Advanced Gum Surgery for Muswell Hill Patients

Advanced gum surgery is recommended when non surgical treatments fail to control periodontitis. A patient is a candidate if deep gum pockets over 5mm cannot be cleaned effectively at home or with standard hygiene. Other signs include persistent bleeding from your gums, teeth that appear longer due to gum recession, or teeth that have become loose. Many patients from Muswell Hill pursue this treatment to stop progression of gum disease and protect long term dental health. The aim is to stop bone loss and create a gum environment that is easy to maintain.

Start with a detailed 60 minute consultation with digital imaging to map areas needing treatment. On the day of the procedure, which lasts 60 to 90 minutes, the area is numb with local anaesthetic so you feel no pain. The dentist makes a small incision to lift the gum tissue and access root surfaces. This allows a thorough cleaning of hardened plaque and bacteria. If bone loss exists, a bone graft may be placed to support the tooth. Finally the gums are repositioned and stitched. You return for a follow up in 7-10 days for stitch removal and to check healing.

Recovery is important for success. In the first 24-48 hours expect mild swelling and discomfort, managed with over the counter painkillers such as ibuprofen. Apply an ice pack to the outside of the cheek for 15 minutes at a time. Stick to a soft food diet for the first few days—think soups, smoothies, and yoghurt. Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 48 hours. You will receive specific instructions to keep the area clean, which may include a special antiseptic mouthwash. Long term, maintain excellent oral hygiene to keep gum disease at bay. Red flags requiring immediate contact: Call our practice on 0203 488 0335 during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7) if you experience persistent bleeding that does not stop with pressure, increasing pain after day 3, or a fever. For out-of-hours emergencies, please contact NHS 111 or visit your nearest A&E.

The main alternative is scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning under local anaesthetic to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. This is often the first line of defence against periodontitis and is effective for moderate cases. However, for deeper pockets or significant bone loss, it does not fully resolve the infection. In cases where a tooth is severely compromised and cannot be saved, extraction and replacement with an implant or bridge is a common long term solution. We'll discuss the pros and cons of each option based on your specific clinical situation.

To choose wisely, consider questions such as the success rate for this procedure, the specific risks in your case, whether the procedure is painful and what pain management is offered, the total costs including follow up, whether you have experience with similar cases, and what long term maintenance is required after surgery to prevent recurrence. Understanding these points helps you feel confident in your decision.

As a private practice we provide a clear breakdown of costs before treatment. The cost depends on how many teeth are involved and the complexity of the procedure. We accept various private plans including Max Bupa, Denplan, and Cigna. Please bring your insurance details to the consultation so we can clarify coverage. Our aim is upfront pricing with no hidden fees, helping you plan for treatment. We will provide a detailed personalized quote at your initial assessment.