Gum Infection Treatment Costs for Muswell Hill Patients

It is important to see a dentist if you notice signs of gum trouble, as early treatment is simpler and less costly. Book an assessment if your gums bleed when you brush or floss, which is the most common early sign of gingivitis. Other symptoms that require attention include persistent bad breath that does not improve after cleaning, red or swollen gums, and tenderness when you touch your gums. If the infection has progressed, you might see your teeth appearing longer as gums recede, or feel that some teeth are becoming loose. Many patients from Muswell Hill visit us when they notice these signs, seeking a clear diagnosis and a plan to restore their gum health.

Your treatment starts with a thorough 60 minute consultation. We will assess your gum health, measure pockets between teeth and gums, and may take digital X rays to check the bone level beneath. This helps us identify the stage of the infection. For early-stage gingivitis, a professional cleaning and oral hygiene instruction might be enough. For more advanced periodontitis, the next step is a deep clean, also known as scaling and root planing. This procedure, which takes 60 to 90 minutes per session, involves cleaning below the gum line to remove bacteria and tartar. It is performed under local anaesthetic for comfort. Finally, we schedule a follow up appointment in 6 to 8 weeks to check healing and discuss a long term maintenance plan.

After a deep cleaning, you may experience some tenderness and sensitivity for a few days. Manage this with over the counter pain relief. A soft food diet for the first 24 to 48 hours helps. Your gums might feel sore, but this should improve within a week. The key part of aftercare is maintaining excellent oral hygiene at home to prevent reinfection. This means brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth daily. Long term, plan for regular hygiene appointments every 3 to 6 months to keep your gums healthy. Red flags: call our practice during office hours (Mon Wed Fri 9 5, Tue Thu 11 7) if you experience severe pain that does not improve, significant swelling, or signs of an abscess like pus.

While there is no true substitute for professional treatment of an active gum infection, some patients ask about alternatives. The main option is rigorous at home care, including antiseptic mouthwash and meticulous brushing and flossing. While this is essential for prevention and maintenance, it cannot remove hardened tartar below the gum line and will not resolve an established infection. In very severe cases where teeth are loose and the supporting bone is lost, the only alternative to gum treatment might be tooth extraction followed by a replacement like a dental implant or bridge. Our philosophy is to save natural teeth whenever possible, making professional gum treatment the best first option.

To make an informed choice about your care, whether you consult with us or another practice in the Muswell Hill area, here are some key questions. First, ask for a full breakdown of the treatment plan cost—does it include the initial assessment, X rays, and all cleaning sessions? You should also ask what type of follow up care is included in the price. It is a good idea to inquire about the cost of ongoing maintenance appointments, as these are vital for long term success. Finally, ask if they accept your private dental insurance such as Denplan or Cigna, and what payment options are available.

We believe in full transparency with our pricing. A comprehensive periodontal assessment at our Finchley practice costs £120. Standard hygiene appointments are £95. For active gum infections, non surgical periodontal therapy or deep cleaning typically ranges from £400 to £900 for a full course of treatment. This price includes the local anaesthetic and a follow up review appointment. The final cost depends on the severity of the infection and the number of appointments needed. We accept private dental insurance from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. We provide a detailed, itemised treatment plan with no hidden fees after your initial consultation. A recent patient from Muswell Hill with early periodontitis required two sessions of deep cleaning, costing £650 in total, and now manages their condition with regular hygiene visits.