Gum Disease Treatment for West Finchley Patients

Periodontal (gum) disease usually starts quietly, so recognizing early signs matters. Book an assessment if your gums look red or swollen or if they bleed during brushing. Persistent bad breath or a lingering bad taste are also common indicators. As the condition progresses, you may notice receding gums that make teeth look longer or teeth that feel loose. The Oral Health Foundation notes that some form of gum disease affects most adults in the UK, so early intervention makes a difference. If you notice any of these symptoms, a professional evaluation at our Finchley practice helps determine the stage and the right course of action.

The process begins with a 45 minute assessment where we evaluate your gum health, measure pockets between teeth and gums, and may take digital X-rays to assess bone level. If active gum disease is diagnosed, the next step is usually a non surgical treatment called scaling and root planing. This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic for comfort and typically requires two appointments of 60 to 90 minutes each. We carefully clean below the gumline to remove plaque and tartar from the root surfaces, allowing the gums to heal and reattach. About six to eight weeks later, you return for a follow up to check how your gums have responded. A patient from West Finchley recently completed this two visit treatment and noticed a marked improvement in gum health within weeks.

After scaling and root planing, you may have some gum tenderness and tooth sensitivity for a few days. For the first 24 to 48 hours, rinsing gently with warm salt water can ease discomfort. Stick to soft foods and avoid very hot, cold, or spicy items. Soreness is usually manageable with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Maintain excellent oral hygiene, but brush gently over the treated areas during the first week. Long term success depends on brushing twice daily, cleaning between teeth, and attending hygiene appointments every three to six months. Red flags requiring contact: call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience severe or increasing pain after three days, significant swelling, or signs of infection such as pus. For out of hours emergencies, please call 111.

For early stage gum disease also known as gingivitis, the main alternative is an intensive professional cleaning with a dental hygienist combined with a strict home care routine. For many patients this approach reverses the condition. If the disease progresses to periodontitis with bone loss, scaling and root planing becomes necessary to stop it from worsening. In very advanced cases where a tooth cannot be saved, the only option is extraction followed by a replacement such as a dental implant or bridge. Our philosophy remains to save natural teeth whenever possible, making periodontal treatment the best choice for preserving your smile.

To make an informed choice, whether you consult with us or another practice serving the West Finchley area, ask these essential questions: what stage is my gum disease at and what is the long term prognosis, is the quoted price for the entire course of treatment including follow up appointments, how many sessions of scaling and root planing will I need, what home care instructions should I follow for best results, how often will I need maintenance appointments after the initial treatment, and do you accept private dental insurance plans such as Denplan or Cigna?

We offer full pricing transparency. Because periodontal treatment is highly personalised, we provide a detailed cost breakdown after your initial consultation. The fee depends on the severity of the gum disease and the number of appointments required. This approach ensures you only pay for the treatment you need, with no hidden fees. For context, a patient with moderate periodontitis from a nearby area recently had a full course of treatment for around £600 to £800. We are a private dental practice and do not offer NHS services, but we do accept major insurance plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. We can help you understand your coverage and plan your payments.