Expert Periodontal & Gum Disease Treatment in Finchley

You should book a dental assessment if you notice signs of gum disease, known as gingivitis in its early stages and periodontitis when it has advanced. Do not wait for discomfort to worsen, early intervention is key. Symptoms include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath, and gums that appear red, swollen, or tender. You may notice your gums receding, making teeth look longer, or in advanced cases, teeth feel loose. Many Finchley patients visit us at the first sign of bleeding, which is the ideal time to act. Gum disease is often painless until it progresses, so regular check-ups are essential for detection.

Treatment starts with a thorough 60 minute consultation. We perform a detailed examination, including measuring the pockets between teeth and gums to assess the stage. Based on the diagnosis, we begin active treatment. This usually means a deep cleaning called root surface debridement under local anaesthetic for comfort. It is typically completed over two to four 60-minute appointments, during which we clean below the gum line to remove tartar and bacteria. About three months after treatment, we schedule a follow-up to review healing and gum health improvement. Long-term success relies on your commitment to a reinforced home care routine, which we guide you through.

Right after treatment you may have mild tenderness and sensitivity for a few days, manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Avoid very hot or cold foods during this period. Focus on excellent oral hygiene: brush twice daily and use interdental brushes or floss daily to clean between teeth. Regular hygiene visits every 3 to 6 months help prevent recurrence. A patient from East Finchley found that building this routine took a couple of weeks but became second nature and helped keep gums healthy long term. Red flags: Call our practice during office hours (Mon Wed Fri 9 to 5, Tue Thu 11 to 7) if you have severe or increasing pain after three days, significant swelling, or signs of infection like pus. For emergencies outside these hours, contact NHS 111 or go to your nearest A&E.

When gum disease is active, the main alternative is not seeking treatment, which leads to serious consequences. Periodontitis is a progressive disease that will destroy the bone supporting teeth if left untreated, leading to tooth loss. For a patient with moderate periodontitis, not acting could mean losing several teeth within five to ten years. The options then become more complex and costly, such as dental implants from £2,500 per tooth or removable dentures. Therefore periodontal therapy is a necessary intervention to preserve natural teeth long term. The most effective alternative is prevention through diligent daily oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups.

To make an informed choice about your gum health, here are essential questions to ask whether you are consulting with our team in Finchley or another practice: Inquire about your stage of gum disease and what that means for your teeth long term. Ask about the expected success rate and whether the disease can be fully cured. Seek recommendations for a home care routine and products suited to you. Find out how often you will need maintenance visits after the initial treatment. Request the full cost of the treatment plan including follow-ups. Ask if lifestyle factors such as smoking or diet require changes.

The cost varies with the severity of your condition. After the initial consultation and diagnosis, we provide a fully itemised treatment plan with transparent costs and no hidden fees. As a private practice we do not offer NHS services. However, we accept several major private dental insurance plans including Denplan, Cigna, and Max Bupa, which may cover part of your treatment. We will assist you with the necessary paperwork for your insurer. Our aim is to provide high quality care that offers long-term value for your health.