Experienced Root Planing & Deep Cleaning in North London

Root planing is advised when plaque and tartar build up below the gumline, forming pockets where bacteria thrive. This triggers inflammation and can lead to bone loss if untreated. The Oral Health Foundation notes gum disease affects many UK adults. Book an assessment if you notice signs: gums bleed when brushing or flossing, red, swollen or tender gums, persistent bad breath, or teeth that look longer as the gums recede. A recent patient from Highgate had persistent bleeding gums. A periodontal assessment found 5mm pockets. We carried out root planing over two sessions, reduced pocket depths, stopped bleeding, and helped prevent further bone loss.

The process is straightforward and focused on your comfort. First, we perform a thorough assessment, measuring gum pocket depths to gauge the problem. The treatment is usually split into two 60 to 90 minute visits. In each session, we numb one side of your mouth with local anaesthetic so you feel no pain. Then our hygienist cleans the root surfaces below the gumline, removing plaque and tartar (scaling) and smoothing the roots (planing). This helps the gums reattach to the teeth. Finally, we give clear aftercare instructions to protect your gum health at home.

Your comfort and recovery come first. For the first 24 to 48 hours you may have mild tenderness and sensitivity. This usually fades within a few days. Stick to a soft diet for the first day and avoid very hot or cold foods. Continue brushing and flossing, but be gentle around treated areas for the first week. Follow the personalized oral hygiene plan we provide to prevent a recurrence. Red flags: call during office hours (Mon Wed Fri 9 to 5, Tue Thu 11 to 7) if you have increasing pain after day 3, swelling, or persistent bleeding. For emergencies outside these hours, call 111.

Root planing is the standard treatment for active periodontitis, with other options depending on your situation. Regular Hygienist Visits: for patients without deep pockets or bone loss (gingivitis), regular six month scale and polish appointments usually prevent gum disease from developing. Periodontal Surgery: in very advanced cases where deep cleaning alone cannot resolve deep pockets, we may refer you to a specialist for surgical treatment. Our goal is to manage gum disease without surgery first. During your consultation we will explain which approach fits your gum health.

To choose wisely about your gum health, consider these questions whether you see us or another North London practice: Based on your gum pocket measurements, why is root planing needed for you? How many appointments will the full treatment take? What home care will you follow after treatment? What signs show the treatment worked? How often will you need maintenance visits to keep gums healthy? Does the quoted cost include all follow-up visits?

As a fully private practice, we do not offer NHS dental services. The cost of root planing depends on the severity of your gum disease and the number of appointments required. We provide a full, transparent breakdown of all costs after your initial assessment, with no hidden fees. We accept several major private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please let our reception team know if you have a policy you'd like to use, and we can help you understand your coverage. A 45-year-old from Barnet came to us with advanced gum disease. Root planing was the essential first step to control the infection. His gum health is now stable with regular 3-monthly hygiene visits, which his Denplan policy helps cover.