Root Canal Treatment Cost: Private UK Patients

Loose-feeling teeth, pain when eating and swollen gums are common signs of needing a root canal. Contact us for an appointment as early as the same day.

The average cost of a root canal in the UK ranges from £300 to £1,000 upwards at a private dental clinic. However, there are multiple factors that can influence this price.

Root canal treatment cost: Private UK patients

As mentioned earlier, the cost of root canals range from £300 to £1,000 or more. This price will vary from practice to practice for a number of reasons, for example, where the clinic is located.

There are also additional costs that impact how much you spend overall. First, there is the initial consultation to pay for. Then, depending on how the root canal will be sealed, you will need to cover the cost of a filling or dental crown.

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 root canal treatment covered by the NHS?

If your treatment is deemed a clinical necessity, you may be able to get your root canal on the NHS. The procedure falls under the Band 2 category, meaning you are expected to pay £76.60. Something to note is that, if you need a crown as well, your treatment is bumped up to Band 3. With this comes a subsequent price tag of £332.10.

What about an emergency root canal? The NHS can provide a partial root canal treatment (such as a pulpectomy or vital pulpotomy) for £27.90. This is ideal if you are facing extreme pain or infection. Alternatively, many private clinics offer same and next-day appointments.

Is it worth paying for a root canal?

We understand that the price tag may be intimidating. However, the treatment is completely worth it, and could actually end up saving you money in the long run. A root canal offers many benefits:

• There is a chance that the natural tooth can be saved
• Your ongoing discomfort is stopped
• A root canal stops infection from spreading to other areas of the body
• Your strong, confident bite is restored, allowing you to enjoy your favourite foods once again
• The procedure may save you money in the future, versus removing the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant or bridge

Conclusion:

Yorkshire Dental Suite is home to world-class endodontists who are at the very top of their game. If you think you are in need of a root canal, book a consultation today.

References:

(1)   https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15243481/