Understanding Periodontal Treatment Costs in East Finchley

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that hold teeth in place. It often hurts little in early stages, so recognise the warning signs. Seek an assessment if you notice gums bleed when brushing or flossing, which affects around 34% of UK adults, or persistent bad breath. Other signs include red, swollen, or tender gums. As it gets worse, gums may recede or teeth feel loose. If you are in East Finchley and see these signs, a prompt check can stop the disease from getting worse and reduce the risk of bone loss and tooth loss.

Periodontal treatment aims to control the infection and keep gum health over time. The process usually has three phases. First is the Stabilisation Phase. This step, often with several appointments of 60-90 minutes, focuses on deep cleaning. We perform scaling and root planing under local anaesthetic to remove plaque and tartar below the gum line. The goal is to stop the disease from progressing. Next comes the Corrective Phase for some patients, where minor surgical steps might reshape the gums or address bone loss, though this is not needed for everyone. Finally, the Maintenance Phase. After your initial treatment, you will have regular follow-up with our hygienist every 3-4 months to prevent return of disease and keep gums healthy. This long-term plan is key to managing the condition.

Understanding the cost of private periodontal care is a major concern. At our Finchley practice we offer full pricing transparency. Non-surgical treatment, which means deep cleaning, is the most common first step. Costs for a full course of non-surgical therapy range from £500-£700 depending on severity. This covers cleaning under local anaesthetic and follow-up checks. If surgery is needed, costs are higher, starting from £500 per area. We operate private-only and do not offer NHS care. We do accept private dental plans from providers like Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. We provide the paperwork to claim from your insurer.

To give you a clearer idea, consider these examples. A 45-year-old patient from East Finchley presented with moderate gingivitis, with bleeding gums and pocket depths of 4-5mm. His treatment involved two 60-minute sessions of deep cleaning and oral hygiene instruction, costing around £550. He now attends maintenance appointments every four months. Another patient, a 58-year-old from Highgate, had more advanced periodontitis with some bone loss. Her non-surgical treatment cost £700, and she was then referred for a specific surgical procedure on one molar, which had an additional cost. She successfully manages her condition with diligent home care and regular hygienist visits.

When managing gum disease, active treatment is usually needed but the approach varies. For very early gingivitis, the main alternative is enhanced oral hygiene and cleaning with a dental hygienist, rather than deep cleaning with a dentist. This is less invasive and less costly but works only if the disease has not progressed. For advanced cases where teeth are loose, extraction and replacement with an implant or bridge may be an option. This is a drastic step and usually a last resort, as we aim to save natural teeth whenever possible. During your consultation we explain if active periodontal treatment is the right and most conservative choice for you.

To decide about gum health, whether with our Finchley practice or another provider, here are key questions to ask: What stage is my gum disease at? What does the quoted treatment cost include and are there separate fees for reviews or x-rays? What are the success rates and what happens if it does not work? How many appointments does the initial treatment phase take? What is the long-term maintenance schedule and cost? Do you have postgraduate training in treating gum disease? What home care routine do you recommend to support the treatment?

After deep cleaning, expect tenderness and sensitivity for a few days. Gums may feel sore for 2-3 days. You might notice some gum recession as swelling subsides; this signals healing. Eat soft foods for the first 24-48 hours. The most important part of aftercare is a strong home hygiene routine to keep bacteria away. Long-term, maintenance visits every 3-4 months are needed. Red flags: severe or increasing pain after 3 days, significant swelling, or fever. Call the practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For after-hours emergencies, contact NHS 111.