Question 1

How much does a root canal cost in London?

Accepted Answer

At Smile Dentist London, root canal treatment costs £695 for a front (anterior) tooth and £895 for a back (molar) tooth. Members of our £20/month dental plan pay £347.50 and £447.50 respectively (50% off). A clinical examination is required first — £30 for new patients or £95 for returning patients (£47.50 with membership). The final fee is always confirmed in a written treatment plan after your consultation.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Front teeth (incisors and canines) typically have one root canal, while back teeth — premolars and especially molars — have two, three or four canals that all need to be cleaned, shaped and sealed. Molar treatment takes significantly longer clinical time and is technically more demanding, which is reflected in the higher fee.

Question 3

What is included in the root canal fee?

Accepted Answer

The fee covers all clinical appointments needed to complete the root canal: local anaesthetic, isolation with a rubber dam, access to the tooth, cleaning and shaping of all root canals using modern rotary instruments, irrigation, three-dimensional sealing of the canals (obturation), and a temporary or permanent core filling at the end. A diagnostic x-ray to plan treatment and a working-length x-ray during treatment are included. Examinations and any pre-treatment radiographs are charged separately.

Question 4

Will I need a crown after my root canal?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, especially for back teeth (premolars and molars) and any tooth where significant tooth structure has been lost, a crown is recommended after root canal treatment to protect the tooth from fracture. A crown is a separate procedure quoted at £995 (£497.50 with membership). For front teeth where the access cavity is small and the tooth is otherwise intact, a high-quality filling alone may be sufficient — your dentist will discuss the most appropriate restoration for your tooth.

Question 5

How long does a root canal take?

Accepted Answer

Many root canals can be completed in a single appointment of approximately 60–90 minutes for a front tooth, or 90–120 minutes for a molar. Some teeth — for example those with severe infection, complex anatomy, or where treatment is being re-done — may need two appointments with a medication dressing between visits. Your dentist will explain the expected number of visits after assessment.

Question 6

Is a root canal painful?

Accepted Answer

Modern root canal treatment is carried out under local anaesthetic and is generally no more uncomfortable than having a filling. Most patients are surprised at how comfortable the procedure is. Mild tenderness in the tooth for a few days afterwards is normal and is usually managed with ordinary painkillers. Severe or prolonged pain is uncommon and should be reported so we can review the tooth.

Question 7

How successful is root canal treatment?

Accepted Answer

Root canal treatment has high published success rates — survival of the treated tooth for many years is common when the treatment is well executed, the tooth is restored promptly with an appropriate filling or crown, and the patient maintains good oral hygiene. Outcomes vary depending on the starting condition of the tooth, the anatomy of the root canals, and any pre-existing infection. No dental treatment is guaranteed, and your dentist will discuss the realistic prognosis for your specific tooth before treatment.

Question 8

What are the alternatives to root canal treatment?

Accepted Answer

The main alternative is extraction of the tooth, which may then need replacement with a dental implant, a bridge or a denture. Where a tooth has very poor long-term prognosis (severe fracture, advanced gum disease, or unrestorable decay), extraction may be the more predictable option. Your dentist will explain the realistic alternatives, including the costs and trade-offs of each, before treatment is agreed.

Question 9

Do you use a rubber dam and modern equipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All root canal treatments are carried out under rubber-dam isolation (a soft sheet that keeps the tooth dry and prevents saliva and bacteria entering the canals) — this is recommended by the British Endodontic Society and the European Society of Endodontology. We use modern rotary nickel-titanium instruments, electronic apex locators and digital radiography to keep treatment as predictable and comfortable as possible.

Question 10

Are x-rays and the consultation charged separately?

Accepted Answer

A diagnostic x-ray taken during the root canal appointment to plan and verify the treatment is included in the fee. The pre-treatment consultation is charged separately — £30 for new patients, or £95 for returning patients (£47.50 with membership). Additional periapical x-rays taken outside the root canal appointment are £30 (£15 with membership) where clinically indicated.

Question 11

Are there any hidden charges?

Accepted Answer

No. After your consultation you will receive an itemised written treatment plan listing the tooth, the number of canals, the expected number of visits and the total fee. Treatment only begins after you have signed informed consent. If a separate procedure is required (for example a final crown, a post and core, or treatment of an unrelated tooth), that fee would be quoted separately in writing.

Question 12

Are root canals available on the NHS?

Accepted Answer

Smile Dentist London is a private dental practice and does not provide NHS care. NHS-funded root canals are available where there is a clinical need; private root canal treatment offers longer appointment times, the use of modern rotary instruments and apex locators, and a choice of clinician. Patients who prefer these benefits are welcome to book with us.

Service	Standard	Member price
New Patient Examination (first visit) A clinical assessment is required before root canal treatment can be planned. Includes medical and dental history and a clinical examination.	£30.00	£30.00
Standard Examination (returning patient)	£95.00	£47.50
Pre-treatment diagnostic x-ray (when clinically indicated) A small periapical x-ray to confirm the diagnosis and assess root anatomy. Working-length and post-treatment x-rays taken during the root canal appointment are included in the root canal fee.	£30.00	£15.00
Root Canal — Front tooth (anterior) Incisors and canines. Usually one root canal. Treatment usually completed in a single appointment of approximately 60–90 minutes where clinically possible.	£695.00	£347.50
Root Canal — Premolar Premolars usually have one or two root canals. Treatment usually completed in a single longer appointment.	£795.00	£397.50
Root Canal — Molar (back tooth) Molars usually have three or four root canals and are technically more demanding. Treatment usually completed in a single 90–120 minute appointment or split across two visits where clinically appropriate.	£895.00	£447.50
Core build-up after root canal (when required) Where significant tooth structure has been lost, a core build-up is placed to support the final restoration. Quoted separately in writing.	From £150.00	From £75.00
Dental Crown after root canal A crown is usually recommended for back teeth (premolars and molars) after root canal treatment to protect the tooth from fracture — see our dedicated dental-crown cost page.	£995.00	£497.50
Re-treatment of an existing root canal Re-treating a previously root-treated tooth is more complex and time-consuming than a primary root canal. A specific written quote is provided after radiographic assessment.	Quoted in writing	Quoted in writing

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Root Canal Cost London

Full Price List — Root Canal Treatment

What's Included in the Root Canal Fee

Local anaesthetic

Rubber-dam isolation

Access and canal location

Cleaning, shaping & irrigation

3D sealing (obturation)

Core filling & written aftercare

Your Root Canal Treatment Journey

Root canal is often recommended for

Root canal may not be the best option when

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Common questions about root canal cost

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