Costs & Charges
How much does a root canal cost in the UK?
By The Local Dentist Editorial · Updated 13 July 2026
What root canal treatment actually costs
Root canal treatment removes infected or inflamed pulp from inside a tooth, cleans the canals, and seals them to save the tooth rather than extracting it. On the NHS in England, it sits in Band 2, so the charge is £75.30 as a single course fee — it does not matter whether the dentist treats one canal or four, or whether it takes one visit or two. Privately, the total typically runs £250–700. The difference comes down to which tooth is involved: front teeth (incisors and canines) usually have a single, straightforward canal, while back teeth (molars and premolars) can have two to four canals and take considerably longer chair time, pushing the price toward the top of the range.
Why molars sit at the top of the private range
A molar root canal is technically harder and slower than treating a front tooth. Molars often have curved, narrow canals that are harder to access and clean thoroughly, sometimes needing magnification or specialist referral to an endodontist for complex cases. That extra time, skill, and equipment is reflected in private pricing, which is why the same procedure name can cost £250 for an incisor and £600–700 for a molar at the same practice. Ask for a written quote before treatment starts, and confirm whether it covers the full course or just the first visit if more than one appointment is needed.
The crown you may need afterwards
A tooth that has had root canal treatment is more brittle than a healthy tooth, especially a back tooth that takes heavy biting force, so dentists often recommend a crown to protect it from cracking. On the NHS, a crown is a separate Band 3 charge (£326.70 in England) on top of the Band 2 root canal fee, because NHS charges are per band, not cumulative within a band — but a new course of treatment for the crown is billed separately if done at a different time. Privately, crowns typically cost £450–1000 depending on the material. Factor this likely follow-up cost in when comparing your options, rather than judging on the root canal price alone.
NHS or private — what to weigh up
NHS root canal treatment is significantly cheaper and clinically the same underlying procedure, so it is worth checking NHS availability first if cost matters most. Private treatment may offer more appointment flexibility, a specialist endodontist for a complex case, or use of a dental operating microscope, which some patients and dentists feel improves the chance of success on difficult teeth. If your tooth is causing severe pain, do not wait for cost comparisons — book an urgent appointment; a dentist will explain whether root canal treatment, an extraction, or another option is right for your tooth before you commit to a price.
People Also Ask
Is root canal treatment always Band 2 on the NHS?
Yes, in England root canal treatment is banded as Band 2 (£75.30), the same band as fillings and extractions, regardless of which tooth or how many canals are treated.
Why is a molar root canal more expensive privately than a front tooth?
Molars typically have more canals (often two to four versus one in a front tooth), and the canals are harder to access and clean, so treatment takes longer and needs more clinical skill — reflected in a higher private fee.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Often yes, especially on back teeth, because the tooth is more brittle afterwards. This is usually a separate charge — Band 3 (£326.70) on the NHS or roughly £450–1000 privately — so ask your dentist whether one is recommended for your tooth.
Is root canal treatment painful?
Modern root canal treatment is done under local anaesthetic and most patients find it no worse than having a filling. It is usually done to relieve pain from an infected tooth, not to cause it — speak to a dentist about what to expect for your case.
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This article is general information for UK patients, not clinical advice, and NHS rules and charges change — confirm current rules on nhs.uk or speak to a dentist before acting. For severe facial swelling affecting breathing/swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or trauma call 999 / go to A&E; otherwise NHS 111 for urgent dental access. Price figures are indicative benchmarks from ourmethodology.