Advanced Dental Cleaning in East Finchley for Gum Health

A specialist or 'deep' cleaning is a form of periodontal therapy, not a cosmetic treatment. It's medically necessary when signs of gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis) are present. You're likely a candidate if you experience symptoms like gums that bleed when you brush, swollen or tender gums, bad breath that won't go away, or teeth that appear longer as gums recede. For example, a patient from Muswell Hill came to us with bleeding gums and was diagnosed with early periodontitis; a course of deep cleaning stopped the disease from progressing. This treatment is also suitable if you have significant tartar buildup below the gum line that a standard hygienist visit can't address, often seen in smokers or those with specific medical conditions.

The process is more involved than a standard clean. First, you'll have a 60-minute consultation where we perform a detailed examination, including measuring the 'pockets' between your teeth and gums. Next, the treatment itself, often split over two 60-minute appointments, is performed under local anaesthetic to ensure comfort. We then use specialised tools to meticulously remove plaque and tartar from above and, more importantly, below the gum line—a procedure called scaling. This is followed by root planing, where we smooth the tooth roots to help your gums reattach firmly. Finally, we'll give the teeth a thorough polish. We use digital imaging to track your progress at follow-up visits, which are typically scheduled 3 months later.

It's normal to experience some sensitivity and mild tenderness for a few days after the procedure. Your gums might feel a little sore, but this is a sign of healing. For the first 24-48 hours, stick to a soft food diet and avoid very hot or cold drinks. You can manage any discomfort with over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen. We'll provide specific instructions on how to brush and clean between your teeth while your gums are healing. Long-term maintenance is key; you'll likely need to see the hygienist more frequently, perhaps every 3-4 months, to maintain your gum health. Red flags call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7): increasing pain after day 3, significant swelling, or signs of infection. For genuine emergencies outside these hours, please visit A&E or call 111.

The main alternative is a standard hygienist visit (scale and polish). This is excellent for prevention and removing surface stains and tartar above the gum line in a healthy mouth. However, it's not a treatment for active gum disease and won't address infection in deep gum pockets. The other alternative, if gum disease is left to progress, is tooth extraction. This is a last resort that we always aim to avoid through timely periodontal care. A patient from Highgate was considering extraction due to a loose tooth, but a successful deep cleaning treatment stabilised the tooth and saved it. During your consultation, we'll explain why deep cleaning is or isn't the right path for you.

As a fully private practice, we don't offer NHS treatments. The cost for specialist deep cleaning reflects the time, skill, and equipment required. Prices typically start from £150 per quadrant (a quarter of your mouth) and a full course of treatment will be quoted following your initial assessment. This fee includes the local anaesthetic, detailed cleaning, and a personalised aftercare plan with no hidden fees. We accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to your consultation so we can help clarify your coverage.

To help you decide about gum health, here are essential questions to ask during your consultation or with any practice in East Finchley: based on my gum measurements, why is a deep cleaning needed over a standard one? How many appointments will the full treatment take? What is the total cost and what does it include? What home care routine will I follow afterwards? How often will I need maintenance visits to keep gums healthy? Do you have before and after examples similar to mine?