Root Canal Treatment Cost UK 2026: NHS vs Private Prices
Root Canal Treatment Cost UK 2026: NHS vs Private Prices
Quick answer
Root canal treatment costs £76.60 (Band 2) on the NHS in England, regardless of the tooth. Privately it costs £300–£500 for a front tooth and £500–£900 for a molar with a general dentist, rising to £900–£1,500 with a specialist endodontist.
Key takeaways
- NHS root canal treatment costs £76.60 (Band 2) for any tooth.
- Private root canals cost £300–£500 (incisor), £400–£650 (premolar) and £500–£900 (molar) with a general dentist.
- A specialist endodontist charges more, up to £900–£1,500 for a molar.
- A crown after root canal adds £500–£1,000 privately (£332.10 combined Band 3 on the NHS).
- Success rates are 80–95% at 5 years and comparable between NHS and private care.
Root canal treatment (RCT) has a fearsome reputation, but modern techniques make it no worse than a filling. The bigger concern for most patients is the cost — which varies widely between NHS and private care, and between different types of teeth.
Root canal cost on the NHS 2026
Root canal treatment falls under NHS Band 2 — £76.60 in England (April 2026 rate). This covers:
- All appointments needed to complete the root canal
- X-rays during treatment
- The final permanent filling sealing the root canal
- Any temporary dressings placed between appointments
Band 2 also includes a post-treatment restoration (filling) in the same course of treatment. However, if a crown is recommended after root canal, that triggers Band 3 (£332.10) — covering both the root canal and the crown.
- Wales: Band 2 equivalent at legacy rates
- Scotland: Free for registered patients; others pay 80% of item-of-service fee, capped at £384 per course
- Northern Ireland: Item-of-service — root canal approximately £80–£150 depending on tooth
Private root canal costs UK 2026
Private root canal costs vary significantly by tooth type (front teeth have fewer canals; molars have 3–4) and by whether you see a general dentist or a specialist endodontist:
| Tooth type | General dentist | Specialist endodontist | London (general) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incisor / canine (1 canal) | £300–£500 | £600–£900 | £400–£700 |
| Premolar (1–2 canals) | £400–£650 | £700–£1,100 | £550–£900 |
| Molar (3–4 canals) | £500–£900 | £900–£1,500 | £700–£1,200 |
Crown after root canal: An additional £500–£1,000 private (molars especially benefit from a crown after root canal to prevent fracture).
Retreatment (when a previous root canal has failed): typically 30–50% more expensive than initial treatment, as it is technically more complex.
Do I need a root canal? Signs to look for
- Severe toothache that lingers after the cause (hot/cold/biting) is removed
- Prolonged sensitivity to heat (cold sensitivity can also indicate reversible pulpitis, which may not need RCT)
- Darkening (greying) of a tooth
- Swelling or tender bump on the gum near the tooth
- A tooth that has been deeply cracked or traumatised
- Large decay that has reached the pulp (inner nerve space)
Your dentist will take X-rays and test the tooth's vitality to confirm. Not all toothache needs root canal — some responds to a filling or crown alone.
What happens during root canal treatment?
Root canal treatment typically takes 1–3 appointments:
- Assessment and X-rays — your dentist maps the root canal anatomy
- Access opening — under local anaesthetic, a hole is made through the crown into the pulp chamber
- Pulp removal — the infected or dead pulp is removed using fine files
- Canal shaping and cleaning — canals are widened and disinfected with sodium hypochlorite
- Filling the canal — canals are filled with gutta-percha (a rubber compound) and sealed
- Restoration — a filling or crown restores the tooth to full function
Modern root canal with rotary instruments and apex locators takes 60–90 minutes for most teeth. Complex molar cases may take longer and require a specialist.
Root canal vs extraction: which is better value?
| Root canal + crown | Extraction + implant | Extraction only | |
|---|---|---|---|
| NHS cost | £332.10 (Band 3) | £76.60 + £2,000–3,500 private | £76.60 (Band 2) |
| Private cost | £800–£2,000 | £200–£500 + £2,000–3,500 | £100–£250 |
| Outcome | Keeps your natural tooth | Best permanent replacement | Gap; bone loss over time |
| Long-term | 10–20+ years if successful | 20–30+ years | Adjacent teeth drift |
In almost all cases, saving a natural tooth via root canal is preferable to extraction. The NHS strongly supports root canal over extraction where clinically appropriate.
Root canal success rates
NHS and private root canal success rates are comparable:
- Front teeth (incisors, canines): 90–95% success at 5 years
- Premolars: 85–92% success at 5 years
- Molars: 80–90% success at 5 years
- Retreatment (failed previous RCT): 60–85% success
- Apicectomy (minor surgery after retreatment fails): 60–80% success
Frequently asked questions
Is root canal painful?
Root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic. Most patients report feeling pressure but not pain during the procedure. Post-treatment soreness for 2–4 days is normal and managed with ibuprofen/paracetamol. The tooth that needed root canal was already causing pain — the treatment relieves it.
How long does root canal treatment last?
A well-executed root canal can last a lifetime if properly restored (especially with a crown on molar teeth). Studies show 90%+ of root-filled teeth are still in service 10 years post-treatment. Regular check-ups allow early detection of any re-infection.
Can I drive after root canal treatment?
Yes — local anaesthetic only numbs the area; it doesn't affect driving ability. Wait until the numbness has worn off before eating (typically 2 hours) to avoid biting your cheek or tongue.
Does the NHS always offer root canal?
The NHS provides root canal where it is clinically appropriate and the tooth has a reasonable prognosis. In practice, some NHS dentists may prefer extraction for heavily compromised teeth. If you disagree with a recommendation to extract, you can seek a second opinion or request referral to an endodontist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a root canal cost in the UK?
An NHS root canal is £76.60 (Band 2). Privately it costs £300–£900 with a general dentist depending on the tooth, or £600–£1,500 with a specialist endodontist.
Why are molar root canals more expensive?
Molars have three or four canals and are harder to reach, so they take longer and cost more than single-canal front teeth.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
For back molars and premolars almost always yes, to stop the tooth splitting. This adds £500–£1,000 privately, or a combined Band 3 charge of £332.10 on the NHS.
Is root canal painful?
No. It is carried out under local anaesthetic, and most patients feel only pressure. Mild soreness for a few days afterwards is managed with ibuprofen or paracetamol.