DentalBy Oliver O'Hara · Prices checked October 2026

How much does root canal treatment cost?

Private root canal treatment usually costs £400 to £1,200. Back teeth (molars) normally cost more than front teeth because they have more canals, and a specialist endodontist or a central London practice costs more.

Typical self-pay price£400–£1,200

Published UK private dental practice prices, October 2026.

On the NHS£76.60 (Band 2)

Root canal treatment is available on the NHS in England as a Band 2 treatment, costing £76.60 from 1 April 2026, if you can find an NHS dentist.

NHS dental charges in England (2026-27, from 1 April 2026)
BandYou payWhat it covers
Band 1£27.90Examination, diagnosis, X-rays, scale and polish if needed, and advice.
Band 2£76.60Everything in Band 1 plus fillings, root canal treatment and extractions.
Band 3£332.10Everything in Bands 1 and 2 plus crowns, dentures, bridges and other lab work.
Urgent treatment£27.90Urgent assessment and specific urgent care, such as pain relief or a temporary filling.

You pay one band charge per course of treatment. Some people get free NHS dental care, for example under-18s, pregnant women and people on certain benefits. Source: NHS. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland charge differently: see NHS vs private dental costs.

What's usually included

The price usually covers cleaning, shaping and filling the root canals over one or more visits. X-rays, the final filling and a crown, which is often advised on a back tooth afterwards, are usually extra.

Example published prices

  • mydentist (standard prices): from £436 in England and Wales, from £290 in Scotland (source)
  • Bupa Dental Care (Newark): front teeth from £386; back teeth from £495 (source)
  • Bupa Dental Care (Worcester St Johns): front teeth from £1,040; back teeth from £860 (source)
  • Bupa Dental Care (Islington, London): front teeth from £1,125; back teeth from £1,400 (source)

Prices differ widely between practices, even in the same chain.

Prices are published "from" or guide prices and can change. The clinic, your location and what your treatment involves can all change the final cost — always ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.

Will insurance help pay?

Private medical insurance doesn't cover routine or cosmetic dental work. Dental insurance and health cash plans can pay back part of the cost of check-ups and treatment, up to a yearly limit. Most have waiting periods and won't cover work you already know you need.

Find a dentist near you → · NHS vs private dental costs →

Health insurance is still worth knowing about for other things: it can pay for private diagnosis and treatment of new medical conditions. See what cover costs.

Questions and answers

How much does root canal treatment cost in the UK?

Private root canal treatment usually costs £400 to £1,200. Back teeth (molars) normally cost more than front teeth because they have more canals, and a specialist endodontist or a central London practice costs more. Prices vary by hospital, consultant and location, so always ask for a written, all-inclusive quote.

What's included in the price of root canal treatment?

The price usually covers cleaning, shaping and filling the root canals over one or more visits. X-rays, the final filling and a crown, which is often advised on a back tooth afterwards, are usually extra.

Will health insurance pay for root canal treatment?

Private medical insurance doesn't cover routine or cosmetic dental work. Dental insurance and health cash plans can pay back part of the cost of check-ups and treatment, up to a yearly limit, but most have waiting periods and exclude work you already need.

Can I get root canal treatment on the NHS instead?

Root canal treatment is available on the NHS in England as a Band 2 treatment, costing £76.60 from 1 April 2026, if you can find an NHS dentist. Contact NHS dental practices directly to ask whether they're taking new NHS patients.

Can I spread the cost of private treatment?

Many private hospitals offer finance or payment plans for self-pay patients. Check the interest rate and terms carefully before agreeing.

Other treatment costs

Written by Oliver O'Hara

Founder, Dr Compare

Oliver O'Hara is the founder of Dr Compare and works in UK private health insurance. He set up Dr Compare to give people clear, independent, plain-English information about private healthcare, NHS waiting times and health insurance, so they can make confident decisions about their care.

Dr Compare provides general information about private health insurance and introduces enquirers to authorised insurance intermediaries. We do not give financial advice or personal recommendations. Product details, prices and waiting time figures are indicative, based on publicly available information, and may change — always check policy documents before buying. Guide prices for private treatment are illustrative and vary by provider, location and individual circumstances.
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