Last updated: January 2026. NHS prices verified against NHSBSA charges effective April 2025.
The words "root canal" might make you wince, but modern root canal treatment is nothing like its reputation suggests. If your dentist has recommended this procedure, you're probably wondering about costs, what to expect, and whether it's really as painful as people claim.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about root canal treatment in the UK: current NHS and private costs, what happens during the procedure, recovery expectations, and how to find the right dentist for your treatment.
What is Root Canal Treatment?
Root canal treatment (also called endodontic treatment) is a dental procedure that saves an infected or damaged tooth. When the soft tissue inside your tooth — called the pulp — becomes infected or inflamed, root canal treatment removes this damaged tissue and seals the tooth to prevent further problems.
Think of it as a deep cleaning and repair that allows you to keep your natural tooth rather than having it extracted.
Why Would You Need Root Canal Treatment?
Your dentist may recommend root canal treatment if you have:
- Deep tooth decay that has reached the pulp
- A cracked or fractured tooth that has damaged the nerve
- Repeated dental procedures on the same tooth
- Trauma or injury to a tooth (even if there's no visible crack)
- A dental abscess (infection at the root of the tooth)
Signs You Might Need Root Canal Treatment
How do you know if you need root canal treatment? Watch for these warning signs:
| Symptom | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Severe, persistent toothache | Pain that doesn't go away may indicate pulp infection |
| Pain when chewing or biting | Pressure sensitivity suggests nerve damage |
| Prolonged sensitivity to hot or cold | Lingering pain (not brief sensitivity) after temperature exposure |
| Swollen or tender gums | Inflammation near the affected tooth |
| Darkening of the tooth | Discolouration can indicate nerve damage |
| A small bump on the gum | May be a dental abscess (fistula) |
Important: These symptoms don't always mean you need root canal treatment — only a dentist can diagnose your condition properly. But if you're experiencing severe or persistent pain, don't delay seeking help.
"A tooth abscess won't go away without treatment. If the abscess ruptures, the pain may improve a lot, making you think that the problem has gone away — but you still need to get dental treatment." — NHS, Dental Abscess
Root Canal Treatment Cost UK (2026)
Let's break down exactly what root canal treatment costs across the UK.
NHS Root Canal Cost
The good news: root canal treatment is available on the NHS and costs significantly less than private treatment.
England and Wales NHS Dental Charges (April 2025 - March 2026)
| NHS Band | Cost | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Band 2 | £75.30 | Root canal treatment, fillings, extractions, plus exam and X-rays |
| Band 3 | £326.70 | Applies if you need a crown immediately after root canal |
Root canal treatment falls under Band 2, which means you pay £75.30 for the entire course of treatment — regardless of whether it's a front tooth or a molar, and regardless of how many appointments are needed.
When does Band 3 apply? If your dentist recommends fitting a crown straight after your root canal (to protect the weakened tooth), your treatment may be classified as Band 3 (£326.70) instead. This single fee covers both the root canal and the crown.
Regional Variations
NHS dental charges differ across the UK nations:
| Region | How Charges Work | Maximum Cost |
|---|---|---|
| England | Fixed band system | Band 2: £75.30 / Band 3: £326.70 |
| Wales | Same band system as England | Same as England |
| Scotland | 80% of treatment cost | Maximum £384 |
| Northern Ireland | 80% of treatment cost | Maximum £384 |
In Scotland and Northern Ireland, you pay 80% of the actual treatment cost rather than a fixed band fee. However, there's a cap of £384 — you won't pay more than this regardless of how much treatment you need.
Who Gets Free NHS Dental Treatment?
You may qualify for free NHS dental treatment if you:
- Are under 18 (or under 19 and in full-time education)
- Are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months
- Receive certain benefits (Income Support, Universal Credit, Pension Credit Guarantee Credit, and others)
- Have a low income (NHS Low Income Scheme — HC2 certificate for full help, HC3 for partial help)
"You're entitled to free NHS dental treatment throughout pregnancy and until 12 months after giving birth. You'll need a valid Maternity Exemption Certificate (MatEx)." — NHS, Who Can Get Free NHS Dental Treatment
Private Root Canal Cost UK
Private root canal treatment costs considerably more than NHS treatment, but you may choose it for shorter waiting times, more appointment flexibility, or access to specialist equipment.
Private Root Canal Prices by Tooth Type (2025/2026)
| Tooth Type | General Dentist | Specialist Endodontist |
|---|---|---|
| Front tooth (incisor/canine) | £300 - £650 | £900 - £1,200 |
| Premolar | £450 - £650 | £1,000 - £1,400 |
| Molar (back tooth) | £600 - £1,400 | £1,400 - £2,500 |
Why do molars cost more? Back teeth have multiple roots (often 3 or more canals) with complex, curved anatomy. They're harder to access and take significantly longer to treat — sometimes double the chair time of a front tooth.
Regional Price Variations
Private dental prices vary significantly across the UK:
| Location | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| London | £500 - £1,450 (30-50% higher than average) |
| South East | £400 - £900 |
| Manchester | From £475 |
| Birmingham | From £470 |
| Cardiff | £280 - £490 |
| Aberdeen | From £250 (lowest UK prices) |
What's included in a private quote? A typical private root canal quote should include:
- Local anaesthesia
- Rubber dam isolation
- Root canal cleaning and shaping
- Root canal filling and seal
- Temporary filling (if multiple visits needed)
- Follow-up appointments
Ask about additional costs: Crowns (£300 - £1,000), CBCT imaging for complex cases (£100 - £150), and consultation fees may be charged separately.
NHS vs Private: The Real Cost Comparison
| Factor | NHS | Private |
|---|---|---|
| Cost (front tooth) | £75.30 | £300 - £650 |
| Cost (molar) | £75.30 | £600 - £1,400 |
| Waiting time | May be longer | Usually shorter |
| Appointment flexibility | Limited | More flexible |
| Time per appointment | Often constrained | Typically more generous |
| Technology | Standard | May have advanced equipment |
| Specialist access | Referral required, long waits | Direct access |
What Happens During Root Canal Treatment?
Understanding the procedure can help ease anxiety. Here's what to expect step by step.
Before Your Appointment
Your dentist will take X-rays to assess the extent of infection and plan the treatment. This helps them understand the shape and number of root canals in your tooth.
The Procedure
Step 1: Anaesthesia (Numbing)
Your dentist will inject local anaesthetic to numb the tooth and surrounding area. Once numb, you shouldn't feel any pain during the procedure — only some pressure and movement.
Step 2: Isolation
A rubber dam (a thin rubber sheet) is placed around the tooth. This keeps the treatment area dry and prevents contamination with saliva.
Step 3: Accessing the Pulp
Your dentist drills a small hole in the top of your tooth to access the pulp chamber. If there's an abscess, it can be drained at this point.
Step 4: Cleaning the Canals
Using tiny, specialised files, your dentist removes the infected or damaged pulp tissue and cleans inside the root canals. The canals are shaped to allow proper filling and disinfected to kill any remaining bacteria.
Step 5: Filling and Sealing
The cleaned canals are filled with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha and sealed to prevent reinfection. A temporary filling covers the access hole.
Step 6: Crown Placement (Usually Later)
Most root canal-treated teeth need a crown to protect them from fracturing. This is typically done at a separate appointment once the tooth has healed.
How Long Does Root Canal Treatment Take?
| Tooth Type | Typical Duration | Appointments |
|---|---|---|
| Front tooth | 60 - 90 minutes | Often 1 appointment |
| Premolar | 90 - 120 minutes | 1 - 2 appointments |
| Molar | 90 - 180 minutes | Usually 2+ appointments |
"It usually takes 2 or more appointments to do the treatment. The appointments may last 1 to 2 hours, or sometimes longer." — NHS, Root Canal Treatment
Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
This is probably your biggest concern — and the good news is that modern root canal treatment is not the painful ordeal of its reputation.
The Truth About Pain
Pain comes from the infection, not the procedure. The root canal treatment actually relieves pain by removing the infected tissue causing your toothache. With modern anaesthesia, the procedure itself should be painless — most patients feel no more discomfort than having a filling.
"Root canal treatment today is virtually pain-free. It's crucial to understand that pain comes from the infection, not the root canal procedure itself." — British Endodontic Society, Public Information
Pain Management Options
If you're anxious about the procedure, several options can help:
| Option | What It Is | Who It's For |
|---|---|---|
| Local anaesthetic | Standard numbing injection | Most patients |
| Conscious sedation | Relaxing medication (you remain awake but calm) | Mild to moderate anxiety |
| IV sedation | Deeper relaxation via injection | Severe anxiety or phobia |
| General anaesthetic | You're asleep (rare) | Exceptional cases only |
Talk to your dentist about your anxiety before the appointment. They can explain the process, offer reassurance, and discuss sedation options if needed.
What About Pain After Treatment?
Some tenderness is normal for a few days after root canal treatment. This is easily managed with over-the-counter pain relief:
| Timeframe | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1-2 | Mild to moderate tenderness, peak discomfort |
| Days 3-5 | Noticeable improvement |
| Day 7 | Most patients feel completely normal |
| Week 2+ | Internal healing continues |
Managing discomfort:
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen as directed
- Avoid chewing on the treated side initially
- Eat soft foods for a few days
- Avoid very hot or cold foods
When to contact your dentist: Persistent pain beyond one week, worsening pain, severe swelling, or fever are not normal — seek help if you experience these.
Root Canal vs Extraction: Which Should You Choose?
If your tooth is badly damaged, you might wonder whether it's worth saving or whether extraction would be simpler.
Why Dentists Prefer to Save Teeth
"Whenever possible, endodontists recommend preserving your natural teeth." — British Endodontic Society
Benefits of keeping your natural tooth:
- Maintains your natural bite and chewing function
- Prevents neighbouring teeth from shifting
- Preserves jawbone (extraction leads to bone loss over time)
- No need for replacement (implant, bridge, or denture)
- Often less expensive in the long term
When Extraction May Be Necessary
Root canal treatment isn't always possible. Extraction may be recommended if:
- The tooth is beyond repair (too much decay or damage)
- There's a severe fracture below the gum line
- Insufficient tooth structure remains to restore
- Severe periodontal disease has weakened tooth support
- Previous root canal treatment has failed and retreatment isn't viable
Cost Comparison: Long-Term
| Route | Initial Cost | Long-Term Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Root canal + crown | NHS: £326.70 / Private: £600 - £2,000 | One-time cost if successful |
| Extraction only | NHS: £75.30 / Private: £50 - £350 | Plus bone loss, shifting teeth |
| Extraction + implant | Private: £2,000 - £3,500+ | Higher initial cost, but replaces tooth |
| Extraction + bridge | NHS: £326.70 / Private: £1,000 - £2,500 | Requires preparing adjacent teeth |
The bottom line: While root canal treatment has a higher upfront cost than extraction, it's usually more cost-effective long-term because you avoid the expense of replacing the missing tooth.
Success Rates and How Long Root Canals Last
Understanding success rates can help you make an informed decision.
How Successful is Root Canal Treatment?
| Measure | Success Rate |
|---|---|
| Primary root canal treatment | 85 - 97% |
| 10-year tooth survival | 90% (9 out of 10 teeth) |
| 20-year tooth survival | 81% |
| Retreatment success | ~78% |
"Around 9 out of 10 root-treated teeth survive for 8 to 10 years." — NHS, Root Canal Treatment
Factors That Affect Success
Positive factors:
- Proper sealing of the root canals
- Crown placement to protect the tooth
- Good oral hygiene after treatment
- Treatment by an experienced dentist or specialist
Risk factors for failure:
- Complex tooth anatomy
- Pre-existing infection around the root
- Cracked or fractured tooth
- Lack of crown protection after treatment
Finding Root Canal Treatment
NHS Dentists
Most NHS general dentists can perform routine root canal treatment. If your case is complex (difficult molar anatomy, retreatment needed), your NHS dentist may refer you to a specialist.
NHS Specialist Access
"NHS endodontists do exist, but there are very few, with very limited budgets and consequently very long waiting lists." — Dental Choices
You may need to wait several months for an NHS specialist appointment. For urgent or complex cases, your dentist can discuss private options.
Private Dentists and Specialists
General dentist vs endodontist:
| General Dentist | Endodontist (Specialist) | |
|---|---|---|
| Training | General dental qualification | 2-3 years additional specialist training |
| Equipment | Standard | Microscopes, advanced imaging |
| Experience | Varies | Root canals are their speciality |
| Cost | Lower | Higher (£900 - £2,500) |
| Best for | Straightforward cases | Complex cases, retreatments |
How to find a specialist:
- Ask your dentist for a referral
- Search the GDC Specialist List for registered endodontists
- Look for practices offering endodontic services
When to Consider Private Treatment
Private treatment may be worth considering if:
- You need shorter waiting times
- Your case is complex (curved canals, retreatment)
- You want access to advanced technology (operating microscopes, CBCT scans)
- NHS options aren't available in your area
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is root canal treatment on the NHS?
Root canal treatment costs £75.30 on the NHS in England and Wales (Band 2). If you need a crown immediately after, the cost is £326.70 (Band 3). In Scotland and Northern Ireland, you pay 80% of the treatment cost, up to a maximum of £384.
Is root canal treatment painful?
Modern root canal treatment is not painful. Local anaesthetic numbs the area completely. Any pain you've been experiencing comes from the infection itself — the treatment relieves this pain. Afterwards, you may have mild tenderness for a few days, easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers.
How long does a root canal take to heal?
Most people feel normal within 1-3 days after treatment, with complete recovery typically by day 7. Internal healing continues for several weeks. If pain persists beyond a week or worsens, contact your dentist.
Can I eat after root canal treatment?
Wait until the anaesthetic wears off (2-4 hours) before eating to avoid biting your cheek or tongue. For the first few days, eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the treated side. Avoid very hot or cold foods that might cause sensitivity.
Is root canal treatment better than extraction?
In most cases, yes. Saving your natural tooth preserves your bite, prevents bone loss, and avoids the cost of tooth replacement. However, extraction may be necessary if the tooth is beyond repair or root canal treatment has failed.
How long do root canal-treated teeth last?
With proper care and a protective crown, a root canal-treated tooth can last a lifetime. Studies show 90% of treated teeth survive at least 8-10 years, with many lasting 20+ years.
Do I need a crown after root canal treatment?
Usually, yes. Root canal treatment removes the blood supply to your tooth, making it more brittle. A crown protects the weakened tooth from fracturing. Teeth without crowns after root canal treatment have higher failure rates.
Can a root canal fail?
While success rates are high (85-97%), root canal treatment can fail if:
- All canals weren't found and cleaned
- The seal breaks down over time
- The tooth fractures
- New decay develops
If a root canal fails, retreatment or extraction may be needed.
Need to Find a Dentist for Root Canal Treatment?
If you're experiencing tooth pain or have been told you need root canal treatment, finding the right dentist is the first step. Use our search to find NHS and private dentists near you who offer root canal treatment.
Sources:
- NHS. (2025). Root Canal Treatment
- NHS. (2025). How Much NHS Dental Treatment Costs
- NHSBSA. (2025). NHS Dental Charges from 1 April 2025
- NHS. (2025). Who Can Get Free NHS Dental Treatment
- British Endodontic Society. (2025). Public Information
- NHS inform Scotland. (2025). Receiving NHS Dental Treatment in Scotland
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Dentists Closeby Team
Editorial Team
The Dentists Closeby editorial team is dedicated to providing accurate, up-to-date information about dental care in the UK. Our team includes dental professionals, health writers, and patient advocates.
