The cost of a private tooth extraction has risen by 32% since 2022, according to new research into private dentistry charges in the UK.
The research found that patient charges for six common dental treatments had risen by between 14% and 32% since 2022. The average cost increase for these treatments was as follows:
| Treatment | 2022 | 2024 | Percentage increase |
| Anterior root canal | £350 | £400 | 14% |
| Routine checkup | £48 | £55 | 15% |
| Scale and polish | £65 | £75 | 15% |
| Composite filling | £105 | £129 | 23% |
| Initial consultation | £65 | £80 | 23% |
| Non-surgical extraction | £105 | £139 | 32% |
Regional variation in dental charges
The charges were also found to vary by UK region. For example, a root canal was found to cost £366 in Northern Ireland compared to £775 in the east midlands. Other areas with higher charges for root canal treatment included Cambridge (£660), Watford (£609) and Bournemouth (£550).
An extraction was averagely charged at £350 in the south east and south west of England, but this rose to £435 in the east.
The most expensive composite filling reported was found in Watford, charged at £198. However, in nearby Luton the same treatment cost just £70.
Dundee was found to be a low-cost area for private treatment, with a checkup costing £33 and an extraction at £75. This is compared to £70 and £242 in Milton Keynes.
This data was collected by health insurer Mytribe through analysis of 450 dental practices across the UK.
‘Huge inflationary pressures’
Speaking to The Guardian, British Dental Association (BDA) chair Eddie Crouch said the increased charges were likely due to ‘huge inflationary pressures’. These include energy and laboratory bills, and increased costs resulting from the autumn budget.
He said: ‘Private practices have an option to reflect cost increases in their prices. NHS charges are fixed but a generation of poor funding means many treatments are now being delivered at a financial loss. Private dentistry has effectively cross-subsidised loss-making NHS care.’
Neil Carmichael, president of the Association of Dental Groups (ADG), added: ‘This is the classic outcome from having huge demand with limited supply. The ADG has been flagging for some time that overall dentistry requires a further 3,000 or more dentists across the NHS and private sectors.
‘This huge gap means that access to all dentistry is reduced. So, with the continued demand from patients and as overhead costs increase, it is inevitable that there is an upward pressure on prices.’
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