For patients · Carlow, Ireland
Tooth pain? Start here.
You do not need a referral to come and see me. If something is sore, woke you in the night, or your dentist has mentioned a root canal, this page explains what I look at and how to get in touch.
Common reasons people come in
Start with the tooth concern.
Each of these explains, in plain English, what to expect and how I approach it. Reading is optional. You can always just get in touch and I will guide you.
Endodontic diagnosis & pain
Carefully working out whether tooth pain is coming from the pulp, surrounding tissues, or another source, using history, clinical tests, and focused imaging.
Read about this carePatientsRoot canal treatment
Calm, magnification-led treatment of the inside of a tooth so that the natural tooth can be kept and restored.
Read about this carePatients & cliniciansRoot canal retreatment
A focused review and re-treatment of a previously treated tooth that has not settled or has developed new findings.
Read about this carePatients & cliniciansCracked tooth assessment
A structured look at suspected cracks, using transillumination, dye, bite testing, and imaging, before deciding what is salvageable.
Read about this carePatients & cliniciansDental trauma
Time-sensitive endodontic management of luxated, avulsed, fractured, and immature traumatised teeth.
Read about this careWhat to expect
Calm, explained, one step at a time.
I start with a careful diagnosis. Most appointments begin by listening: how the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and whether earlier treatment helped or did not.
When root canal treatment is the right step, it is done under local anaesthetic and rubber-dam isolation. Most patients describe the appointment as similar to a long filling. I explain the options, the likely range of outcomes, and what is uncertain before anything is started.
If something is wrong now
When to contact me sooner.
A few symptoms should not wait. This is general guidance, not a diagnosis.
- A permanent tooth has been knocked out. Replant if possible and call immediately.
- There is significant facial swelling around the tooth.
- Severe pain that is not controlled by usual painkillers.
- Recent dental trauma in an adult or child.
These notes are general dental education, not a clinical diagnosis. If you are unwell, in severe pain, or worried, please contact the practice or your GP.
Common questions
Questions patients ask me most.
Do I need a referral from my dentist?
No. Patients can book directly. If your general dentist has already taken radiographs or notes, sharing them helps me plan and avoids unnecessary repeat imaging.
Will root canal treatment hurt?
Modern root canal treatment is done under local anaesthetic and rubber-dam isolation. Most patients describe the appointment as similar to a long filling. I discuss what to expect honestly and check in afterwards.
Can a tooth that has been treated before be saved?
Often, yes, through retreatment or, in selected cases, surgical endodontics. The first step is an honest assessment of restorability and the realistic range of outcomes.
How are case studies shared on this site?
Only with explicit patient consent and after de-identification. Where consent is not in place, I describe the approach and clinical reasoning rather than publishing media.
Get in touch
Ready to ask me about a tooth?
Send a short enquiry and I will reply with a clear next step. You can also book directly through the practice.
- Phone
- 085 745 7524