South Dublin Dental

Root Canal Treatment

Dr Hannah Granville is an Endodontist who holds an MSc (Clin) Endodontics, a postgraduate Master’s degree in the clinical management of root canal problems. She regularly accepts referrals from across Dublin and Ireland for advanced root canal procedures.

She limits her practice to endodontics, treating complex cases referred by other dentists as well as patients of South Dublin Dental.

We know root canal treatment has a reputation, and we know some patients have put off coming in until the pain became impossible to ignore — there’s no judgment here, whatever the reason for the delay. Modern root canal treatment is generally no more uncomfortable than having a filling, and we’ll always explain what’s involved and answer your questions before we start.

Why Patients Are Referred to Hannah

Not every root canal case is straightforward. Hannah takes on the cases that are harder to treat successfully — the ones other dentists often refer out:

  • Retreatment of a previously root-filled tooth that has failed or become reinfected
  • Teeth with narrow, curved, or calcified root canals
  • Additional or unusual canal anatomy missed on initial treatment
  • Cracked tooth cases where the diagnosis itself is difficult
  • Root canal treatment on teeth that will support a bridge, crown, or other high-value restoration
  • Cases where the referring dentist wants a second opinion before extraction is considered

To manage this range of cases, Hannah’s surgery is equipped for a level of complexity that isn’t always available in general dentistry:

  • A dental operating microscope with multiple magnification levels, including a live camera used to photograph cases for clinical records
  • A MyRay CBCT scanner, used to map the root canal system in three dimensions when needed
  • Rotary and reciprocating endodontic instrumentation
  • A range of root canal filling techniques, chosen case-by-case rather than a one-size-fits-all approach
  • Specialist bioceramic materials for repairing perforations

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Hannah’s Background

Dr Hannah Granville qualified as a dentist with a BDS and went on to complete a Master’s degree in Clinical Endodontology (MSc (Clin) Endodontics) — postgraduate training focused specifically on the study and treatment of root canal problems. As an endodontist, she co-founded South Dublin Dental in 2012 and has treated referred cases from general dentists across the Dublin area and further afield for over a decade.

For Referring Dentists

South Dublin Dental welcomes endodontic referrals from GDPs across Dublin and nationally. We aim to make the process straightforward:

  1. Email or call the practice with the patient’s details and a brief clinical summary
  2. Include relevant radiographs where available (digital transfer or the patient can bring hard copies)
  3. We’ll arrange a consultation appointment and confirm timing directly with your patient
  4. A written report is sent back to you following assessment and again after treatment is complete

See our Dentist Referrals page for further details.

For Patients

If your own dentist has referred you to Hannah, or you’ve been told your root canal case may be complex, here’s what to expect:

Consultation: A detailed assessment of the tooth — including its history, imaging, and suitability for treatment — before anything is carried out.

Treatment: Most root canal treatment is completed in a single appointment. Some more complex cases need two appointments, and this is usually discussed with you at the consultation.

Aftercare: Most teeth need a filling or crown afterwards to protect them. We’ll advise what’s appropriate for your case and can coordinate this with your own dentist if you’re referred in.

Due to the advanced training and referral-based nature of this work, fees for treatment with Hannah may be slightly higher than routine root canal treatment — see our Fees page for current pricing, or ask us directly.

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What Is Root Canal Treatment?

It helps to understand the anatomy of a tooth in order to understand how and why the procedure is undertaken.

Underneath the white enamel layer and the hard layer called dentine is a soft tissue known as the pulp. The pulp of the tooth contains blood vessels and nerves.

If this pulp is damaged by tooth decay, cracks in the tooth or trauma to the tooth, to name just a few, the pulp becomes inflamed or infected. This leads to pain and needs to be treated by either removing the pulp and leaving the tooth in the mouth (root canal treatment) or by removing the tooth as a whole (extraction) which will leave a gap in your mouth.

If an inflamed or infected pulp is not treated it can cause further pain and/or lead to an abscess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does root canal treatment hurt?
No. Root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic, so the procedure itself shouldn’t be painful. Modern root canal treatment feels similar to having a filling done — the main difference is that it can take longer, particularly for complex cases.

How many appointments does root canal treatment take?
Most root canal treatment is completed in a single appointment. Some more complex cases require two appointments, and this is usually discussed with you at the consultation. Cases referred to Hannah are more likely to need additional time.

How much does root canal treatment cost?
Costs vary depending on the tooth and complexity of the case, and fees for Hannah’s referral-based work are slightly higher than routine treatment due to her advanced endodontic training. See our Fees page for current pricing, or contact us directly for a quote specific to your case.

Can a failed or previous root canal be retreated?
Yes. Retreatment of a previously root-filled tooth that has failed or become reinfected is one of the most common reasons other dentists refer patients to Hannah. She’ll assess whether the tooth can be successfully retreated before recommending a plan.

Do I need a crown after root canal treatment?
Usually, yes, particularly for back teeth. As a guide, we recommend crowning back teeth after root canal treatment to prevent the tooth from cracking under normal biting force. Hannah or your own dentist will advise what’s appropriate for your specific tooth.

Is Dr Granville a registered dental specialist in endodontics?
Endodontics is not currently a Dental Council–recognised specialty in Ireland (only Oral Surgery and Orthodontics are). Hannah holds an MSc (Clin) Endodontics and, as a dentist who limits her practice to endodontics, describes herself as an endodontist — but not as a registered specialist, since that title is reserved for the recognised specialties.

Do I need a referral to see Hannah?
No — existing patients of South Dublin Dental can request an appointment with Hannah directly. She also accepts referrals from other dental practices.

What areas do you accept referrals from?
Dentists and patients from across Dublin and nationally are welcome to get in touch.