How Much Does a Root Canal Cost in London? Our Real Prices

Written by the Lotus Clinic team. Clinically reviewed and approved by Dr Emanuele Clozza. Prices checked September 2026.

If a dentist has told you that you need a root canal, two questions usually follow: will it hurt, and how much will it cost? Here are our real prices, what affects them, what else you may need to budget for, and how root canal treatment compares with the alternatives.

The short answer: our prices

Finance is subject to status. Our full price list is on our fees page.

Why the price starts “from”

Root canal treatment cleans out the infected or inflamed nerve from inside the tooth, disinfects the canals and seals them. The main things that affect the cost are:

• Which tooth it is. Front teeth usually have one canal. Back teeth, especially molars, have three or four, sometimes curved or very narrow, which takes longer.
• Whether the tooth has been treated before. Re-treating an old root canal filling is more complex than treating a tooth for the first time.
• How many visits are needed. Many teeth can be treated in one or two appointments. A badly infected tooth may need a dressing and a second visit.

We will examine the tooth, take an X-ray and give you a written quote before we start, so there are no surprises.

Do I need a crown afterwards?

Often, yes, particularly for back teeth. A tooth that has had a root canal is usually already weakened by decay or a large filling, and it can become brittle. A crown protects it from cracking, which is one of the main reasons root-filled teeth fail.

At Lotus Clinic we can often make and fit a permanent ceramic crown the same day with CEREC, in about 75 minutes, so you do not need a temporary crown or a second appointment. You can read more on our CEREC same-day crowns page and in our guide Is a same-day CEREC crown as good as a lab-made crown?

Does a root canal hurt?

The pain people associate with root canals usually comes from the infection before treatment, not the treatment itself. With modern local anaesthetic, most patients say it feels much like having a filling. The tooth may feel tender for a few days afterwards, which ordinary painkillers usually settle. If you are nervous, tell us, and read our page for nervous patients.

Root canal or extraction: which costs less?

Taking the tooth out costs less on the day. But a missing tooth often leads to further costs later: neighbouring teeth can drift, the bite can change and the bone shrinks. Replacing the tooth with an implant starts from £2,640, or a bridge or denture may be an option.

So if a tooth can be saved with a root canal and a crown, that is usually the better value over the long term, and you keep your own tooth. Sometimes a tooth is too broken down or cracked to save, and then we will tell you honestly and talk through the replacement options.

How long does a root-filled tooth last?

A well done root canal, with a good seal and a crown where needed, can last many years, often for life. The biggest risks are the tooth cracking and new decay getting in around an old filling or crown, which is why regular check-ups matter.

What if I have toothache now?

If you are in pain, have swelling, or a tooth is sensitive to hot drinks for a long time afterwards, book an emergency appointment. We will find the cause, take an X-ray and get you out of pain. Swelling in the face or neck that is spreading, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, needs urgent medical help, so call 999 or go to A&E. You can read more on our emergency dentistry page and our root canal treatment page.

Book online or call us on 020 8201 8080. Lotus Dental and Aesthetics Clinic, 943 Finchley Road, Golders Green, London NW11 7PE.