Dr Aisling Donnelly
Endodontics
Dr Aisling Donnelly qualified from Trinity College Dublin (TCD) with an honours degree in Dental Science in 2010. After qualification she was selected to be a house officer in the Dublin Dental University Hospital where she gained valuable post graduate training. She then moved to the UK and worked for 3 years in general practice. She completed courses in restorative dentistry in the Eastman Dental Institute London, and it was during this time she developed her passion for endodontics and desire to specialise in this area. In 2014, she returned to Dublin and was appointed Lecturer/Registrar in the DDUH where she worked for 3 years. Her roles mainly involved working in specialised endodontic clinics as well as working in A&E and supervising students. Upon completion of her post she worked full time for two years as an endodontist in a specialised endodontic clinic in Galway before returning to Dublin in 2020. Her guide to dental trauma sets out what to do when a tooth is knocked out, broken or loosened. Her review of root canal success rates and tooth survival sets out what the published outcome data actually show.
Last reviewed: July 2026
She has completed her Membership to the Faculty of Dental Surgery examinations with the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland and was awarded a distinction for completion of her 3-year Kings College London Masters in Endodontics. She has also been awarded a distinction by Trinity College Dublin for a diploma in conscious sedation making her one of the few practitioners in the country qualified to provide specialist endodontic treatment under sedation. She has published papers in the International Endodontic Journal and she regularly peer reviews manuscripts for this journal. She has completed multiple prize-winning audits including one on the endodontic training of dental students in the DDUH. She is a member of the Irish Endodontic Society, European Endodontic Society and the Irish Dental Association and regularly attends conferences to keep up to date with the latest information on endodontics. She has also lectured on endodontics for the Irish Dental Association.
In her spare time, she enjoys partaking in endurance events which have included a 70.3 Ironman triathlon and a 10k open water swim.
What Is Endodontics?
Endodontics is the field of dentistry which concerns the disease of the pulp tissue inside your tooth. ISCD’s endodontist in Dublin, Dr Aisling Donnelly, provides specialist root canal treatment and microsurgery at our IFSC clinic.
Pulpal inflammation and infection do not always result in immediate signs or symptoms. To prevent local damage to the bone surrounding a diseased pulp, this tissue can be removed and replaced with a filling material called gutta percha.
By carrying out this procedure which is completed entirely under microscopic conditions, your endodontist is aiming to prolong the life of your tooth for years to come.
What to Expect
What can I expect during a visit with my Endodontist?
All clinical procedures from topical anesthetic application to final occlusal refinements are carried out using a state of the art surgical microscope (A6 6-step microscope).
In order to provide specialist endodontic care at the highest level, an initial consultation is carried out, including:
- A comprehensive pain history based on your presenting symptoms
- A digital radiographic assessment
- A clinical microscopic examination to assess the condition of the tooth
- The neighbouring teeth as well as the supporting periodontal tissues
A complete discussion will follow, explaining the pre-treatment condition of the tooth and the working diagnosis based on the presenting symptoms. Treatment options will then be described, including, the predictability of the different treatment options, the expected duration of treatment visits, visit number and a discussion of fees.
Specialist Root Canal Treatments at ISCD
Primary Root Canal Treatment
When the nerve inside a tooth becomes infected or inflamed, root canal treatment removes the damaged tissue and seals the tooth to prevent further infection. Dr Donnelly performs all root canal procedures under a surgical operating microscope, providing enhanced magnification and illumination for precise treatment. Read our patient guide to root canal treatment for more information on what to expect.
Root Canal Retreatment
In some cases, a previously root-canal-treated tooth may develop new infection or fail to heal adequately. Retreatment involves carefully removing the existing root filling, cleaning the canal system thoroughly and resealing the tooth. As an endodontist, Dr Donnelly has the advanced training and equipment to manage these complex cases effectively.
Apicectomy (Surgical Endodontics)
When conventional root canal treatment or retreatment is not sufficient, a surgical approach may be required. An apicectomy involves accessing the root tip through a small incision in the gum, removing the infected tissue and sealing the root end. This microsurgical procedure is performed under high magnification for optimal precision and healing.
Cracked Tooth Assessment
Cracked teeth can be difficult to diagnose and manage. Using the operating microscope and specialist diagnostic techniques, Dr Donnelly can identify cracks that may not be visible on standard dental X-rays. Early diagnosis is important for determining whether a tooth can be saved or requires alternative treatment. For a more detailed clinical guide, see our article on when to refer a cracked tooth to an endodontist.
Sedation for Nervous Patients
We understand that root canal treatment can cause anxiety for some patients. Sedation options are available at our IFSC clinic to ensure a comfortable experience. Dr Donnelly takes time to explain each step of treatment, ensuring patients feel informed and at ease throughout the procedure.
Referral Process
The Institute of Specialist and Cosmetic Dentistry (ISCD) accepts referrals from general dental practitioners across Dublin and nationwide. Dr Donnelly provides detailed reports to referring dentists following consultation and treatment, ensuring seamless continuity of care for every patient. Referring dentists may also find our clinical referral guides helpful — including our guide to referring for endodontics — or read our streamlined referral process for Dublin dentists.
Frequently Asked Questions About Root Canal Treatment
Is root canal treatment painful?
Modern root canal treatment is performed under local anaesthesia and should not be painful. Many patients report that the procedure is no more uncomfortable than having a filling. Dr Donnelly uses advanced techniques and a surgical microscope to ensure precise, efficient treatment. Sedation is also available for anxious patients.
How long does a root canal take?
A single-visit root canal treatment typically takes 60 to 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the tooth. Some cases, particularly retreatments or teeth with complex anatomy, may require two appointments. Dr Donnelly will advise on the expected timeframe during your consultation.
What is the success rate of root canal treatment?
The clearest evidence on this compares who carries the treatment out. In a five-year chart review of 350 root-treated teeth (Alley et al., Oral Surgery Oral Medicine Oral Pathology Oral Radiology and Endodontology, 2004), 98.1% of teeth treated by endodontists were still in place after five years, compared with 89.7% of those treated by general dentists. The authors describe their study as a limited survey, and the measure is whether the tooth survived rather than how it healed — but the direction is consistent, and it is the reason complex cases are referred. Dr Donnelly carries out every root canal under a surgical operating microscope.
Does treating a root canal under a microscope actually change the outcome?
For root-end surgery the evidence is unusually clear. A meta-analysis of 21 studies (Setzer et al., Journal of Endodontics, 2010) pooled 925 teeth treated by traditional root-end surgery against 699 treated by endodontic microsurgery, and found success rates of 59% and 94% respectively — a statistically significant difference, with microsurgery around 1.58 times as likely to succeed. That figure applies to surgical root-end treatment rather than a first root canal, but it is why Dr Donnelly works under a dental operating microscope, at magnification of up to around 25 times, for every case.
Do I need a referral to see an endodontist?
Yes, ISCD is a referral-based specialist practice. Your general dentist can refer you through our online referral form or by contacting our IFSC clinic directly. We provide detailed reports to your referring dentist after consultation and treatment.
Is it better to have a root canal or an extraction?
Preserving your natural tooth is almost always the preferred option when possible. A successful root canal treatment allows you to keep your tooth, maintain your natural bite and avoid the need for an implant or bridge. Dr Donnelly will assess your tooth and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
To book a consultation with our endodontist, visit our dedicated endodontist Dublin page, where you will find detailed information on root canal treatment, apicoectomy, and microsurgical endodontic procedures.
Further reading: Why Does a Root-Treated Tooth Go Dark? Internal Bleaching Explained · Endodontist Dublin: What to Expect from Specialist Root Canal Treatment · Root Canal Retreatment Dublin: When a First Treatment Doesn’t Work · Saving a Cracked Tooth: Endodontist vs General Dentist · Microscope-Assisted Root Canal: Why Magnification Changes Outcomes · When a Root Canal Fails: Retreatment, Apicoectomy or Extraction? · Root Canal or Extraction? How a Specialist Decides If a Tooth Can Be Saved · Root Canal Cost Dublin: What a Specialist Charges and Why · Root Canal or Implant? When to Save a Tooth and When to Replace It · Meet Dr Aisling Donnelly: Specialist Endodontist at ISCD Dublin