Experienced Periodontal Treatment for West Finchley Patients

Periodontal disease can develop without obvious signs, so you should look for early warning signals. Seek an assessment if you notice gums that bleed when you brush or floss, or if they look red, swollen, or tender. Other common indicators include persistent bad breath that does not improve with brushing, or a bad taste in your mouth. As the condition advances, you may see gum recession that makes teeth look longer, or teeth feel loose or sensitive. The Oral Health Foundation notes that some form of gum disease affects most adults in the UK, so a professional evaluation gives you a clear diagnosis and a plan to manage it. If you are in West Finchley and experience any of these issues, a timely consultation is the first step toward recovery.

Your treatment begins with a thorough 60 minute consultation. We perform a detailed exam of your gums, measure the small pockets between teeth and gums to assess the disease stage, and may use digital imaging to check bone levels. The main treatment for periodontitis is non surgical deep cleaning, known as scaling and root planing. This procedure is usually split into two 60 to 90 minute appointments under local anaesthetic for your comfort. During these sessions we carefully remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline and smooth the tooth roots to help the gums reattach. About four to six weeks after the deep cleaning, you will have a follow up appointment to check how your gums are healing and to set up a long term maintenance plan to keep the disease under control.

After a deep cleaning, it is normal to feel some tenderness and sensitivity for a few days. Your gums may be sore and you might notice sensitivity to hot and cold, which usually settles within a week. Eat soft foods for the first 24 to 48 hours and use a desensitising toothpaste. Maintain excellent oral hygiene as your gums heal, using a soft bristled brush and any special cleaning aids we provide. Red flags that require immediate contact include severe or increasing pain after three days, significant swelling, or signs of infection like pus during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For out of hours emergencies, call 111. Long term, you will need regular hygiene appointments every three to four months to prevent the disease from returning.

Prevention is the best path. Regular hygiene appointments every six months and strong at home care can stop gum disease from starting or treat its early stage, gingivitis. This approach is less invasive and more cost effective than treating advanced periodontitis. For many West Finchley patients, sticking with this routine keeps gums healthy.

If periodontitis is too advanced and has caused significant bone loss, the affected teeth may be unsalvageable. In such cases, extraction may be the only option to remove the source of infection and prevent its spread. Afterward, you can consider replacement options like dental implants or bridges, which we can discuss during your consultation.

To decide what is right for you, ask these questions whether you are consulting with us or another practice in the West Finchley area. First, based on my examination, what stage is my gum disease at? Second, how many deep cleaning sessions will I need and what will they cost? Third, what is your success rate in managing cases like mine non surgically? Fourth, what specific home care routine and products do you recommend for me? Fifth, how often will I need to return for maintenance after the initial treatment? Sixth, do you accept private dental insurance plans like Denplan or Cigna? Seventh, what technology, such as digital imaging, do you use for diagnosis and treatment?

As a private dental practice, we provide transparent pricing for all treatments. The cost of periodontal therapy depends on the severity of your condition. Early stage gingivitis may require intensive hygiene sessions, while advanced periodontitis needing multiple deep cleaning appointments will be higher. During your initial consultation, we will provide a detailed, personalised treatment plan with a full breakdown of fees so there are no hidden surprises. We accept private dental insurance from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, and our team can help you understand your coverage. A patient from West Finchley with moderate periodontitis recently required two deep cleaning sessions, with a total cost of around £800.