Gum Disease & Periodontal Treatment for West Finchley Patients

Periodontal treatment is needed when bacteria and plaque cause infection and inflammation in the gums, which can damage the bone that holds teeth. Book an assessment if you notice signs of gum disease. The Oral Health Foundation notes that gum disease affects many adults in the UK, and early action matters. Symptoms include gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, and gums that look longer because of recession. In advanced cases your teeth may feel loose and gaps may appear. Even mild symptoms deserve a professional evaluation to determine the extent of the issue.

Your treatment aims to be thorough and comfortable. First, you have a comprehensive 60 minute assessment. We measure the pocket depths between teeth and gums and may take digital X rays to check for bone loss. Then the deep cleaning, known as scaling and root planing, begins. It usually takes one to four 60 minute appointments depending on severity. We use local anaesthetic so you feel no pain as we clean tartar and plaque from below the gum line. Afterward, we give clear home care instructions, which are essential for success. Finally we schedule a follow up about three months later to recheck pockets and confirm healing.

After deep cleaning you may have some tenderness and sensitivity for a few days. Use standard painkillers as needed. Your gums may feel sore, but this should improve within a week. You should follow a strict at home oral hygiene routine, using interdental brushes and any techniques we show you. This is a lifelong effort to keep the disease from returning. A West Finchley patient who needed two deep cleanings stopped bleeding within two weeks by following our hygiene plan. Long term, you’ll need regular hygiene visits every three to six months to prevent recurrence. Call during office hours (Mon Wed Fri 9 to 5, Tue Thu 11 to 7) if you have severe pain that does not improve, significant swelling, or signs of an abscess such as pus.

With gum disease the main option is to avoid action, which leads to further bone loss and tooth loss. The primary approach is non surgical periodontal therapy, the deep cleaning described above, which works for most cases. For very advanced periodontitis surgery may be needed, and we would refer you to a trusted specialist if necessary. The key is prevention. For example, a patient from nearby Mill Hill came with early gingivitis and improved after one thorough hygiene visit and better home care, avoiding more extensive treatment. The best approach is to treat early to prevent complex procedures later.

The cost depends on how severe your condition is and how many deep cleaning sessions you need. A mild case of gingivitis may require a standard hygiene appointment, while advanced periodontitis needing four scaling and root planing sessions costs more. At your initial 60 minute consultation we provide a clear treatment plan with all costs listed. There are no hidden fees. We are a private practice and do not offer NHS treatment, but we accept private dental insurance from providers such as Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your consultation so we can explain your coverage.

To make a well informed choice about your oral health, here are some important questions to ask any provider in the West Finchley area. What stage is my gum disease and what does that mean for my teeth long term? How many deep cleaning appointments will I need? What home care routine and tools do you recommend for my situation? How often will I need maintenance appointments after the initial treatment? What is the full cost of the proposed plan, including follow ups? Finally, ask to see the pocket depth measurements so you can track progress over time.