Root Canal Cost in the UK:
Root canal treatment costs between £695 and £850 privately at Cromer House Dental Care in Liverpool, depending on the tooth and complexity of the case. On the NHS, root canal treatment falls under Band 2, which currently costs £75.90. A single appointment typically takes between 60 and 90 minutes, though more complex cases require two appointments.
How Much Does Root Canal Treatment Cost in the UK?
Root canal costs vary depending on whether you are treated privately or on the NHS, and which tooth is being treated. You can view a full breakdown on our private fees page, but at Cromer House Dental Care our private root canal fees range from £695 to £850.
The variation in price reflects the complexity of the case. Front teeth typically have a single root canal, which makes them more straightforward to treat. Premolars usually have one or two canals, while molars can have three or four. The more canals that need to be cleaned and filled, the longer the procedure takes and the more involved the treatment becomes.
If you are an NHS patient, root canal treatment is covered under Band 2, which currently costs £75.90. You can find out more about NHS dental treatment at our practice on our dedicated NHS page.
What Affects The Cost of Root Canal Treatment?
Several factors influence the final cost of your treatment.
The position of the tooth is the most significant. Molars at the back of the mouth are harder to access, have more complex root systems, and take longer to treat than front teeth. Cases where infection has spread to the surrounding bone or where the root canals are unusually curved also require additional time and precision.
In some cases, a dental crown is recommended after root canal treatment to protect the tooth from fracture. Root treated teeth lose moisture over time and can become more brittle, particularly molars that take the force of chewing. The cost of a crown is separate from the root canal fee and ranges from £625 to £795 at our practice. Your dentist will advise whether a crown is needed once treatment is complete.
At Cromer House, we have a dentist with a specialist interest in endodontics who carries out root canal treatment. You can read more about our approach on our root canal treatment page, and all costs are confirmed before treatment begins.
How Long Does Root Canal Treatment Take?
Most root canal treatments at Cromer House are completed in a single appointment lasting between 60 and 90 minutes. This is sufficient time to remove the infected pulp, clean and shape the root canals, and seal the tooth.
Some cases require two appointments. This is more common when there is significant infection present, as a medicated dressing may be placed inside the tooth between visits to allow the infection to settle before the canals are permanently sealed. Your dentist will let you know at your assessment appointment whether one or two visits are likely to be needed.
How Many Appointments Does Root Canal Treatment Take?
For most patients, one appointment is enough. The procedure has become considerably more efficient with modern techniques and equipment, and the majority of straightforward root canal cases at our practice in Huyton are completed in a single visit.
Where infection is more widespread or where the anatomy of the root canals is particularly complex, a second appointment is scheduled after a short interval, typically one to two weeks. This allows time for any residual infection to clear and ensures the tooth is stable before the final seal and restoration are placed.
Is Root Canal Treatment Painful?
This is the question patients ask us most often, and the honest answer is that root canal treatment should not be painful during the procedure itself. The area is thoroughly numbed with local anaesthetic before we begin, and most patients are surprised by how comfortable the experience is compared to what they expected.
Some tenderness around the tooth in the days following treatment is normal as the surrounding tissues settle. Over the counter pain relief is usually sufficient to manage this. If you experience significant pain or swelling after treatment, contact us so we can assess the tooth and ensure healing is progressing as it should. If you need to be seen urgently, our emergency dentist service is available for acute cases.
What Happens After Root Canal Treatment?
Once your root canal treatment is complete, the tooth is temporarily or permanently restored depending on your treatment plan. In many cases a dental crown is placed over the tooth at a separate appointment to protect it from the pressures of biting and chewing.
A root treated tooth can last many years with proper care. Maintaining good oral hygiene, attending regular check-ups, and visiting our dental hygienist for professional cleaning will all help to extend the life of the restored tooth. Although the pulp has been removed, the surrounding tooth structure can still be affected by gum disease or new decay, so ongoing care remains important.
If you have been experiencing toothache, prolonged sensitivity to temperature, or swelling around a tooth, it is worth booking a consultation sooner rather than later. Infections can worsen quickly if left untreated, and early intervention usually means a more straightforward procedure. You can book a consultation online or call us on 0151 489 2139.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does root canal treatment cost privately in the UK?
Private root canal treatment costs between £695 and £850 at Cromer House Dental Care in Liverpool. The exact fee depends on which tooth is being treated and the complexity of the root canal system. Front teeth with a single canal are at the lower end of the range, while upper molars with multiple canals are at the higher end. All costs are confirmed before treatment begins.
How long does a root canal appointment take?
Most root canal appointments at Cromer House take between 60 and 90 minutes. Straightforward cases on front or premolar teeth can sometimes be completed more quickly, while complex molar treatments may take the full 90 minutes. If two appointments are needed due to infection, each visit is typically similar in length.
Is root canal treatment available on the NHS?
Yes. Root canal treatment is available on the NHS under Band 2, which currently costs £75.90. Availability depends on NHS appointment capacity at your practice. At Cromer House, we offer both NHS and private root canal treatment. You can speak to our reception team about which option is available and most suitable for your situation.
Do I need a crown after root canal treatment?
Not always, but it is often recommended, particularly for back teeth. Root treated teeth can become more brittle over time as they no longer have a living pulp supplying moisture. A crown protects the tooth from cracking under the force of chewing and significantly extends its lifespan. Your dentist will advise whether a crown is appropriate once root canal treatment is complete.
How do I know if I need root canal treatment?
Common signs include persistent toothache, sensitivity to hot or cold that lingers after the temperature source is removed, darkening of the tooth, swelling or tenderness in the gum near the tooth, and a recurring pimple on the gum. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, book an appointment promptly so the tooth can be assessed. Early treatment produces better outcomes and is generally less complex.
Can root canal treatment fail?
Root canal treatment has a high success rate, but like any dental procedure it is not guaranteed in every case. Failure can occur if the tooth becomes reinfected, if a root canal was missed during the original treatment, or if the tooth fractures. In some cases a procedure called root canal retreatment can be carried out. In others, extraction may be the more practical option. If you have concerns about a tooth that has previously been root treated, our team can assess it and advise on the best course of action.
