Advanced Gum Surgery for Barnet Patients

Advanced gum surgery is not usually the first step in treating gum issues. It is typically recommended when non surgical treatments such as deep cleaning scale and root planing have not been enough to control periodontitis. You should consider a consultation if you live in Barnet and experience persistent symptoms such as gums that bleed easily, teeth that look longer due to recession, noticeable gaps forming between teeth, or persistent bad breath. It is also the right treatment if you want to correct cosmetic concerns like an uneven gum line or excessive gum tissue that makes teeth look short. The primary goal is to halt the progression of gum disease, reduce pocket depths to make cleaning more effective, and regenerate lost tissue where possible.

The process starts with a thorough 60 minute consultation at our Finchley clinic, including digital imaging to assess the extent of gum and bone damage. The specific surgical procedure, which typically lasts between 60 to 120 minutes, is performed under local anaesthetic. For treating deep pockets, the procedure may involve gently lifting the gum tissue to remove hardened plaque deposits from the root surfaces. The area is then cleansed, and the gum is sutured back into place. For gum recession, a gum graft might be performed, where a small piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth and attached to the receded area. We use advanced techniques to minimise discomfort and ensure the procedure is as painless as possible. A follow up appointment is scheduled for 1-2 weeks later to check healing.

Your recovery depends on the type of surgery performed. For the first 24-72 hours, you can expect mild to moderate discomfort, swelling, and possibly some minor bleeding, all manageable with over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen. We advise sticking to a soft food diet yogurt, smoothies, soups for the first week to avoid disturbing the surgical site. You'll be given specific instructions on how to keep the area clean, which may involve a special antiseptic mouthwash. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days. Red flags requiring immediate contact include increasing pain after day 4, persistent bleeding, or signs of infection like fever or pus. Please call us during office hours Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7 if you experience these. For out of hours emergencies, visit A&E or call 111.

For early to moderate gum disease, scaling and root planing is the first line of defence. This deep cleaning removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline, allowing the gums to heal and reattach. It is less invasive than surgery but may not work for deep pockets or advanced bone loss.

LANAP uses a dental laser to remove diseased tissue without scalpel or sutures. It can lead to less discomfort and faster recovery, but it is not suitable for all cases and its availability varies.

For gum recession, PST is a minimally invasive option. A small hole is made in the gum tissue and repositioned to cover the exposed roots. This avoids a donor site on the palate. During your consultation, we will discuss whether this or other options fit your clinical situation.

To decide on your treatment, whether you choose us or another practice in the Barnet area, ask these essential questions: what specific type of gum surgery are you recommending and why, what is your success rate with this procedure, what is the total cost including the consultation, surgery, and all follow-up appointments, what are the potential risks or complications I should be aware of, what does the recovery process involve and how much time might I need off work, and are there any non surgical alternatives we could try first.

As a private practice, we focus on providing comprehensive care without the NHS. The cost of advanced gum surgery in the London area can vary significantly based on complexity. Surgical treatments typically start from £500-£950 per area or tooth. For example, a gum graft to treat recession on one or two teeth might be in this range. A full quote will be provided after your initial consultation, with absolutely no hidden fees. We accept several private dental insurance plans, including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please contact our team to discuss your specific coverage and how we can assist with your claim.