Expert Periodontal Treatment in East Finchley

You should book an assessment if you notice signs of gum disease. Early stage gingivitis is reversible, but periodontitis is not. Look for gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, or red, swollen and tender gums. As the condition worsens you may see gums recede, making teeth look longer, or teeth feel loose. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in UK adults, so early care at our Finchley clinic helps prevent this. You are a good candidate for assessment if you have a family history of gum disease or if you smoke, as these raise risk.

Your treatment starts with a 60 minute comprehensive assessment. First we perform a Basic Periodontal Examination to screen for gum disease and measure the small pockets between your teeth and gums. Next we may take digital X-rays to check the bone levels supporting your teeth. For early gingivitis a professional deep cleaning may be all that is needed. For more advanced periodontitis the next step is non surgical root surface debridement, often completed over 2 to 4 appointments of 60 minutes each under local anaesthetic. This involves carefully cleaning the root surfaces to remove plaque and tartar. Finally we schedule a follow-up review 8 to 12 weeks later to assess healing and plan long term maintenance. For example, a recent patient from East Finchley with early bleeding gums required only one hygiene visit to resolve the issue, while a patient from Muswell Hill with deeper pockets needed a full course of root surface debridement over a month.

Immediately after root surface debridement you may have some tenderness and sensitivity for a few days. The first 24 to 48 hours are key; stick to a soft food diet like soup, yogurt, and smoothies, and avoid very hot or cold drinks. You can manage discomfort with over the counter painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen. It is essential to maintain excellent oral hygiene, but be gentle around the treated areas for the first week. We will provide specific instructions on brushing and using interdental cleaning aids. Long term success depends on your home care and regular hygiene appointments, typically every three to six months. Red flags such as severe or increasing pain after three days, heavy bleeding, or swelling mean you should call us. Contact our practice during office hours to discuss these symptoms. For out of hours emergencies, visit A&E or call 111.

We aim for transparent pricing. A comprehensive periodontal assessment is quoted during the initial consultation. Treatment for early-stage gingivitis, such as a hygiene appointment for scaling and polishing, has a fixed fee. For more advanced periodontitis needing root surface debridement the cost varies with severity and the number of sessions required. We provide a fully itemised treatment plan with all costs before any work begins so there are no surprises. This fee covers all necessary appointments and a review to check healing. We are a private dental practice and accept insurance from major providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. We will assist with any paperwork required for your claim.

The main alternative to active periodontal care is no treatment at all. This is not advisable because the disease can progress to more bone loss, loose teeth, and eventual extraction. If a tooth cannot be saved due to severe disease, options include a fixed dental bridge, which may require preparation of adjacent teeth, or a removable partial denture which can feel bulky. The most ideal but costly option is a dental implant, which replaces the tooth root but needs healthy bone. The best approach is to save natural teeth through effective periodontal care whenever possible.

To make an informed choice about your care whether you come to us or another practice in North London, here are important questions to ask: What stage is my gum disease and what does that mean for my long term health? What is the full cost of the plan, including follow up visits? What is your success rate in stabilising conditions similar to mine? Will the treatment be performed by a general dentist or someone with further training in periodontics? What home care routine will I need to follow to maintain the results? How often will I need to return for maintenance after the initial course?