Gum Disease Treatment for Barnet Patients

If you live in Barnet and notice signs of gum disease such as gingivitis or periodontitis, you should book an assessment. The earliest sign is gums that bleed when you brush or floss. This is a signal that plaque bacteria are causing inflammation and should not be ignored. Other signs include red, swollen, or tender gums, persistent bad breath, and a bad taste. As gum disease progresses to periodontitis, you may notice gums that recede, making teeth look longer, or pockets forming between teeth and gums. In advanced stages, teeth may become loose, painful to chew, and at risk of being lost. If you notice any of these symptoms, a professional evaluation is essential to prevent irreversible damage.

Your first visit lasts about 45-60 minutes and includes a thorough periodontal examination. We measure pocket depths between teeth and gums to assess severity. X-rays may be taken to check for bone loss around the teeth, a key sign of periodontitis. We discuss our findings, explain the stage of your gum disease, and create a personalised treatment plan. This initial phase aims to give you a clear understanding of your gum health and the steps needed to restore it.

The main treatment for gum disease is a deep cleaning known as scaling and root planing. This typically requires one or two appointments of 60-90 minutes each, often under local anaesthetic for comfort. We remove plaque and hardened tartar from above and below the gumline. The root surfaces are smoothed to help the gums reattach to the teeth and discourage future bacteria. For many patients with early to moderate gum disease, this step stops the disease from progressing.

About 4-6 weeks after the deep cleaning, you return for a review. We re-measure gum pockets to assess healing and determine if further treatment is needed. Long-term success depends on your home care and regular professional maintenance. We schedule hygiene appointments every 3-4 months to keep your gums healthy and prevent a return of the disease.

After a deep cleaning you may experience tenderness and sensitivity for a few days. This should ease within a week. Avoid very hot or cold foods and stick to a softer diet for the first 24-48 hours. The most important part of aftercare is maintaining excellent oral hygiene. We provide detailed brushing instructions and show you how to clean between your teeth with interdental brushes or floss. Long-term maintenance involves regular hygiene visits every 3-4 months to prevent a recurrence. If you have severe pain, swelling, or signs of infection, call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7).

The main alternative to professional gum disease treatment is attempting to manage it at home with improved brushing and flossing. While good oral hygiene is essential, it cannot remove hardened tartar below the gum line, so the disease often progresses. In very advanced cases where teeth are severely loose and bone loss is significant, extraction followed by replacement with a dental implant or bridge may be considered. Our philosophy remains to save natural teeth whenever possible. Professional periodontal treatment is the only proven method to halt the disease, prevent tooth loss, and protect your overall health, since gum disease is linked to conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

As a private practice, we provide transparent pricing for all our treatments. An initial periodontal consultation is required to assess the severity of the condition. Non-surgical gum disease treatment (scaling and root planing) varies in cost depending on the extent of the disease and the number of sessions required. We offer a detailed, personalised treatment plan with all costs clearly outlined after your initial assessment, with no hidden fees. Our practice accepts several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact us to discuss your coverage and how we can help you manage the cost of your treatment.

To make an informed choice about your care, whether with us or another practice in the Barnet area, here are key questions to ask: What stage is my gum disease at, and is it reversible? What treatment do you recommend and what does it involve? How many appointments will the treatment take? What are the total costs, and are hygiene maintenance visits included? What are the risks if I choose not to have the treatment? How will you measure the success of the treatment over time? What home care routine should I follow to prevent a recurrence?