Understanding Root Canal Cost: What to Expect and How to Save?

Root canal treatment is a popular dental procedure to treat persistent toothache and sensitivity. It protects the teeth from future infections and damage. However, understanding the root canal costs is crucial before you decide to get one.

In this article, we will guide you to make informed decisions by clarifying the RCT price in UK. Besides, the procedure is also simplified; helping you prepare well.  

What is a Root Canal Treatment?

Also known as endodontic treatment, RCT is a procedure that aims to treat an infected tooth from deep within. It addresses the ‘root’ problem and restores dental health. Additionally, it supports overall dental integrity.

Dentists recommend this treatment to maintain both the functionality and appearance of teeth. And guess the best part? RCT preserves your tooth without extraction.

RCT pricing structure

In UK, there are varying prices for root canal procedure. Generally, they differ based on the type of tooth being treated. Here’s a breakdown of the costs.

 In NHS:

Here, the cost is classified into respective bands.

• Band 2: Covers the primary procedures for root canals, including filings. Cost is around £74.
• Band 3: Applies to secondary procedures like artificial dentures and crowns. The cost approximation is £300-320.

In Private:

Private dental clinics charge more, however the spent money will be worth enough. This is because they facilitate short waiting times and flexible appointments.

• For incisors and canines: £700 – £1,250, on average
• For premolars: Starts from $800 and may exceed as high as up to $1,350
• For molars: Falls within the range of $1,000 to $1,500
• For dental post removal: Starting price is £350
• For internal bleaching: From £350

Root Canal Treatment Cost in UK: Factors Explained

Various factors are responsible for regulating the price of root canal treatment. Here’s a list below (with explanations). 

Complexity of the Procedure

An infected front tooth will prompt a single root canal. However, if it is a molar (having multiple roots), multiple sessions are needed. Moreover, how much curved the roots are, if there is any existing infection – all these will be taken into account. Cumulatively, such factors raise the procedure’s cost. 

Extent of Decay or Infection

If your tooth is severely infected or has been completely damaged, the complexity of the RCT procedure will increase. This, in turn, increases the costs.  

Tooth Location

Teeth located at the very back of your mouth are hard to access. Hence, more time will be needed to treat them, as compared to front teeth. This will lead to increased costs.

Pre-Treatment Procedures

Before proceeding with a root canal, the dentist diagnoses your current dental condition. Procedures like X-rays are employed for this, which add up to the final costs.

Aftercare treatments

In most cases, the affected tooth becomes fragile and prone to sensitivity, post-treatment. To manage this, dentists place an artificial crown for added protection.

In UK, a dental crown costs somewhere between $800 to $1,500 (depends on the material used and tooth’s location). Sometimes, additional procedures like a crown lengthening may be recommended to ensure proper fit into the gums. These steps will raise the final expenditure.

Some additional factors are there, too.

Expertise of the dental professional

A highly qualified dentist having special knowledge on RCT will charge more than a general dentist. Also, the level of professional experience will impact the final cost. 

Geographical Location of the Clinic

It plays a great role in determining RTC costs. Clinics in metropolitan cities like London will of course charge more than those located in less-developed towns.

Kind of Filling Material Used

After completion of the root canal procedure, a refilling material is used to restore the affected tooth’s structure. Following are the types of material.

• Amalgamfillings: Most common and affordable option.
• Goldand ceramic fillings: These are costlier but provide enhanced aesthetics and durability.

Depending on the type of material you choose from above, the overall costs will be affected. 

Dental Insurance Coverage

A dental insurance policy helps to cover the costs associated with special tooth procedures. Thus, if you have the facility, it will prevent paying out of pockets. However, it is crucial to go through the policy plans thoroughly and understand the coverage, first. This will avert unexpected expenses.

Root Canal Treatment: The Procedure

Here is a step-by-step guide to obtaining RCT.  

1. Diagnosis and X-ray: It is to examine the root canals and associated bone for potential signs of infection or damage.
2. Anaesthesia: This is applied to numb the affected region so you do not feel pain during the procedure.
3. Pulpectomy: In this, a small opening in made in the tooth. A suction force is applied thereafter to eliminate the infected pulp within the root canal.
4. Cleaning and Shaping: This helps to remove leftover debris from the root canal. Then, the tooth is shaped in a way to ensure an optimal adherence of the filling material.
5. Filling and Sealing: A biocompatible material is put into the cleaned canals and then sealed off. This helps prevent bacterial reinvasion.
6. Tooth restoration: Finally, an artificial crown is placed over the treated tooth. It helps to improve the tooth’s function and appearance. Also used for strengthening and protection purposes.

Tips to Save Costs for root canal treatment

By following the tips below, you can significantly reduce your treatment costs.

• Check the Insurance Coverage: Contact your dental insurance provider to understand the coverage details before the treatment starts. This will aid you in avoiding unexpected high bills.
• Ask for a Treatment Estimate: Feel free to discuss with your concerned dentist about the treatment estimates. It will clarify your idea of how much resource to keep aside.
• Review Your Dentists’ Network: If your plan comprises a network of dentists, make sure you go for an in-network It will reduce your costs significantly.
• Reconsider Payment Plans: If you have greater out-of-pocket expenses, check out whether your dentist offers alternate payment plans or financing options. This approach will help distribute the costs conveniently.
• Submit Claims: When you choose an out-of-network provider, make sure to maintain the receipts properly. Submit them to your insurance company on time so you can get the reimbursement.

Is it possible to minimise the costs of RCT without insurance?

Worry not if you lack a dental insurance - you can still have root canal treatment. Here are some of the best and reliable options to get affordable care.

·Dental Schools

Several dental schools in UK offer discounts on their services. Moreover, the students work under special supervision of certified and experienced professionals; ensuring quality treatments.  

· Public Clinics

These are run by local government and can greatly reduce the overall RCT costs. Sometimes, the services are given free, too.  However, you must take time to thoroughly analyse the quality of services these community health centres provide.

·Government Dental Coverage

If you meet certain income criteria, you may become eligible for government-catered health care programs, including dental treatments.  Although these are out-of-pocket payments, they will not burden you financially.

·Dental Financing

If none of the above options come to help, dental financing will. Many tooth clinics offer affordable financing plans that help to break down the cost into small, manageable chunks (payable monthly for a period of time).

Conclusion

Although root canal treatment cost in UK varies widely, making an informed decision can save you. Start by obtaining quotes from locally available clinics and get an idea of the quality of services. Once done, quickly book an appointment in any of them and entitle yourself to a healthier set of teeth.