Expert Gum Disease & Periodontal Treatment in North Finchley

Book an assessment if you notice gum disease signs. The earliest stage, gingivitis, is reversible, but without intervention it can progress to periodontitis with lasting damage. Common symptoms include gums that bleed during brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, and red or swollen gums. As the condition progresses you may see receding gums making teeth look longer, tenderness when chewing, or teeth that feel loose. Many patients from North Finchley visit us at first bleeding, which is the ideal moment to seek help. We provide a definite diagnosis and a treatment plan to halt the disease.

Your treatment begins with a thorough 60 minute assessment. We measure pocket depths between teeth and gums to assess severity and use digital imaging to check for bone loss. For early gingivitis a professional cleaning plus customised hygiene advice is all that’s needed. For periodontitis, the next step is a course of non-surgical scaling and root planing, usually completed over two to four appointments, each lasting 45 to 60 minutes. We numb the area and clean deep below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar. Then we schedule a follow-up 6 to 8 weeks later to check healing and plan long-term maintenance.

After deep cleaning expect mild tenderness and sensitivity for a few days. Use over-the-counter pain relief as needed. Eat soft foods for the first 24 to 48 hours and avoid very hot or cold drinks. The key to long-term success is a strong oral hygiene routine at home, including brushing twice daily and cleaning between teeth as shown. Regular hygiene visits every three to six months support ongoing results. Red flags: call during office hours (Mon Wed Fri 9 to 5, Tue Thu 11 to 7) if you have severe pain that does not improve, significant swelling, or signs of infection such as pus. For emergencies after hours, go to A&E or call 111.

Managing gum disease depends on the stage. For early gingivitis the alternative to professional cleaning is better home care, but this rarely resolves the issue completely without a hygienist. For moderate periodontitis non-surgical scaling and root planing is the gold standard. The other option is doing nothing, which leads to further bone loss and eventual tooth loss. In very advanced cases where a tooth cannot be saved, the option becomes tooth extraction followed by a replacement such as a dental implant or bridge. Our philosophy is to save natural teeth whenever possible, making periodontal treatment the best first line defence.

To choose what fits you, ask a dentist about your gum health. Start with, What stage of gum disease do I have and what does that mean for my long-term health? Follow up with, What is the full treatment plan, how many visits will it take, and what is the total cost? You should also ask about long-term maintenance: How often will I see the hygienist after this initial treatment? Finally ask about their experience: How do you help patients maintain results and prevent the disease from returning?

As a fully private dental practice, NHS periodontal services are not offered. The cost depends on gum disease severity. A simple hygiene visit for early gingivitis costs less than a full course of scaling and root planing for periodontitis. After the initial assessment we provide a detailed, transparent treatment plan with a full cost breakdown and no hidden fees. We accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our team to discuss your case and receive a personalised estimate for your care.