Here’s what a dentist actually costs in London in 2026, based on data from practices across the city. The short answer: NHS treatment is the same price everywhere in England, and private prices vary significantly — sometimes by 50 per cent or more between practices in the same borough. This page covers every common treatment, both NHS and private, so you can see the real numbers before you pick up the phone.
NHS dental costs in London (2026/27)
NHS dental charges are the same everywhere in England. You pay one charge per course of treatment, regardless of how many appointments or procedures that course involves.
- Band 1 (check-up, X-rays, scale and polish, urgent care): £27.90
- Band 2 (fillings, extractions, root canal): £76.60
- Band 3 (crowns, dentures, bridges): £332.10
If your check-up leads to a filling, you pay £76.60 total, not both charges added together. You always pay the highest applicable band, not the sum. For a full breakdown of what each band includes, see our NHS dental charges guide.
Around half of NHS dental patients qualify for free treatment, including under-18s, pregnant women, new mothers, and people receiving certain benefits. For the full list of exemptions, see our guide to who gets free NHS dental care.
Private dental costs in London
Private prices vary significantly across London. Central and west London practices tend to charge more than outer borough practices, though this is not a universal rule. Practices in areas like Camden, Islington, and Hammersmith and Fulham often sit at the higher end of the range.
Routine care
- Private check-up: £50 to £120
- Hygienist visit (scale and polish): £60 to £120
- X-rays (per film): £10 to £30
Fillings
- White composite filling (front tooth): £120 to £200
- White composite filling (back tooth): £150 to £280
Extractions
- Simple extraction: £150 to £300
- Surgical extraction: £250 to £450
- Wisdom tooth removal (per tooth): £300 to £600
Root canal treatment
- Front tooth: £400 to £700
- Premolar: £500 to £900
- Molar: £750 to £1,300
Crowns and bridges
- Porcelain crown: £600 to £1,200
- Zirconia crown: £700 to £1,400
- Three-unit bridge: £1,500 to £3,500
Cosmetic treatments
- Professional teeth whitening: £300 to £700 — see our full teeth whitening prices guide for London costs by method
- Porcelain veneer (per tooth): £500 to £1,000
- Composite bonding (per tooth): £200 to £400
Orthodontics
- Invisalign (full treatment): £3,000 to £5,500 — compare options in our Invisalign cost London guide
- Fixed braces: £2,000 to £4,500
Implants
- Single dental implant (including crown): £2,000 to £3,500 — see our detailed dental implants cost London guide
- All-on-4 implants (full arch): £10,000 to £18,000
Why do private prices vary so much in London?
Four things drive the range. Location matters most: a practice in Harley Street or Kensington has higher overheads than one in Lewisham or Hounslow, and those costs are passed on. Dentist experience and specialisation matter too — a specialist prosthodontist will charge more than a general dentist for the same crown. The materials used affect the price (zirconia versus PFM for a crown, for example). And some practices charge a premium simply because demand in their area exceeds supply.
None of this means cheaper is worse or more expensive is better. A CQC-rated Outstanding practice in an outer borough may be a significantly better option than an expensive central London practice. Price is one factor, not the only one.
How to reduce your dental costs in London
- Check whether you qualify for free NHS treatment. The list of exemptions is wider than most people realise. Our guide to free NHS dental care covers the full list.
- Ask about payment plans. Most private practices offer interest-free finance over 6 to 12 months.
- Consider dental schools. King’s College, Barts, and UCL Eastman offer treatment from supervised students at NHS rates or below. See our full guide on affordable dental care options in London.
- Compare practices. Prices can vary by 50 per cent or more between practices in the same borough.
- Don’t skip check-ups. A £28 NHS check-up is dramatically cheaper than the £750+ root canal you might need if a small problem goes undetected.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dental check-up cost in London?
An NHS check-up is £27.90 under Band 1. A private check-up in London typically costs £50 to £120, depending on the practice and location.
How much does a filling cost in London?
An NHS filling is covered under Band 2 at £76.60, which includes the check-up. A private white filling in London typically costs £120 to £280 depending on the tooth and the practice.
How much do dental implants cost in London?
A single dental implant including the crown typically costs £2,000 to £3,500 in London. All-on-4 full-arch implants range from £10,000 to £18,000. For more detail on what affects the price, see our dental implants cost guide.
Is private dental care worth it?
It depends on your situation. If you can access an NHS dentist, the NHS is significantly cheaper for all standard treatments. Private treatment offers shorter waiting times, more appointment flexibility, and access to cosmetic options not available on the NHS. For patients who can’t access an NHS dentist in Haringey, Hackney, or other high-demand boroughs, private care may be the only practical option.
Cost disclaimer: All prices are indicative ranges based on dentist-london.com directory data for London practices in 2026. Individual practice prices will vary. Always request a written treatment plan before proceeding.
Medical disclaimer: This page provides general pricing information. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified dental professional. Contact a registered dentist for a personal assessment.
Two of the most common questions from patients anxious about dental treatment: does it hurt, and how much will it cost? Our article on the most painful dental procedures gives an honest answer to the first question — and may be more reassuring than you expect. For patients who have noticed a tooth darkening, our article on whether a dentist can fix a black tooth covers causes, treatments, and typical costs in London.