Advanced Root Planing for Muswell Hill Patients

Root planing is recommended when gum disease has progressed beyond gingivitis to periodontitis. You should consider a consultation if you notice persistent symptoms that a standard dental clean doesn't resolve. Key signs include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, and gums that appear red, swollen, or feel tender. You might also notice your teeth looking longer as the gums recede, or feel that your teeth are becoming loose. This treatment is the primary non-surgical method for treating periodontal pockets that have formed between your teeth and gums, which can't be cleaned at home.

Your root planing treatment is a thorough, multi-step process. First, at your initial 45-minute consultation, we'll assess your gum health and take measurements of any periodontal pockets. The procedure itself is typically split into two appointments of about 60-90 minutes each, focusing on one side of the mouth at a time. We'll start by administering local anaesthetic to completely numb the area. Next, we use an ultrasonic scaler to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. Then, we perform the planing, carefully smoothing the tooth roots with fine instruments to prevent bacteria from re-attaching. Finally, you'll have a follow-up visit in 4-6 weeks to check on your healing and progress.

A 45-year-old patient from Muswell Hill came to us with bleeding gums and deep pockets measuring 5mm. He was concerned about losing his teeth. He took the 143 bus route to our Finchley practice for a consultation. We performed root planing over two sessions. The treatment successfully reduced his pocket depths to a healthy 2-3mm, stopping the disease progression. He now visits us for regular hygiene appointments to maintain his gum health.

A patient needed a dental implant but had active gum disease, which is a contraindication for surgery. Before proceeding with the implant, we completed a full course of root planing to create a healthy foundation. This ensured the long-term success of her implant. The entire process of stabilizing her gum health took about 8 weeks before we could move forward with her implant treatment plan.

After root planing, you can expect some tenderness and sensitivity for a few days. For the first 24-48 hours, your gums may feel sore, which is manageable with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. We recommend sticking to a soft food diet for the first couple of days and avoiding very hot or cold foods. You should continue to brush and floss, but do so gently around the treated areas. Most patients feel back to normal within a week. Red flags requiring immediate contact: Call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience severe pain that isn't managed by painkillers, excessive bleeding that doesn't stop, or signs of infection like swelling or fever. For emergencies outside these hours, please call 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

While root planing is highly effective for moderate periodontitis, with success rates around 85-90% in reducing pocket depths, it isn't the only option. If the disease is very advanced with extremely deep pockets, we may discuss surgical alternatives like periodontal flap surgery. This involves lifting the gums to gain better access for cleaning the root surfaces. In cases where a tooth is too compromised to be saved, extraction may be the only realistic alternative to prevent the infection from spreading. We always aim to save natural teeth and will discuss all viable options with you during your consultation at our Finchley practice.

The cost for private root planing treatment typically depends on the number of teeth or quadrants requiring treatment. At our practice, prices generally start from £180 per quadrant. This fee includes the local anaesthetic, the scaling and planing procedure, and any necessary follow-up checks. We are a fully private practice and do not offer NHS services. We do, however, accept patients with private dental insurance from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. We will provide you with a clear, itemised treatment plan with no hidden fees before any work begins.

To make an informed choice about your gum health, whether you consult with us or another practice in North London, here are some key questions to ask: - How many appointments will my root planing treatment require? - What are the signs of success I should look for after treatment? - How often will I need to come back for maintenance appointments to keep my gums healthy? - Does the quoted price include all follow-up visits? - What specific home care routine do you recommend after the procedure?