Gum Surgery in Finchley for Healthy Gums & Confident Smiles

Gum surgery is not only for severe cases. It addresses health and cosmetic concerns. You are a suitable candidate if you have signs of advanced gum disease that do not respond to deep cleaning, such as deep pockets between teeth and gums. Gum recession is another common reason, when the gum tissue pulls away and exposes the tooth root, causing sensitivity. Cosmetic reasons also drive interest, like reducing a gummy smile where excess gum tissue makes teeth look short. If your gums affect your confidence or your dental health, a visit to our Finchley practice helps decide the best plan.

A gum graft treats recession. The procedure moves tissue from the roof of your mouth to the receded area. This covers the exposed tooth root, reduces sensitivity, and helps prevent decay. A recent patient in Finchley had severe sensitivity on a lower canine due to recession. The graft covered the root, ending the pain and helping stop further bone loss. The procedure also smooths the gum line for a healthier, more stable foundation.

For people who feel too much gum shows when they smile, gingivectomy or gum contouring can make a big difference. This procedure removes a small amount of excess gum tissue to shape the gum line and reveal more of the natural tooth. A teacher from a nearby North London school visited us because he felt self-conscious about his smile. The 60-minute gum contouring procedure changed his look, creating a more balanced smile. It is a precise cosmetic treatment with a quick recovery.

Your treatment starts with a 60-minute consultation, where we assess your gum health, discuss your goals, and take any necessary digital scans. The surgery itself is performed under local anaesthetic, so you feel pressure but no pain. Depending on the procedure, it takes between 60 to 90 minutes. For a gum graft, we first prepare the recipient site, then place and secure the graft tissue. For gum contouring, we precisely remove and reshape the gum line. After the procedure, we provide detailed aftercare instructions. You have a follow-up appointment in 1-2 weeks to check healing.

Recovery depends on the type of surgery. In the first 24-48 hours, expect mild swelling and discomfort, manageable with over-the-counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. A soft food diet is recommended for the first week, avoiding hard, crunchy, or spicy foods. You will need to adjust brushing around the treated area for a week or two. Most patients return to work the next day. Following the aftercare plan supports proper healing. Call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience heavy bleeding that won’t stop, increased pain after day three, or signs of infection like fever or pus.

As a private dental practice, we provide a full, transparent quote after your initial consultation. The cost of gum surgery depends on the complexity and type of procedure required. For example, cosmetic gum contouring for several teeth differs in price from a single-tooth gum graft. We ensure you understand all the fees involved with no hidden costs. We accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your consultation, and we can clarify your coverage and assist with paperwork.

For early-to-moderate gum disease, the primary alternative is non-surgical deep cleaning (scaling and root planing). This procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line to help the gums reattach to the teeth. However, this is effective only for certain stages of gum disease and won’t correct recession or a gummy smile. For cosmetic concerns about tooth length, alternatives include dental bonding or porcelain veneers, which change the shape and size of teeth. They do not address the underlying gum issue. We discuss all suitable options with you during your assessment.

To choose what suits you best, here are important questions to ask any dentist, whether at our practice in Finchley or elsewhere. What are the long-term success rates for this procedure? What are the specific risks in my case? How much discomfort should I expect, and for how long? Will the results look natural? Does the quoted price include all follow-up appointments? What aftercare is needed for the best results? Understanding these points helps you make an informed decision about your oral health.