Gum Disease Treatment Prices in Finchley Central

The final cost for treating gum disease depends on the stage of the condition. Early gum disease, or gingivitis, is simpler and cheaper to treat than advanced gum disease, or periodontitis, which involves bone loss around the teeth. At our Finchley practice we provide a detailed, personalised treatment plan after your initial assessment. Key cost factors include the number of appointments, the type of cleaning required (standard scale and polish versus deep cleaning), and the need for follow up care. An initial hygienist appointment starts from £95. For more advanced cases requiring deep cleaning (root surface debridement) across multiple appointments, the total cost ranges from £400 to £800. We are a private practice and accept insurance from providers such as Max Bupa, Denplan and Cigna.

You should seek professional advice if you notice any signs of gum disease, as early intervention is key to preventing more serious damage. Many people don't experience pain, so it's important to watch for other symptoms. You're likely a good candidate for treatment if you experience bleeding gums when you brush or floss, which is the most common early sign. Other indicators include red, swollen, or tender gums, persistent bad breath, or a bad taste in your mouth. As the condition progresses, you might notice your gums receding, making your teeth look longer, or your teeth becoming loose. If you see any of these signs, a consultation at our Finchley practice is the first step to getting your gum health back on track.

Your treatment process starts with a 45 minute comprehensive periodontal assessment. We'll examine your gums, measure pockets between your gums and teeth, and may take digital X-rays to check the bone level. For early gingivitis, treatment might involve one or two 45 minute hygienist appointments for a thorough scale and polish and advice on home care. For periodontitis, the next step is deep cleaning, known as Root Surface Debridement. This is usually done over two to four 60 minute appointments under local anaesthetic to ensure comfort. We'll meticulously clean the root surfaces below the gum line to remove plaque and tartar. Finally, you'll have a follow up appointment 6-8 weeks later to assess healing and determine your ongoing maintenance plan.

After a standard hygiene visit, you should experience no discomfort. Following a deep cleaning session, it's normal to feel some tenderness and sensitivity for 2-3 days, which can be managed with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. Your gums may feel a little sore, but this will quickly subside. We recommend avoiding very hot or cold foods for the first 24-48 hours. The most important part of aftercare is maintaining an excellent oral hygiene routine at home with brushing and interdental cleaning. Long term, you'll need regular maintenance appointments with our hygienist, typically every 3-6 months, to prevent the disease from recurring. Red flags: Call our practice during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience severe or increasing pain after 3 days, significant swelling, or signs of infection. For out of hours emergencies, visit A&E or call 111.

The main alternative to active gum disease treatment is prevention through careful home care and regular professional cleanings. If you catch gingivitis early, improving your brushing and flossing can often reverse it. Once periodontitis develops and bone is lost, professional treatment is needed to stop its progression. For very advanced cases where teeth are extremely loose and cannot be saved, the alternative to periodontal treatment is extraction. After extraction, we can discuss replacement options like dental implants or bridges. During your consultation, we will always focus on saving natural teeth where possible and we will explain all viable options for your situation.

To make an informed choice about your care, whether you consult with us or another practice in the Finchley Central area, here are some key questions to ask. First, ask for a clear breakdown of the total treatment cost and what it includes – are follow up visits extra? You should also ask what results you can realistically expect and what the long term prognosis is for your teeth. It's also wise to ask how often you will need to attend maintenance appointments after the initial treatment is complete. Finally, ask about the qualifications and experience of the hygienist or dentist who will be performing the treatment and what payment plans or insurance options they accept.