Expert Gum Disease Treatment for Barnet Patients

Gum disease can begin without obvious symptoms, but there are signs that show it is time to see a dentist. Book an assessment if you notice gums bleed when you brush or floss, feel sore or swollen, or look redder than usual. Other indicators include persistent bad breath, receding gums that make teeth look longer, or new spaces forming between teeth. Some form of gum disease affects many adults in the UK. Early intervention is key. A patient from Barnet recently visited us with bleeding gums, and we treated this with a professional cleaning and an at home care plan, reversing early gingivitis before it progressed.

The process starts with a thorough 60 minute consultation. We examine your gums, measure pocket depths, and may take digital X rays to check the bone level beneath the gum line. For early gingivitis, treatment is usually a professional scale and polish plus guidance on at home care. For periodontitis, the next step is non surgical deep cleaning or root planing, typically over two 60 minute sessions. This cleans below the gum line to remove bacterial deposits from the roots. We use local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable. A follow up appointment about 6 to 8 weeks later checks how your gums are healing.

After a scale and polish you should feel little discomfort. Following a deep cleaning session, you may have some tenderness and sensitivity for 2 to 3 days, which can be managed with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Stick to a soft food diet for the first 24 to 48 hours and avoid very hot or cold drinks. Long term aftercare is essential to prevent recurrence. This means brushing twice a day, daily interdental cleaning with floss or TePe brushes, and attending regular hygiene appointments every 3 to 6 months as advised. If you experience severe pain, swelling, or a fever after treatment, please call our practice during office hours.

The right treatment depends on the stage of your gum disease. For early gingivitis, the primary and most effective approach is a professional hygiene appointment with improved home care, which can often reverse the condition. If the disease has progressed to periodontitis with bone loss, a simple cleaning is not enough. Non surgical root planing is needed to clean the tooth roots. In severe cases where deep pockets remain after initial treatment, we may discuss surgical options. Ignoring the problem is the worst choice, as it leads to further bone loss and eventual tooth loss.

As a private dental practice, we provide transparent pricing with no hidden fees. A comprehensive gum health assessment costs £95. Hygienist appointments for a scale and polish start from £85. For more intensive non surgical deep cleaning or root planing, costs typically range from £400 to £800, depending on the number of appointments needed. We accept private dental insurance plans from Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. We will provide a detailed treatment plan with all costs after your initial assessment so you can make an informed choice about your care.

To choose what’s right for you, it helps to ask key questions whether you come to us or another clinic near Barnet. Ask about the specific stage of your gum disease and what that means for your long term health. Find out what type of treatment is recommended and why, and what the success rate is. You should also ask what your long term maintenance plan will look like, including how often you’ll need to return for hygiene appointments. Finally, get a clear breakdown of the costs and ask if they accept your dental insurance plan.