Root Canal Cost UK: What You Need to Know Before Your Treatment (2025 Guide)

If you have been told that you need a root canal treatment, one of your first questions is likely about the cost. Dental treatments can be expensive, and understanding the financial commitment involved is important when planning your care. In the UK, the price of a root canal can vary widely depending on where you seek treatment, the complexity of your case, and whether you go through the NHS or a private clinic. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about the cost of root canal treatment in the UK, based only on UK sources and 2025 data.

What Is Root Canal Treatment and Why Might You Need It?

A root canal is a dental procedure used to treat infection at the centre of a tooth — the area known as the dental pulp. This soft tissue can become infected due to deep decay, a cracked tooth, trauma, or repeated dental procedures on the same tooth. Without treatment, the infection can spread, causing abscesses, severe pain, and even tooth loss.

Root canal treatment aims to save your natural tooth rather than extracting it. During the procedure, the dentist removes the infected tissue, carefully cleans and shapes the inside of the root canals, and then fills and seals the space to prevent further infection. Preserving your own tooth has major benefits for your oral health, including maintaining normal biting and chewing, protecting surrounding teeth from strain, and preserving your natural appearance.

How Much Does a Root Canal Cost on the NHS?

If you are eligible for NHS dental treatment, root canal therapy is classified as a Band 2 treatment. As of April 2025, the cost for a Band 2 procedure is £70.70 across England. This fee covers the entire course of treatment, including any necessary X-rays, the root canal itself, and a filling to restore the tooth afterwards.

However, it is important to note that not every case can be treated within the NHS system. In some situations, particularly where the procedure is very complex — such as a molar with complicated root structures — your NHS dentist might refer you to a specialist or suggest private treatment if they feel it is beyond the scope of standard NHS care. Waiting times for NHS dental appointments can also be long, leading some patients to choose private options for quicker access.

Private Root Canal Treatment Costs in the UK

Choosing private dental care for your root canal offers benefits such as shorter waiting times, access to specialist endodontists, and the use of advanced technologies like operating microscopes and 3D imaging. However, the costs can be considerably higher.

The price for a private root canal treatment in the UK typically ranges from £250 to £1,200 per tooth, depending on several factors. Root canals on front teeth (such as incisors and canines) tend to be less expensive, often between £250 and £450, because they usually have a single straight canal. Premolars, which may have more canals and a slightly more complex anatomy, can cost between £350 and £650. Molars, the large teeth at the back of your mouth, are the most complicated and expensive to treat, with prices often starting around £500 and reaching £1,200 or more if the tooth is particularly complex.

London and other major cities generally have higher dental fees compared to rural areas. It's not unusual for complex molar treatments carried out by a specialist endodontist in Central London to reach or exceed £1,000.

Why Is Root Canal Treatment More Expensive for Molars?

Molars are challenging teeth for dentists to treat. They often have three or four canals — and each canal must be located, cleaned, shaped, and filled properly for the treatment to be successful.

The back of the mouth is also harder to access, requiring more time, skill, and often the use of enhanced magnification equipment. These technical demands contribute to higher fees for molar root canals compared to treatment on front teeth.

Additionally, if a previous root canal has failed and needs retreatment, or if advanced imaging such as a cone-beam CT scan is needed to diagnose complex anatomy, the costs can increase further.

Is a Crown Necessary After Root Canal Treatment?

Another important cost consideration is whether a crown is needed after your root canal. After treatment, the tooth may become more brittle because the nerve and blood supply have been removed. Teeth that undergo root canal therapy, especially molars and premolars, are at higher risk of fracture.

To protect the tooth and restore its strength, dentists often recommend placing a dental crown on top of the treated tooth. A private dental crown in the UK can cost between £500 and £1,000, depending on the material used (for example, porcelain, zirconia, or metal-ceramic) and the clinic’s location.

For front teeth, if enough natural tooth structure remains and the forces on the tooth are lower, a crown might not be strictly necessary. Your dentist will advise you based on the condition of your individual tooth.

Can Dental Insurance Help with Root Canal Costs?

Dental insurance can sometimes help cover the cost of a root canal, especially if you have comprehensive cover. Policies from providers such as Bupa Dental Insurance, SimplyHealth, or Denplan may contribute towards private treatment costs, although there is usually an annual maximum limit.

However, insurance often requires a qualifying period before covering complex treatments, and many basic dental plans exclude root canals altogether. Always check the terms of your policy before assuming it will cover the procedure.

Is a Root Canal More Affordable Than Extraction?

At first glance, tooth extraction is cheaper than a root canal. A private extraction in the UK usually costs between £70 and £300. However, losing a tooth can lead to further problems, such as shifting of neighbouring teeth, bone loss, and difficulties with chewing and speech.

Replacing a missing tooth — whether through a dental implant, bridge, or denture — can cost far more than saving the natural tooth through root canal therapy. A dental implant in the UK typically costs between £2,000 and £3,000, making extraction plus replacement considerably more expensive in the long run.

Saving your natural tooth through root canal treatment is almost always the better and more economical long-term option whenever possible.

How Long Does a Root Canal Last?

When performed well and followed by appropriate aftercare, a root canal treatment can last for many years — often for a lifetime. Studies in the UK suggest success rates of root canal therapy are around 85–95%. Success depends on factors such as how soon the tooth is restored after treatment, whether a crown is placed if necessary, and how well you maintain your oral hygiene afterwards.

Teeth that are properly cared for after root canal therapy are highly functional and can serve you well for decades.

What Happens If You Delay Root Canal Treatment?

Delaying necessary root canal treatment can lead to worsening infection, tooth loss, and even the spread of infection into surrounding tissues. If an abscess forms, you might experience severe pain, swelling, and in rare cases, serious health risks such as sepsis.

Early treatment can save you from more complex and expensive dental work in the future. It’s always advisable to act promptly once your dentist recommends a root canal.

Managing the Costs of Root Canal Treatment

If private root canal costs are a concern, there are ways to make the treatment more manageable:

• Payment Plans: Many private dentists offer interest-free payment plans to spread the cost over several months.

• Dental Savings Plans: Some practices offer membership plans that include discounts on major treatments.

• Comparison Shopping: Costs can vary significantly even between clinics in the same city. Getting quotes from several reputable dentists can help you find a more affordable option.

• NHS Care: If eligible, NHS treatment offers an affordable alternative for many patients needing root canal therapy.

Conclusion: Is Root Canal Treatment Worth the Cost?

Although the upfront cost of a root canal treatment — especially through private dental care — can seem daunting, it’s a wise investment in your long-term dental health. Saving your natural tooth maintains the integrity of your bite, keeps your smile looking natural, and avoids the much higher costs associated with tooth replacement.

Whether you choose NHS care or private dentistry, addressing a root canal need promptly protects not just your wallet but your overall wellbeing. If you are experiencing persistent tooth pain, sensitivity, or swelling, consult a dentist without delay to discuss your options.

Root canal treatment remains one of the most effective and tooth-saving procedures available in modern dentistry — and in the long run, it’s often the most cost-effective too.