Root Canal Cost London

Why root canal costs vary by tooth type

The cost of root canal treatment depends primarily on which tooth is affected. Front teeth (incisors and canines) have a single root canal, making treatment relatively straightforward — from £695 (£347.50 for members). Premolars typically have 1–2 canals and cost from £795 (£397.50 for members). Molars are the most complex, with 3–4 canals requiring longer appointment times and occasionally two visits — from £895 (£447.50 for members).

Other factors that may influence your final quote include whether the tooth has unusual canal anatomy, whether a previous root canal needs retreating (from £1,200), whether a surgical (retrograde) approach is required, and the condition of the remaining tooth structure. Your dentist will explain every component of the cost after a clinical assessment, so you know exactly what you are paying for before any treatment begins.

Root canal vs extraction: which is more cost-effective?

Root canal treatment aims to save your natural tooth, which is almost always the preferred clinical outcome. The total cost of root canal plus a crown (to protect the tooth afterwards) starts from approximately £695 (member: ~£347.50 for the root canal plus ~£347.50 for a crown). By comparison, extraction followed by a dental implant starts from £2,950 (£1,475 for members), and an implant-supported bridge is even more.

Beyond cost, keeping your natural tooth preserves jawbone density, maintains your bite alignment, and avoids the longer healing times associated with extraction and implant placement. However, root canal is not always possible — if the tooth is too damaged, fractured vertically, or has inadequate remaining structure, your dentist may recommend extraction with replacement options instead. All alternatives will be discussed with you before any decision is made.

How SPMD membership reduces your root canal cost

SPMD dental membership provides 50% off all dental treatment fees, including root canal treatment. For root canal specifically, this means:

• Front tooth root canal: £347.50 instead of £695
• Premolar root canal: £397.50 instead of £795
• Molar root canal: £447.50 instead of £895
• Retreatment: £600 instead of £1,200
• 50% off the crown, if recommended afterwards
• 50% off all check-ups, hygiene appointments, and other treatments

Membership costs £20/month. For patients needing root canal and a crown, the savings are substantial. Full details, including terms and conditions, are available on our membership page.

NHS vs private root canal treatment

Root canal treatment is available on the NHS under Band 2 (approximately £77.00 in England as of 2025/26), which covers basic endodontic treatment. However, NHS availability is limited, waiting times can be long, and complex cases (especially molars) may be referred to a hospital specialist with further delays.

Private root canal treatment at St Paul's Medical & Dental offers same-day emergency appointments (subject to availability), dedicated appointment times, access to all tooth types including complex molars, and a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your options. We use modern equipment and techniques to provide thorough, comfortable treatment with transparent pricing and no hidden fees.

The root canal process and what to expect

Understanding the treatment process helps you plan both time and finances. Root canal treatment typically follows these stages:

1. Diagnosis & X-rays (approximately 15 minutes) — your dentist examines the tooth, takes X-rays, and confirms whether root canal is the appropriate treatment.
2. Anaesthetic & access (approximately 10 minutes) — the tooth and surrounding area are thoroughly numbed, then a small opening is made in the crown of the tooth.
3. Cleaning & shaping (30–60 minutes) — the infected pulp tissue is removed, and all canals are meticulously cleaned, shaped, and disinfected.
4. Filling & sealing (approximately 15 minutes) — the cleaned canals are filled with biocompatible material and the tooth is sealed with a temporary or permanent restoration.
5. Crown (recommended) (separate appointment) — a custom crown is placed over the tooth to restore its full strength and protect it long-term.

Most front tooth and premolar root canals are completed in a single appointment of 45–90 minutes. Molar root canals may require two visits. Your dentist will provide a personalised timeline during your consultation.

Risks, complications, and informed consent

As with any dental procedure, patients should be aware of potential risks before consenting to root canal treatment:

• Treatment may not fully resolve the infection — retreatment or extraction may be needed
• Instrument separation — a small file fragment may remain in the canal
• Root perforation — a small hole may occur during canal preparation
• Post-operative discomfort, swelling, or tenderness (usually temporary)
• The treated tooth may become more brittle over time without a crown
• In rare cases, nerve damage may cause temporary or persistent numbness
• Re-infection can occur, particularly if the final restoration is delayed

Your dentist will discuss these risks with you before treatment and obtain written informed consent. If root canal is not the most suitable option for your case, alternative treatments — including extraction with replacement options such as implants, bridges, or dentures — will be discussed.

How root canal costs compare to other restorative treatments

For context, here is how root canal pricing compares to alternative and complementary treatments at our clinic: