Gentle Gum Disease Treatment for North Finchley Patients

Periodontal disease often develops quietly, so recognise early signs before it becomes severe. Book an assessment if you notice any of these symptoms. Persistent bleeding when you brush or floss is the most common indicator. You notice red, swollen, or tender gums. Other signs include persistent bad breath that does not go away after cleaning, gums pulling away from teeth (recession), or teeth feeling loose. Many patients from North Finchley visit us when they first notice these changes, allowing earlier, more effective intervention.

Your first visit lasts about 60 minutes. We assess your gum health, measure pockets around the teeth, and take digital x-rays to check the bone. Then we plan the treatment itself, a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. The procedure uses local anaesthetic to stay comfortable. It usually requires one or two appointments of 60 to 90 minutes each, during which we remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. A few weeks later you have a follow-up to review healing and set a long-term maintenance plan.

After your deep cleaning, you may experience mild sensitivity and tenderness for 2-3 days that is easily managed with over the counter pain relief. We recommend soft foods for the first 24-48 hours and avoiding very hot or cold drinks. Your main role in aftercare is maintaining excellent oral hygiene at home with the techniques we show you. Long-term success depends on this daily care and regular hygiene visits. If you experience severe pain, swelling that does not subside, or a fever, call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For out-of-hours emergencies, contact NHS 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

For most patients, non-surgical scaling and root planing gives the best first result. It helps to know the alternatives. If the disease is very advanced, we refer you to a specialist for surgical options such as flap surgery or bone grafts. The main alternative is no treatment, which we strongly advise against. Untreated periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults and can affect overall health. At your consultation we explain why non-surgical treatment is our prevention-first approach and when other options are needed.

To choose what is right for you, ask questions whether you consult with us or another practice in the North Finchley area. Ask about the long-term prognosis for your teeth and the proposed maintenance after the initial treatment. Request a full breakdown of costs, including the initial treatment and ongoing hygiene appointments. Also inquire about technology used, such as digital imaging, to assess your condition. A good provider will give clear, transparent answers to help you feel confident in your care plan.

We are a fully private dental practice and do not offer NHS periodontal treatment. The cost depends on the severity of your condition and the number of appointments required. After your initial consultation, we provide a detailed, personalised treatment plan with a full breakdown of all costs, ensuring there are no hidden fees. A typical course of non-surgical periodontal therapy ranges from a few hundred to over a thousand pounds. We accept private dental insurance plans from providers including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna, and our team helps you understand your coverage.