Private Vs. NHS Root Canal Treatment

If you are currently experiencing sever tooth pain or have a tooth infection, your dentist may advise you to have a root canal treatment to treat the infected tooth. For many patients in London, one of the first questions is:

👉 “Should I choose an root canal on the NHS or should I go private?”

Both options have advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we’ll compare NHS vs. private root canal treatment in London, covering the pros and cons of each, average costs, and why many patients choose Whites Dental Waterloo and Marble Arch for expert root canal treatments in London.

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Cost: NHS Vs. Private Root Canal

• NHS Root Canal (Band 2 treatment):
  • Cost is £70.70 in England (as of 2025).
  • This fee is fixed, regardless of whether it’s a simple front tooth or a complex molar.
  • Great option for affordability.
• Private Root Canal in London:
  • Prices typically range from £350 – £950, depending on the tooth and complexity.
  • Costs are higher, but patients benefit from advanced technology, flexible appointment times and often superior success rates.

💡 Verdict: NHS is cheaper, but private offers more treatment options and higher predictability.

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Availability And Waiting Times

• NHS Treatment:
  • Appointment offered on the NHS can often be limited in number, especially in and around London where demand for RCT’s is usually very high.
  • Many NHS practices no longer accept new patients
  • Waiting lists for treatment may stretch weeks or months.
• Private Treatment:
  • Faster access with more appointment flexibility.
  • Same-week or next-day consultations are often possible.
  • Easier to schedule around work and personal commitments.

💡 Verdict: Private root canal treatment wins over the NHS for both speed and convenience.

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Quality of Care And Technology

• NHS:
  • Dentists work to tight timeframes, often without the luxury of extended appointment slots.
  • Equipment may be basic compared to private clinics.
  • Some complex molar root canals are referred to private endodontists anyway.
• Private:
  • Use of advanced technology such as digital X-rays, rotary instruments, and dental microscopes.
  • More time spent per patient for precision and comfort.
  • Sedation options may be available for nervous patients.

💡 Verdict: Private treatment generally offers a higher standard of care.

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Appointment Length And Comfort

• NHS:
  • Appointments may be shorter due to high patient volumes.
  • Focus is often on completing treatment efficiently rather than offering an enhanced patient experience.
• Private:
  • Longer appointments allow the dentist to work carefully and comfortably.
  • More personalised care, with time to answer questions and explain each step.
  • Greater emphasis on pain control and aftercare.

💡 Verdict: Private treatment is more comfortable and patient-focused.

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Success Rates And Longevity

• NHS Root Canal:
  • Success rates on the NHS can often vary a lot due to limited appointment duration and the equipment that’s used (equipment is not very advanced on occasion)
  • In complex cases, success may be lower, leading to re-treatment or extraction.
• Private Root Canal:
  • Higher success rates thanks to better equipment, specialist expertise, and more time per treatment.
  • Long-term outcomes are generally more predictable.

💡 Verdict: Private treatment offers better long-term results.

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Comparison Table – NHS Vs. Private Root Canal In London

Factor	NHS Root Canal	Private Root Canal
Cost	£70.70 (Band 2)	£390 – £900 typically
Waiting Time	Often weeks, sometimes months	Often same week appointments available
Equipment	Standard RCT equipment	Advanced tools such as rotary tools.
Comfort	Shorter appointment times	Longer appointments
Success Rate	Moderate, varies from region	Higher, more predictable success rates
Availability in London	Limited usually	Very widely available

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NHS & A Private Root Canal Treatment in London – How To Decide Between The Two

For many patients, the decision between NHS vs. private root canal more often that not comes down to factors that are not just cost related. These factors include wait times, success rates, patient convenience and long-term oral health considerations.

1. Consider your timeline

• If you’re experiencing pain or have an ongoing infection in your tooth, waiting weeks or even months for an NHS appointment may not be easy.
• Private root canal treatment often means you can be seen within days, helping you avoid prolonged discomfort.

2. Think about the complexity of your case

• Simple cases (such as front teeth) are often manageable on the NHS.
• For molars, re-treatments, or curved roots, private treatment offers better equipment and often higher success rates.

3. Weigh Cost vs. longevity

• NHS treatment is less expensive upfront.
• Private treatment may cost more, but with improved success rates, it could save you money in the long run by avoiding retreatments or extractions

4. Location and convenience

• If you live or work in Central London, accessing NHS appointments can be tricky due to waiting lists and limited availability.
• At Whites Dental, our two clinics are conveniently located near major transport hubs, making private care accessible:
  • Waterloo (SE1): close to South Bank, Westminster & London Bridge
  • Marble Arch (W2): serving Marylebone, Paddington & Mayfair

5. Your comfort and peace of mind

• Nervous patients often find private care more reassuring.
• Longer appointment durations, sedation as an option and a more easier experience overall can make the entire end to end process less stressful and easier to manage

💡 Takeaway: If speed, comfort and success rates matter most, private treatment is likely the better choice. If affordability is your main priority and you don’t mind waiting, NHS treatment may be suitable.

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Root Canal Treatment At Whites Dental, London

At Whites Dental, we offer private root canal treatments designed around patient comfort, efficiency and success.

Why choose us?

• Experienced private dentists and access to root canal specialists
• State-of-the-art technology for precise results
• Gentle approach with strong focus on patient comfort
• Flexible, fast appointments with no long waiting lists

Our Two Central London Clinics

Whites Dental Waterloo
📍 172 Blackfriars Rd, London SE1 8ER
📞 020 8616 0590

Whites Dental Marble Arch (W2)
📍 52B Kendal St, St George’s Fields, London W2 2BP
📞 020 3576 2325

We proudly serve patients across Waterloo, South Bank, Westminster, Marble Arch and Marylebone, helping them access private root canal care when NHS options are limited.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is NHS root canal treatment always available?
Not always. Many NHS dentists in London have long waiting lists or cannot accept new patients.

2. Why is private root canal treatment more expensive?
Costs cover advanced equipment, longer appointments, and the expertise of highly trained clinicians.

3. Do I always need a crown after a root canal?
Not always, but for molars and heavily restored teeth, a crown is strongly recommended to prevent fractures.

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Final Thoughts – NHS Vs. Private Root Canal in London

When it comes to private vs. NHS root canal in Central London, the choice that’s right for you is dependent on what’s important to you:

• If affordability is your main concern and you don’t mind waiting, the NHS may be suitable.
• If you value speed, comfort, advanced care, and long-term success, then private root canal treatment at Whites Dental is the better choice.

📞 Book your consultation today at Whites Dental Waterloo (020 8616 0590) or Whites Dental Marble Arch (W2) (020 3576 2325)

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• How Much Does Root Canal Treatment Cost In London?
• Is Root Canal Treatment Covered By The NHS?