Advanced Gum Disease Treatment in North London

If you notice persistent symptoms you should seek an assessment. Early intervention helps prevent tooth loss. Gum disease affects many people in the UK, but advanced treatment becomes necessary when gingivitis progresses. You are a good candidate for non surgical periodontal therapy if you have bleeding gums during brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, or red and swollen gums. Other signs include gums pulling away from teeth or teeth feeling loose. Our aim is to address these issues before surgery becomes necessary.

Treating gum disease follows a careful plan aimed at removing the bacterial cause. First comes a 60 minute consultation with a detailed exam, measuring pockets between teeth and gums. We use digital imaging to check bone levels. Next, the main treatment, scaling and root planing, is performed. This deep cleaning, done under local anaesthetic for your comfort, usually takes 60-90 minutes per session and involves cleaning below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar. Finally, you’ll have follow-up appointments every 3-4 months to monitor healing and ensure your home care routine is effective.

After a deep cleaning you can expect some initial sensitivity and tenderness for the first few days. For the first 24-48 hours your gums may feel sore, which is manageable with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Stick to a soft food diet for a day or two and avoid very hot or cold drinks. It is vital to maintain excellent oral hygiene, but use a soft-bristled brush gently around the treated areas. You might see minor bleeding for a couple of days, which is normal. Red flags requiring a call: contact us during office hours (Mon, Wed, Fri 9 to 5, Tue, Thu 11 to 7) if you have severe pain not relieved by painkillers, significant swelling, or signs of infection such as pus. For emergencies after hours, call 111.

Our non surgical approach works well for gingivitis and early to moderate periodontitis. Other paths depend on your situation. Referral to a specialist periodontist: if you have severe periodontitis with bone loss or deep gum pockets that do not respond to deep cleaning, we refer you to a registered specialist. They can perform surgical treatments like gum grafts or pocket reduction surgery, which are beyond general practice. Standard hygienist visits: for mild gingivitis without deep pockets, regular 30-45 minute hygiene appointments may reverse the condition without a full deep cleaning. During your assessment we will honestly advise which option suits your long term dental health.

To decide what fits you, here are essential questions to ask any dentist, whether at our Finchley practice or another in North London. What is the long term success rate of this treatment for a case like mine? How many sessions of deep cleaning will I need and what is the total cost? What changes must I make to my home care routine to maintain the results? Will I need more frequent hygiene appointments after this treatment? And finally, what are the signs that the treatment is working, and when will we re evaluate my condition?

As a private dental practice, we do not offer NHS periodontal treatment. The cost for non surgical periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing) depends on the severity and number of teeth affected, but typically ranges from £400 to £800. This price includes the local anaesthetic and the deep cleaning itself. Your initial consultation and any necessary digital X-rays are quoted separately. We believe in full transparency with no hidden fees. We accept private dental insurance from providers including Denplan, Cigna, and Max Bupa. Please bring your policy details to your consultation so we can help you understand your coverage.