Expert Gum Disease Treatment in East Finchley (N2)

Gum disease often starts without obvious symptoms. You should book an assessment if you notice any of these signs: gums bleed when you brush or floss, even a little; gums look red, swollen, or feel tender; persistent bad breath that does not improve after cleaning; or gums pulling away from teeth. In later stages, teeth may feel loose or gaps may appear. Prompt treatment helps prevent irreversible damage. If you live in East Finchley or nearby North London, a professional evaluation is the first step to restoring your gum health.

Your journey begins with a 45 minute assessment. We will examine your mouth and measure the spaces between teeth and gums to gauge gum health. For early gum disease, a thorough scale and polish with our hygienist usually takes 45 to 60 minutes and removes plaque above and below the gumline. If more advanced disease is present, we may recommend a non surgical deep cleaning called Root Surface Debridement. This typically takes place over two or more 60 minute appointments under local anaesthetic for comfort. We then schedule a follow up 6 to 8 weeks later to review healing and set a long term maintenance plan to prevent recurrence.

After a deep cleaning you may have tenderness and sensitivity for two to three days. This is normal and manageable with ordinary pain relievers. Your gums might bleed a little when you brush next, but this should lessen within a week as they heal. Rinse with warm salt water for the first few days to aid healing. Maintain excellent oral hygiene with gentle but thorough brushing and daily cleaning between teeth with interdental brushes. If your gums feel particularly sore, stick to a soft diet for a day or two. Red flags requiring immediate contact: call our practice during office hours if you experience increasing pain after day three, significant swelling, or fever. For emergencies outside hours, go to A&E or call 111.

For gingivitis and mild to moderate periodontitis, non surgical deep cleaning is the standard and most effective treatment. In very severe cases other options may be needed. One alternative is a referral to a specialist for surgical treatment if deep pockets around the teeth do not respond to initial therapy. Another approach for very advanced disease with loose teeth is extraction and replacement with implants or a bridge. Our practice aims to save natural teeth when possible, so non surgical treatment remains our main focus. For patients with very mild signs, an enhanced home hygiene routine plus regular professional cleanings may manage the condition without deep cleaning.

To choose what is right for you, ask questions whether you see us or another practice in East Finchley. Key topics include the stage of your gum disease and what that means for long term tooth health, whether you need one cleaning or a course of visits, the home care routine and products you should use, how often you should return for maintenance, total costs and whether follow up is included, and any lifestyle factors such as smoking that affect your gums.

As a private practice our fees reflect the time and expertise needed. The cost depends on the severity. A routine hygiene appointment for mild gingivitis has a fixed fee. For periodontitis requiring deep cleaning the charge depends on the number of sessions. We'll provide a full itemised plan and a clear quote after your initial assessment. We accept several private plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our reception to discuss your plan before your appointment.