How Much Does a Root Canal Cost in London?

Quoted fees for root canal treatment in London span a wide range, and people understandably find that confusing.

The variation is not arbitrary. It reflects real differences in what is being done, how long it takes, what equipment is used, and — most significantly — whether the quote includes the restoration that must follow.

Rather than quoting figures that date quickly and vary by case, this article explains what drives them, so you can read a quote properly and ask the right questions.

Which tooth. The single biggest factor.

An incisor or canine usually has one canal, straight and accessible, and treatment is comparatively quick. A premolar typically has one or two. A molar has three or four, often curved, sometimes with additional canals that are difficult to locate — upper first molars commonly have a second canal in the mesiobuccal root that requires careful searching.

Appointment times reflect this: 45 to 90 minutes for a front tooth, 90 minutes to two hours or more for a molar. Fees follow the same pattern, and a molar root canal typically costs substantially more than an incisor.

Number and complexity of canals. Curved, calcified or unusually configured canals take longer and require more skill.

First treatment or retreatment. Retreating a previously root-filled tooth means removing the existing filling material, which can be time-consuming and occasionally requires removing a post. Retreatment is generally more expensive than a first treatment.

Whether a post and core are needed to restore a heavily broken-down tooth.

Who performs the treatment. Treatment carried out by a clinician on the GDC endodontic list, or by one with extensive postgraduate training in the field, generally costs more than treatment in general practice. For complex cases, referral is often the right decision.

Technology used. Operating microscopes, CBCT imaging where indicated, and rotary instrumentation systems all add cost and, in complex cases, improve what can be achieved.

Number of appointments, where treatment is staged over two visits.

Whether an emergency appointment is involved to relieve acute pain before definitive treatment.

Practice location and setting. Central London overheads are higher than in outer boroughs, which is reflected in fees across all treatment.

This is the most common source of confusion, and it is worth being blunt about.

The root canal is not the whole treatment. A root-treated tooth has lost structure to decay, fracture and the access cavity, and it is more prone to fracture than an intact tooth. Posterior teeth almost always require cuspal coverage — an onlay or a crown — and the evidence on survival supports this consistently.

A quote for root canal treatment alone, without the crown, may look considerably cheaper than one that includes it. It is not comparing like with like.

A core build-up is often needed first, to provide adequate structure to support the crown. Our article on core build-up requirements for crowns covers this.

Front teeth may be restorable with a filling, sometimes with internal whitening if the tooth has darkened, though a crown or veneer is sometimes needed. Our article on hiding a dark non-vital tooth covers the aesthetic options.

When comparing quotes, always ask what the total will be including the definitive restoration.

Our pricing page sets out our fees, and our dental crowns page explains the restoration.

Root canal treatment is available on the NHS, where it falls within a banded charge. NHS band charges are set nationally and cover all treatment needed within that band during a course of treatment, including, where clinically necessary, the crown that follows.

NHS and private treatment differ mainly in the time available per appointment, the materials and equipment used, and the availability of appointments. Both must meet the same standards of care.

Availability of NHS dental appointments in London is limited, and many practices are not accepting new NHS patients. Current NHS charges are published on the NHS website.

A clear quote should tell you:

• Which tooth is being treated

• How many appointments are planned

• Whether it is a first treatment or a retreatment

• Whether a post or core build-up is included

• What restoration will follow and what that costs

• Whether radiographs are included

• Whether review appointments are included

• What happens if the treatment is unsuccessful

That last point is worth asking about directly. Root canal treatment has a recognised failure rate — good but not complete — and knowing in advance how a practice handles retreatment is sensible.

Extraction is cheaper in the short term and considerably more expensive over a lifetime if the tooth is then replaced. An implant, bridge or denture all cost more than the root canal and crown would have. Our article on crown versus extraction covers the decision.

Extraction without replacement avoids further cost but has consequences — drift of adjacent teeth, over-eruption of the opposing tooth, reduced chewing efficiency and bone loss in that area.

Doing nothing is not a neutral option where there is infection. Our article on apical periodontitis explains what happens when infection at the root tip is left, and our article on whether antibiotics can replace root canal treatment explains why medication alone does not resolve it.

A well-treated and properly restored tooth commonly serves for many years, which is the relevant comparison.

Our root canal page explains the treatment, and our article on single-visit root canal treatment covers the appointment.

Why is a molar root canal more expensive than a front tooth?

Molars have three or four canals, frequently curved and sometimes difficult to locate, compared with a single straight canal in most incisors. The appointment is often twice as long and technically more demanding.

Does the price include the crown?

Frequently not, and this is the main reason quotes differ so much. Always ask for the total including the definitive restoration, since a posterior root-treated tooth almost always needs cuspal coverage.

Is it cheaper to have the tooth taken out?

In the short term, yes. Over a lifetime, usually not — replacing a tooth with an implant, bridge or denture costs more than root canal treatment and a crown, and leaving the space has its own consequences.

Can I have root canal treatment on the NHS?

Yes, within the banded charge system, though NHS appointment availability in London is limited and many practices are not taking new NHS patients. Current charges are published on the NHS website.

Why do some practices charge so much more?

Differences typically reflect appointment length, the use of magnification and imaging, the training of the clinician, whether the restoration is included, and practice location and overheads. Comparing quotes requires comparing what is actually included.

Is a more expensive root canal a better one?

Not automatically. What matters is thorough cleaning and disinfection of the canal system, an adequate seal, and a properly restored tooth afterwards. In complex cases, additional equipment and training make a real difference; in straightforward cases the difference is smaller.

Can I spread the cost?

Many practices offer payment plans or accept dental insurance. Ask at the point of quoting rather than afterwards. Our pricing page sets out our arrangements.

If you have been quoted for root canal treatment, ask what the total will be including the crown or onlay, and whether reviews and radiographs are included. That single question makes most quotes comparable.

If you have pain and have not yet been assessed, the priority is diagnosis rather than cost — the tooth may not need root canal treatment at all, and knowing what is wrong changes everything that follows.

You can contact our team at our Wimpole Street practice. Our root canal and pricing pages set out what is involved.

This article provides general information and does not constitute individual dental advice or a quotation. Fees vary between practices and between cases, and the treatment appropriate for a given tooth can only be determined following clinical examination and radiographs. Root canal treatment has a recognised failure rate and may require retreatment, surgical intervention or extraction. NHS charges are set nationally and published by the NHS. Wimpole Dental is regulated by the Care Quality Commission, and our clinicians are registered with the General Dental Council.

Next review due: 1 September 2027