Frequently asked questions
Root canal and endodontics — questions answered.
Plain answers to the questions patients and dentists ask most about root canal treatment, retreatment, and specialist endodontic care in Carlow.
Common questions
What is endodontics?
Endodontics is the branch of dentistry concerned with the dental pulp — the nerve and blood supply inside the tooth. Endodontists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the pulp and the tissues surrounding the root, most commonly through root canal treatment.
What is root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment removes infected or inflamed pulp tissue from inside the tooth, cleans and shapes the root canals, and seals them to prevent re-infection. The goal is to save the natural tooth and eliminate pain from infection.
Does a root canal hurt?
Modern root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic. Most patients describe it as similar to a long filling — you may feel pressure but not sharp pain. We discuss what to expect before starting and check in throughout.
Do I need a referral to see an endodontist?
No. Patients can self-refer directly. If your general dentist has already taken X-rays or a clinical note, sharing them avoids duplication and helps us plan. You can use the contact form on this site to get in touch.
How long does root canal treatment take?
A single-visit root canal typically takes 60–90 minutes. Complex cases — multiple canals, calcified anatomy, or infection requiring temporary dressing — may need two appointments. We plan enough time so the work is never rushed.
Can a previously treated tooth be retreated?
Often, yes. Endodontic retreatment removes the original filling material, re-cleans the canal system under magnification, and re-seals it. The success rate is good when the tooth remains restorable and the infection is not too extensive.
What is a cracked tooth and can it be saved?
A cracked tooth is one where a fracture line runs through the tooth structure, sometimes reaching the pulp. Whether it can be saved depends on how far the crack extends. Diagnosis involves clinical tests and sometimes cone-beam CT imaging. We give an honest assessment before recommending treatment.
What happens if a tooth is knocked out?
Keep the tooth moist immediately — in milk, saline, or saliva between the cheek and gum. Do not scrub the root surface. Contact a dentist or emergency service straight away. Time is critical: replantation is most successful within the first hour.
When is apical surgery needed?
Apical microsurgery is considered when conventional root canal treatment cannot resolve a persistent infection — for example, due to a calcified canal, a broken instrument, or a cyst at the root tip. A small surgical approach removes the infected tissue and seals the root end directly.
How soon can I be seen?
Most non-urgent referrals are offered an appointment within two weeks. Acute pain, trauma, and active infection are triaged and seen sooner where the diary allows. Contact us and we will find the earliest appropriate slot.
Still have a question?
Get in touch directly.
If your question is not answered here, send a short message and I will reply with a clear next step.