Expert Periodontal Therapy for Barnet Residents

Periodontal therapy, or gum disease treatment, is necessary when plaque and tartar buildup cause significant inflammation and infection in your gums. You should seek an assessment if you experience persistent symptoms like gums that bleed when you brush or floss, red or swollen gums, or constant bad breath. Other warning signs include receding gums that make your teeth look longer, or new spaces appearing between your teeth. This treatment is the primary way to halt the progression of gum disease, which, if left untreated, can lead to bone and tooth loss. Statistics from the Oral Health Foundation show that most adults in the UK have some degree of gum disease, making early intervention important. If you live in Barnet and have these concerns, a consultation at our nearby Finchley practice is the first step to a healthier mouth.

The process of treating gum disease is thorough and structured to ensure the best outcome. First, you'll attend a 60-minute consultation where we perform a detailed examination, including measuring the 'pockets' between your teeth and gums, and may take digital X-rays to assess bone levels. Next, the treatment itself, known as scaling and root planing, begins. This non-surgical deep cleaning is usually done over two or more appointments, each lasting 60-90 minutes, where we remove tartar and plaque from below the gum line. We perform this using local anaesthetic for your comfort. Then, about 8-12 weeks after your final cleaning session, you'll return for a review to check how your gums are healing and measure the pocket depths again. Finally, we'll establish a long-term maintenance plan, typically involving hygiene appointments every 3-6 months to prevent recurrence.

After a scaling and root planing session, you can expect some tenderness and sensitivity for a few days. For the first 24-48 hours, your gums may feel sore, which can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. We advise sticking to a soft food diet for a day or two and avoiding very hot or cold drinks. It's vital to maintain excellent oral hygiene, but be gentle around the treated areas for the first few days. We'll provide specific instructions on brushing and using interdental tools. Red flags requiring immediate contact: Call our practice on 0203 488 0335 during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9am-5pm, Tue/Thu 11am-7pm) if you experience severe or increasing pain after 3 days, significant swelling, or signs of an infection like pus. For genuine emergencies outside of these hours, please call 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

While non-surgical periodontal therapy is the gold standard for treating moderate gum disease, there are other considerations. The main alternative is prevention through regular dental hygiene appointments and impeccable home care, which can stop gingivitis from progressing to periodontitis. For very advanced cases where deep pockets persist after therapy, we might discuss referral for surgical options, such as flap surgery to clean the root surfaces directly. In the most severe instances where a tooth cannot be saved, the alternative is extraction, followed by replacement with a dental implant or bridge. Our philosophy is always to save natural teeth where possible, so we'll explore all viable options with you.

The cost of periodontal therapy depends entirely on the severity of your gum disease and the number of sessions required. After your initial consultation and assessment, we provide a fully itemised treatment plan with no hidden fees, so you understand the investment in your health. As a private practice, we do not offer NHS services. However, we accept several major dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your consultation, and we can help you understand your coverage. Our focus is on providing lasting value by preventing more complex and costly problems in the future.

To make an informed choice about your care, whether with us or another practice in the Barnet area, here are some key questions to ask. First, based on my examination, what stage is my gum disease at? Also ask what the success rate is for non-surgical therapy in cases like mine and what my long-term maintenance plan will look like. It's also good to know what is included in the quoted cost and if there are any additional fees for follow-up appointments. Finally, ask what specific home care routine and products they recommend for me to maintain the results.