Root canal treatment cost: fees, procedure and recovery
Originally published · Updated
How much does root canal treatment cost?
The table shows Medical-Dent’s combined fees for first-time root canal treatment, by tooth and with or without a microscope.
| Tooth | Without a microscope | With a microscope |
|---|---|---|
| Incisors | £450 | £550 |
| Canines and premolars | £510 | £610 |
| Molars | £570 | £670 |
Each fee includes treatment, treatment X-rays and a core build-up to rebuild the tooth afterwards. The microscope is included in the totals in the right-hand column.
Find out about root canal treatment at our West Bromwich practice, including who carries it out and the treatment options.
What is included in the fee, and what is not
Treatment, treatment X-rays and the core build-up are included in every total above. The consultation is a separate fee of £60; it is not part of these totals. A crown or onlay, if needed, is priced separately.
Use of a microscope is included only in the column headed “With a microscope”. Your dentist will discuss the proposed approach and whether further restoration is needed. Ask for a written estimate covering the whole plan, including the consultation and any crown or onlay, before you go ahead.
Why the fee depends on the tooth and the microscope
Molars usually have more canals and can be harder to access than front teeth. The shape and arrangement of canals also vary, so treatment is planned for the individual tooth. This is why the fee schedule separates incisors, canines and premolars, and molars rather than giving one price for every tooth.
A microscope helps the dentist see small details and may help locate canal openings. Its use adds to the treatment fee; the totals above already include that addition where stated. It does not ensure a shorter appointment or a successful outcome. Read about root canal treatment with a microscope for its uses and limitations.
Root canal retreatment fees
A tooth that has already had root canal treatment may need retreatment if infection persists or returns. The dentist first needs to assess the cause and whether the tooth can be restored. Retreatment has its own fees, which differ from the first-time treatment prices above.
Our root canal retreatment guide lists fees for incisors, canines and premolars, and molars, with and without a microscope. Those totals include treatment, treatment X-rays and a core build-up, with the microscope included where stated. Crowns and onlays, if needed, are priced separately.
When might root canal treatment be recommended?
Root canal treatment treats the tissue inside a tooth when it is infected or damaged in a way that requires this treatment. It can help retain a tooth that might otherwise need removal. An examination is needed to decide whether it is suitable and whether the tooth can be restored afterwards.
Decay or an injury can affect the pulp, the soft tissue containing nerves and blood vessels. Symptoms may include pain with hot or cold drinks, pain on biting or swelling. Some affected teeth cause little pain, so symptoms alone do not determine the treatment.
A deep cavity, exposed pulp or tooth grinding does not automatically mean root canal treatment. Depending on the findings, other treatment may be possible. If you grind your teeth, the priority is to assess any damage and its cause; see our bruxism guide.
What does treatment involve?
The dentist examines the tooth and usually takes X-rays to assess it and plan treatment. Local anaesthetic is normally used. The affected pulp is removed, the root canals are cleaned and shaped, and they are filled and sealed. There may be more than one appointment and a temporary filling between visits.
The tooth then needs an appropriate final restoration, which may be a filling, an onlay or a crown, depending on how much tooth remains. Discuss this as part of the original plan. Our root canal procedure guide explains the stages in more detail.
Paying for treatment
Ask for a written treatment plan and estimate before deciding how to pay. See our current payment options and terms for details that may apply to your plan.
Comfort and follow-up
Tell the dentist if you feel pain during treatment. Some soreness afterwards can occur; contact the practice if it worsens or does not settle as expected. Attend follow-up appointments and have the final restoration completed as advised. Treatment can fail or infection can recur, sometimes requiring further care.
Good daily cleaning and check-ups reduce dental risks but cannot guarantee that root canal treatment will never be needed. Contact the practice for advice about a painful tooth. Suspected abscess needs urgent dental care or NHS 111. Call 999 or go to A&E if you have difficulty breathing, speaking or swallowing, a swollen or painful eye, sudden problems with your vision, a lot of swelling in your mouth, or difficulty opening your mouth. See the NHS abscess guidance.
For treatment options and the dentists who provide them, see root canal care at Medical-Dent.
Frequently asked questions
How much does root canal treatment cost at Medical-Dent?
Use the table at the top of this guide for first-time treatment fees for incisors, canines and premolars, or molars, with and without a microscope. Retreatment has separate fees. The consultation and any crown or onlay needed are charged separately, so ask for a written estimate for your whole plan.
What does the root canal fee include?
Each combined fee includes treatment, treatment X-rays and a core build-up. The microscope is included only in a microscope-assisted total. The consultation costs £60 separately and is not part of the root canal fee. Any crown or onlay needed is priced separately.
Is a crown included in the price?
No. A crown or onlay, if needed, is priced separately. The core build-up is included in the root canal total. Your dentist will assess the remaining tooth and your bite before recommending a filling, an onlay or a crown; not every tooth needs the same restoration.
Why does a molar cost more to treat?
Molars usually have more canals and can be harder to access than front teeth. Their anatomy affects the work involved, which is why the fee schedule has a separate molar price. Your dentist will assess the tooth and explain the proposed approach, including whether a microscope is recommended.
How much does root canal retreatment cost?
Retreatment fees depend on the tooth and whether a microscope is used. Our retreatment guide lists all six combined totals, including treatment, treatment X-rays and a core build-up. The microscope is included where stated; the consultation and any crown or onlay needed are separate.
Can I spread the cost of treatment?
See our current payment options and terms to check what may be available for your proposed treatment. Discuss your written estimate with the practice; the options depend on your treatment plan and the applicable terms.