Specialist endodontics · Carlow, Ireland
Root canal treatment in Carlow
Calm, specialist root canal treatment in Carlow with Dr. Shah Nawaz, carried out under an operating microscope so your natural tooth can be kept and restored.
What it is
What root canal treatment does
Root canal treatment, sometimes called endodontic treatment or RCT, treats the inside of a tooth when the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. The inflamed tissue is removed, the canal system inside the root is cleaned and shaped, and the space is sealed. The goal is to keep your natural tooth rather than lose it.
At Save That Tooth in Carlow, Dr. Shah Nawaz treats every case under an operating microscope, with local anaesthetic and rubber dam isolation. Most patients tell us the appointment feels much like having a long filling. The tooth is then restored, usually with a crown on back teeth, planned together with your own dentist so it is protected for the long term.
When it is needed
Signs you may need a root canal
- Lingering pain after hot or cold, or pain when biting.
- Pain that wakes you at night or is hard to point to.
- A tooth treated before that is uncomfortable again.
- Swelling, a gum boil, or a tooth that has darkened.
- A deep cavity or a large filling close to the nerve.
These are general signs, not a diagnosis. A careful assessment is the only way to know whether root canal treatment is the right step for your tooth.
Step by step
What happens during your appointment
- We start with the diagnosis: your history, focused tests, and targeted imaging to confirm the cause before anything is treated.
- The tooth is fully numbed with local anaesthetic and isolated with a rubber dam to keep it clean and protected.
- Under the microscope, the canal system is located, cleaned, and shaped, then sealed three dimensionally.
- A sealed temporary or definitive filling is placed, and a plan is agreed with your dentist for the final restoration.
What to expect
Pain, cost, and recovery
Is it painful?
The tooth is numb throughout, so the treatment itself is not painful for most people. It is normal for the tooth to feel a little tender for a few days afterwards, which usually settles with ordinary pain relief.
Cost and number of visits
Many root canal treatments take one or two visits. Because the fee depends on the tooth and how complex the canals are, the practice explains the cost clearly before treatment begins, with no obligation. There is no single fixed price, and we are happy to give an estimate for your specific tooth.
After your treatment
You can usually return to your day as normal. We suggest chewing on the other side until the tooth is fully restored, and your dentist will arrange the final crown or filling that protects it. We are only a message or call away if anything is not settling.
Why a specialist
Specialist root canal care in Carlow
Dr. Shah Nawaz limits practice to endodontics, with a Master in Clinical and Surgical Micro Endodontics from the University of Turin and registration with the Dental Council of Ireland. Every case is treated with magnification, good lighting, and rubber dam isolation, which supports predictable, careful treatment.
Save That Tooth is based at Pembroke Dental in Carlow town centre and sees patients from across Carlow, Kilkenny, Laois, Kildare, Wicklow, and Wexford, either directly or on referral from their own dentist.
Common questions
Root canal questions, answered
How much does a root canal cost in Carlow?
The fee depends on which tooth is treated and how complex the canal system is, so front teeth are usually more straightforward than molars. After examining the tooth and reviewing any imaging, the practice gives a clear estimate before treatment begins, with no obligation. Contact us for a quote for your own case.
Does root canal treatment hurt?
Root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, so the tooth is fully numb. Most patients describe the appointment as similar to a long filling. You may feel pressure but not sharp pain, and we check in with you throughout and stop for a break whenever you need one.
How many visits does a root canal take?
Many root canal treatments are completed in one or two visits, with a single visit typically taking around 60 to 90 minutes. Complex or infected teeth may need a second appointment so the work is never rushed. Your tooth is then restored, usually with a crown planned together with your general dentist.
Do I need a referral to have a root canal in Carlow?
No. Patients can contact the practice directly. If your general dentist has already taken radiographs or written a note, sharing them helps us plan and avoids repeat imaging. Dentists are also welcome to refer patients to us.
Can my tooth be saved with root canal treatment?
In many cases, yes. The aim of root canal treatment is to remove infection and seal the canal so the natural tooth can stay in function. The outlook depends on the diagnosis, the anatomy of the tooth, and how well it can be restored afterwards, so we discuss the realistic range of outcomes with you before starting. Individual results vary.
Get in touch
Book root canal treatment in Carlow
Send a short enquiry or book directly. If you are in pain now, call reception during clinic hours and we will find the earliest suitable appointment.
The information on this page is general dental education, not a personal clinical diagnosis. Individual outcomes vary and depend on factors specific to your tooth and your overall health.