Expert Scaling & Root Planing Treatment in Finchley

Scaling and root planing is the standard treatment for active gum disease, not just prevention. Schedule an assessment if you have symptoms suggesting periodontitis. Symptoms include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, tenderness or swelling, or gums that pull away from teeth, making teeth look longer. A persistent bad breath that does not improve after brushing is another sign. A dental exam that reveals pockets between teeth and gums measuring 4 mm or deeper indicates suitability. Many Finchley patients choose this as the first step to stabilise oral health before other work like crowns or bridges.

First we conduct a thorough assessment, including pocket measurements around each tooth, to map areas needing treatment. The procedure is usually split over two visits, about 60 to 90 minutes each, focusing on one side of the mouth at a time. To ensure comfort we numb the area with a local anaesthetic. Then using specialised tools we remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line (scaling). Next we smooth the tooth roots (planing) to reduce future bacteria and help gums heal. The Oral Health Foundation notes this non surgical approach is highly effective, with success rates over 80% for stabilising gum disease when paired with good home care.

Your gums may feel tender for a few days after the procedure. In the first 24 to 48 hours stick to soft foods like soup, yoghurt, and mashed potatoes and avoid very hot, spicy, or crunchy items. You might notice sensitivity to cold, which usually eases within a week or two. We will show you how to keep the area clean with gentle brushing and may recommend an antimicrobial mouthwash for the first week. It is essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene long term to prevent recurrence. A North Finchley patient, a 45 year old who was nervous about the procedure, reported only mild tenderness for two days and returned to work the next day. Red flags to report during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9 to 5, Tue/Thu 11 to 7) are severe pain not relieved by painkillers, swelling that worsens after three days, or a fever or signs of infection.

While root planing is highly effective for moderate periodontitis, other options exist depending on the stage of your gum health. For early stage gum inflammation (gingivitis), regular professional hygiene appointments every 3 to 6 months may be enough to reverse the condition and prevent it from progressing. However, this won't be effective if deep pockets have already formed. In cases of advanced periodontitis with very deep pockets (over 6mm) and significant bone loss, we may refer you to a specialist for surgical options, such as flap surgery or bone grafts. During your consultation at our Finchley practice, we'll explain which approach is best suited for your specific clinical needs.

To choose what's right for you, ask these questions whether consulting with us or another practice in North London: - How many appointments will the full treatment require? - What is the total cost, and does it include follow-up appointments? - Will I need local anaesthetic for the procedure? - What are the signs that the treatment has been successful? - How often will I need to return for maintenance appointments afterwards? - Do you have before and after examples of patients you have treated? - What specific home care routine do you recommend to maintain the results?

As a private practice, we provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees. The cost for scaling and root planing is based on the number of quadrants (quarters of the mouth) requiring treatment. Prices typically start from £150-£250 per quadrant. The total cost will be confirmed following your initial assessment. For example, a patient from Muswell Hill with generalised gum disease required treatment in all four quadrants, which was completed over two 90-minute sessions. We accept private dental insurance, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, which may cover a portion of your treatment cost. We'll provide all the necessary documentation for you to make a claim.