Molar root canal in Ireland
A molar root canal costs €590 to €1,250 in Ireland — around €590 to €900 with a general dentist, or €900 to €1,250 with a specialist endodontist using an operating microscope. After 20% Form Med 2 tax relief, that is €472 to €1,000.
Why back chewing teeth have 3 to 4 canals, when you need a microscope specialist, and why a crown comes next.
Free, no obligation. One registered dental clinic in your county replies, not five.
Calculate your root canal and tax relief
Pick the tooth, whether you need a crown on top, and whether you are claiming 20% non-routine dental tax relief on Form Med 2 or using a Medical Card.
Estimated cost guide
€1,112 to €1,960 after 20% relief
Clinic price: €1,390 to €2,450 · Med 2 refund: €278 to €490
Both root canal treatment (endodontics) and dental crowns qualify for 20% non-routine health expenses tax relief on Form Med 2. On €590 to €1,250 for a molar (3 to 4 canals) plus €800 to €1,200 for a crown (€1,390 to €2,450 at the clinic), claiming 20% back in Revenue myAccount brings your net cost to €1,112 to €1,960.
Ask a local clinic for a priceThree or four canals instead of one
Your upper and lower first and second molars do the heavy grinding when you eat. Beneath the gum, a molar has two or three separate roots containing three or four fine root canals — including the famously narrow MB2 (second mesiobuccal) canal in upper molars.
Each canal has to be located, measured to the millimetre with an electronic apex locator, cleaned with rotary nickel-titanium files and disinfectant irrigation, and sealed tight. That takes 60 to 120 minutes, often across two visits if there is an active infection or swelling.
Should a general dentist or an endodontist treat a molar?
| Situation | Usually treated by | Typical molar fee |
|---|---|---|
| Straight, clear canals on X-ray, first-time root canal | General dentist | €590 to €900 |
| Curved or calcified canals, upper molar with hidden 4th canal | Endodontist (microscope specialist) | €900 to €1,250 |
| Previous root canal that has failed or developed an abscess | Endodontist (re-treatment) | €690 to €1,500 |
| Root canal through an existing crown or bridge | Endodontist | €900 to €1,500 |
An endodontist is a dentist who completed two to three years of full-time postgraduate specialist training in root canal therapy and works under high magnification (up to 25×). Magnification lets them spot tiny fourth canals and hairline vertical root cracks that a standard loupe can miss.
Why almost every root-filled molar needs a crown
A molar that needs a root canal has usually already lost a large amount of enamel and dentine to decay or an old deep filling. Without a full cuspal-coverage restoration — a crown (€800 to €1,200) or a bonded ceramic onlay — the remaining thin walls can flex and split vertically below the gumline when you bite down on something hard. A vertical root fracture cannot be repaired and means the tooth must be extracted.
What root canal treatment costs in Ireland
Our price guide by tooth, with and without a crown, and what 20% Form Med 2 tax relief takes off.
| Job | Typical cost | What moves the price |
|---|---|---|
| Front tooth (incisor or canine), 1 canal | €390 to €700 | After 20% tax relief: €312 to €560. General dentist or specialist |
| Premolar, 1 to 2 canals | €490 to €800 | After 20% tax relief: €392 to €640. Whether it has one canal or two |
| Molar, 3 to 4 canals | €590 to €1,250 | After 20% tax relief: €472 to €1,000. Specialist with microscope: €900 to €1,250 |
| Root canal re-treatment | €690 to €1,500 | After 20% tax relief: €552 to €1,200. Removing old filling or post |
| Dental crown (zirconia or porcelain) | €800 to €1,200 | After 20% tax relief: €640 to €960. Strongly advised on back chewing teeth |
| Molar root canal + crown, all in | €1,390 to €2,450 | After 20% tax relief: €1,112 to €1,960 |
| Post and core build-up (if needed) | €150 to €300 | Used when too little natural tooth wall remains to hold a crown |
| Consultation and X-ray | €60 to €150 | 3D CBCT scan for complex roots: €120 to €200 |
Get a root canal price from one local clinic
Tap the tooth, where things stand and your county. Your enquiry goes to one Dental Council-registered dental clinic covering your county, and they contact you to arrange an X-ray and a written treatment plan.
Questions patients ask
How long does a molar root canal take?
Usually one appointment of 75 to 90 minutes, or two appointments of 45 to 60 minutes spaced a week or two apart if the dentist places an antibacterial dressing inside the tooth first.
Does the Medical Card cover a molar root canal?
No. The HSE Medical Card (DTSS) only covers root canal treatment on front teeth (incisors and canines). Molar root canals are private, though you can claim 20% tax relief on Form Med 2.
How long after a molar root canal should I get the crown?
Most dentists place a strong core build-up at the end of the root canal and fit the permanent crown within 2 to 8 weeks, once biting tenderness has completely settled.
Need a price or an appointment for a root canal?
One Dental Council-registered clinic covering your county contacts you. Nothing is booked until you have a written treatment plan.