to it.

Its success rate is evaluated at 90-95%, and in the rare cases the root canal treatment fails, there are still options left to keep the tooth in. 

Having a tooth extracted can lead to a lot more hassle in the long run if the tooth is not replaced with a prosthetic one. Then again, as the natural tooth failed in the first place, any prosthetic restoration, whether it is a bridge or an implant, can fail as well.

There is no ultimate bulletproof option and when in doubt, best is to discuss it with your dentist at 3Dental.

Is root canal treatment available near me?

Yes! We provide root canal treatments in each of our clinics - Dublin (Red Cow), Dublin 2 (Aungier Street), Limerick and Galway.

Book your free consultation today! We look forward to welcoming you in person soon :)

Can you perform emergency root canal treatments?

Yes. If you are in pain, give us a call and we will get you booked in as soon as we possibly can.

We will review your situation and advise accordingly.

Recent Reviews

Deirdre Ryan

“I have been going to 3Dental since early 2018 for ongoing work. I was very impressed by the level of care I received from Dr. Thibaut Merit for root canals and crowns last year. This year, I have...”

Laura F

“I’ve never had a good experience at any dentist. Because of this I’ve put off getting dental work done and as a result have a lot of things I need to get done. I read the good reviews and finally...”

Louise Kelly

“Excellent service. I've had a lot of work done abroad due to extortionate prices Irish dentists try to charge so it's great to see an Irish company with competitive prices and top care. I had a very...”

Citywest Village

“I've visited 3Dental for a second opinion on a root canal treatment done elsewhere. I found the endodontist - Richard very professional and friendly. I am impressed by the standard of equipment in...”

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