Gum Disease Treatment Costs for Barnet | Finchley Practice

You should seek a consultation for gum disease if you notice any of the classic signs of gingivitis (the early stage) or periodontitis (the advanced stage). These symptoms include gums that bleed when you brush or floss, persistent bad breath that doesn't improve with cleaning, and red, swollen, or tender gums. If your teeth have started to look longer due to receding gums, or if you feel that some teeth are becoming loose, this indicates a more advanced problem that requires urgent attention. According to the NHS, most adults in the UK have gum disease to some degree, and it's far easier and less expensive to treat when caught early.

The total cost of gum disease treatment varies based on the severity of your condition. Early-stage gingivitis usually needs one or two hygiene visits, costing between £95 and £190. More advanced periodontitis needs intensive deep cleaning, known as scaling and root planing, priced per quadrant of the mouth and typically £150-£250 per quadrant. The number of follow-up visits and the need for long-term maintenance will also influence the overall investment. Case Scenario 1 (Gingivitis): A patient from High Barnet with bleeding gums needed two 45-minute hygiene sessions to remove plaque and calculus buildup. The total came to £190, and they were placed on a 6-month recall schedule. Case Scenario 2 (Periodontitis): A patient from East Barnet showed deep gum pockets around their lower molars. They required scaling and root planing on two quadrants of their mouth, costing £450. This was followed by a review appointment after three months to check healing.

Your treatment starts with a thorough 60-minute consultation. We perform a detailed examination, measuring the pockets between your gums and teeth to assess the extent of the disease. For mild cases, one or more 45-minute hygiene appointments follow to remove plaque and tartar above and just below the gum line. For more advanced cases, we perform scaling and root planing. This deep cleaning is done under local anaesthetic and lasts about 60 to 90 minutes per session, focusing on one or two quadrants at a time. After the initial treatment phase, you have a review around three months later to check healing. Long-term success depends on regular maintenance every three to six months.

After a deep cleaning you will notice sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days, and your gums may feel tender. This can be managed with over‑the‑counter pain relief such as ibuprofen. We advise avoiding very hard or crunchy foods for 24 to 48 hours. The home care routine matters most for recovery; brushing and interdental cleaning must be meticulous to prevent the disease from returning. Attend all scheduled follow-up and maintenance appointments, as gum disease requires lifelong management. Red flags: call our practice immediately if you experience severe or increasing pain after day three, significant swelling, or signs of infection such as pus. Please call during office hours (Mon/Wed/Fri 9-5, Tue/Thu 11-7). For out-of-hours emergencies, visit A&E or call 111.

For most gum disease cases, non-surgical treatment like scaling and root planing works well. In advanced cases where deep pockets persist, referral to a periodontist for surgery might be needed. The main alternative is inaction, which is strongly discouraged. Untreated periodontitis will lead to progressive bone loss, tooth mobility, and eventual tooth loss. It is also linked to wider health issues like heart disease and diabetes. Early intervention provides the best, most predictable, and most cost-effective outcome.

To choose care wisely whether you talk with us or another Barnet practice, consider these questions: Is the price for the full initial course? How many hygiene or deep cleaning appointments are included? What are the costs for long term maintenance? Does the fee cover follow up reviews to track progress? Do you accept my dental plan such as Denplan or Cigna? What experience do you have treating cases like mine? Are there extra charges for items such as specialised cleaning aids?