How much does a root canal cost in the UK? (2026 price guide)
A root canal in the UK typically costs £300–£1,200, and the biggest factor is which tooth — a simple front tooth is at the low end, a back molar with multiple canals is at the top. You’ll usually need a crown afterwards too, so here’s the full picture (and why it’s not the ordeal its reputation suggests).
First, the current national picture from clinics on TreatmentCosts:
So, what does a root canal cost?
Most UK clinics charge £300–£1,200 for root canal treatment, depending mainly on the tooth. A root canal clears infection from inside a tooth so it can be saved rather than pulled out — and despite the scary reputation, with modern anaesthetic it usually feels much like having a filling.
One important thing to budget for: a back tooth that’s had a root canal almost always needs a crown afterwards to protect it, and that’s a separate cost.
Front tooth vs molar — the main price driver
The difference comes down to how many canals the tooth has:
- Front tooth (incisor): one canal, simplest — ~£300–£600.
- Premolar: one or two canals — ~£400–£800.
- Molar: three or more canals, most complex — ~£600–£1,200+.
Complex molar cases are often done by a specialist (an endodontist), which costs more but can mean a better outcome for a tricky tooth.
You’ll probably need a crown too
After a root canal — especially on a back tooth — the tooth becomes more brittle, so a dental crown is usually fitted to protect it. That typically adds £400–£1,000. So when you compare quotes, ask for the root canal plus crown total, not just the root canal on its own.
What’s included
- The treatment to clean and seal the canals (sometimes across two visits).
- Local anaesthetic and X-rays.
- A temporary filling between/after visits.
The permanent crown that often follows is usually quoted separately.
What changes the price
- Which tooth — front vs molar (number of canals).
- General dentist vs specialist endodontist.
- Whether a crown is needed afterwards.
- Location and clinic — central London skews higher.
Does where you live change the price?
Yes — sometimes by hundreds of pounds. Here’s how root canal prices currently compare across the cities we track:
| City | From | Typical | Clinics | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | £250 | £715 | 26 | Compare → |
| Manchester | £300 | £550 | 14 | Compare → |
Live data from TreatmentCosts — updated automatically as clinics change their prices.
It’s worth comparing nearby practices — you can see root canal prices here.
Private vs NHS
On the NHS in England, a root canal falls under Band 2 — a fixed charge (currently around £71), and free if you’re exempt. The trade-offs: NHS availability can be limited, complex molars may be referred, and a follow-up crown is a separate Band 3 charge. Going private costs more but usually means quicker appointments and, for tricky teeth, easier access to a specialist.
Root canal vs taking the tooth out
The main alternative is an extraction, which is cheaper upfront — but losing a tooth often leads to more cost later (a bridge or implant to fill the gap). Saving your natural tooth with a root canal is usually the better long-term value. A check-up is the quickest way to find out which you need.
How to avoid overpaying
- Get the root canal plus crown total, not just one part.
- Ask whether a specialist is needed for a complex molar.
- Compare a few clinics — prices vary a lot by tooth and provider.
- Don’t delay — an untreated infected tooth gets more expensive (and may need extracting).
- Look just outside the city centre for the same care at lower cost.
Root canal cost FAQs
How much does a root canal cost in the UK?
Usually £300–£1,200 privately, depending on the tooth — front teeth are cheapest, molars most expensive. NHS root canals are a fixed Band 2 charge (around £71).
Why are molar root canals more expensive?
Molars have more canals and are harder to treat, often needing a specialist — so they cost more than a single-canal front tooth.
Do I need a crown after a root canal?
Usually yes, especially on back teeth, to protect the tooth. That’s an extra £400–£1,000, so ask for the combined cost.
Is a root canal cheaper than an extraction?
An extraction is cheaper upfront, but replacing the missing tooth later (bridge or implant) often costs far more. Saving the tooth is usually better value.
Does a root canal hurt?
With modern anaesthetic it’s usually about as comfortable as a filling. It relieves the pain of the infection rather than causing it.
Ready to compare? See live root canal prices from UK dentists, or browse all clinics near you.
