Root Canal NHS Cost VS Private Cost

If you have swollen gums, loose teeth or discomfort when chewing or biting, you may need a root canal. Book a consultation with one of our specialists today.

Root canal is a common procedure available from both NHS and private dental clinics. As with any dental treatment, you can expect to pay more if undergoing your root canal at a private practice.

What is a root canal?

When the pulp (the centre of the tooth) is inflamed or infected, a root canal is carried out. The procedure includes removing the affected tissue and cleaning out the tooth, before sealing it with a filling or dental crown. It is a popular choice amongst dentists as it can prevent the need for extraction.

Wondering what to expect when you attend your appointment? Here is a step-by-step guide to the root canal process:

1. You are given the sedation or anaesthesia of your choice.
2. A piece of thin, flexible rubber is placed inside the mouth, covering everything but the infected tooth.
3. A small hole is made with a drill in the tooth.
4. Your dentist cleans everything out of the hole using tiny instruments, including the nerves, blood vessels and tissues.
5. The inside of the tooth is disinfected with a liquid.
6. The clean tooth is sealed with a temporary filling.
7. Your final appointment includes returning to the clinic to have the tooth either permanently filled or topped with a crown.

Root canal NHS cost

Root canals fall under the Band 2 category, meaning you can expect to pay £76.60. If you need a dental crown fitting on top of your root canal, your treatment moves up to Band 3 (£332.10). Children under the age of 18 will get the procedure for free.

Private root canal treatment cost

Unlike the NHS, where costs are fixed, the price of a private root canal treatment changes based on the clinic you choose. On average, you could be spending between £300 and £1,000. Yorkshire Dental Suite’s price starts at £895 per tooth.

Are all root canals the same price?

No. It can vary quite drastically based on the tooth needing treatment, as certain teeth have a trickier anatomy and require more effort.

• Front teeth (incisors and canines): Typically have just one, relatively straight canal.
• Premolars: Home to one or two canals. More complex than the front teeth.
• Molars: Have between three and five canals. May take two or more hours to complete.

Put simply, the more canals a tooth has, the trickier the treatment becomes. This is because each canal needs to be individually cleaned, shaped and sealed.

Specialist vs general dentist

Another factor that influences the price of your root canal is the person who carries out the procedure. If your case is too complex for a general dentist you may be referred to an endodontist, a specialist who has undergone years of training specifically in the field of root canals.

An endodontist has a deeper knowledge and understanding of root canals, and is equipped with specialist tools not usually available in an NHS clinic. These include dental operating microscopes that allow your endodontist to get an extremely detailed look at the inside of your tooth.

If you are referred to an endodontist you are paying for their advanced expertise and state-of-the-art technology. Let’s now compare the two in closer detail.

*The tooth lasted five years following the root canal treatment

Is it worth going private for root canal treatment?

There’s no denying that having your root canal with an NHS dentist is the cheaper option out of the two. However, you will likely be facing a long waiting list and limited appointment availability.

In addition to this, if your root canal is quite complex, your NHS dentist may refer you to a private dentist. This is because private dentists have access to more state-of-the-art technology and equipment.

Another benefit of going to a private clinic is that you will be seen to much quicker. For example, many practices offer same and next-day appointments to patients who are experiencing extreme pain.

Benefits of root canal treatment

Whether you go to an NHS or private clinic, a root canal can dramatically improve your quality of life.

• There is a chance that the natural tooth may be saved
• The pain you are experiencing day to day is eliminated
• The treatment stops the infection from spreading to other areas of the body
• Your strong, confident bite is restored, allowing you to enjoy your favourite foods once more
• You may save money in the long-term, versus removing the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant or bridge

Conclusion:

Yorkshire Dental Suite are root canal specialists. Enquire today to get an idea of what your treatment plan could look like and how much you could be spending.