When the nerve inside a tooth becomes infected or damaged, root canal treatment is often the difference between saving the tooth and losing it altogether. For many patients, stopping pain means avoiding extraction and keeping their natural tooth intact.
The root canal cost in the UK typically ranges from around £250 to £950+, depending on the tooth being treated and the complexity of the procedure. Front teeth are usually less expensive because they often contain a single canal, whereas molars may have three or four canals that require significantly more treatment time.
For most patients, the comparison is not with treatment costs but with losing the tooth. The simpler option is extraction, but replacing a missing tooth may require additional treatment in the future. Root canal treatment is one of the best options that offers to remove infection, ease pain & preserve a natural tooth where possible.
The cost of root canal treatment depends largely on the tooth being treated, the complexity of the root canal system and the extent of infection present.
We offer a range of payment solutions to help make treatment more manageable. You can spread costs with 0% finance for up to 12 months, opt for longer-term plans up to 5 years or make smaller payments in 3 instalments with Klarna.
Explore local root canal treatment cost information across our UK locations, including prices for front teeth, premolars and molars where available.
Most patients are surprised that recovering from a root canal is often easier than living with the toothache that led to treatment in the first place.
First 24 Hours
The tooth may feel tender when biting or chewing, particularly if there was significant infection before treatment. Mild discomfort is common.
First Few Days
Any symptoms caused by the infected nerve should begin to settle. Many patients notice they can eat and sleep more comfortably than before treatment.
One to Two Weeks
The tissues around the root start to recover as inflammation reduces. If a permanent restoration is planned, your dentist may review the tooth during this period.
After Final Restoration
Where a crown is recommended, it helps protect the treated tooth from fracture and restores normal function during chewing.
Your dentist assesses the tooth and whether it can be saved.
X-rays help identify infection and root canal anatomy.
The number and shape of the canals affect treatment complexity.
Damaged tissue and bacteria are removed from the canals.
The cleaned canals are sealed to help prevent reinfection.
The tooth may require additional protection depending on the remaining tooth structure.
Not every tooth requires a crown after treatment, but it is commonly recommended for heavily restored teeth and molars that are exposed to greater chewing forces. Protecting the tooth with a crown may reduce the risk of fracture and help improve long-term outcomes.
The initial treatment fee for an extraction may be lower, but replacing a missing tooth can involve additional costs in the future. Many people choose root canal treatment because it provides an opportunity to preserve their natural tooth rather than considering replacement options later.
Molars often contain three or four root canals, while front teeth usually contain one. The additional canals increase treatment time and complexity, which is why the root canal treatment cost is generally higher for molars than incisors or canines.
Yes. The root canal cost NHS patients pay is based on NHS charging structures, whereas private treatment fees vary according to the complexity of the case, clinician experience and technology used. Availability of NHS treatment may also vary between practices.
Infections inside a tooth rarely improve without treatment. Delaying care can allow the infection to progress, potentially increasing discomfort and reducing the chances of saving the tooth. In some cases, postponing treatment may lead to more extensive treatment being required later.
The specialist root canal cost is often higher because specialist endodontists frequently manage more complex cases, including curved canals, repeat root canal treatment and teeth that may otherwise be difficult to save. Additional training, equipment and treatment time can influence the overall fee.
