Periodontal Cleaning | Old Street, City Road & Enfield

Specialist Care for Healthier Gums

Periodontics is the area of dentistry concerned with the health of the gums and the bone that supports your teeth. Periodontal (gum) disease often develops slowly, and many people are not aware they have it until a dentist or hygienist identifies it during an examination.

At Dental Arts Studio in City Road and Enfield, London, our team assesses your gum health carefully and explains what periodontal cleaning involves, so you can make an informed decision about your care.

Concerned About Your Gum Health?

0207 250 3536 (City Road) | 0208 362 3110 (Enfield)

What Is Periodontal Cleaning?

Periodontal cleaning is a more thorough clean than a routine scale and polish, targeting plaque and tartar that has built up below the gum line. It is generally recommended where there are signs of gum disease, to help reduce inflammation and support the health of the tissue and bone around your teeth.

Periodontal disease can range from:

Gingivitis — a milder, generally reversible form of gum inflammation
Periodontitis — a more advanced form affecting the deeper tissue and bone, which can lead to tooth loss if left untreated

Whether periodontal cleaning is appropriate for you, and how extensive it needs to be, depends on the severity of any gum disease present, which your dentist or hygienist will assess.

Common Signs of Gum Disease

You may want to book an assessment with our team if you notice:

Bleeding gums, particularly when brushing or flossing
Persistent bad breath or an unpleasant taste
Red or swollen gums
Loose teeth
Gums that appear to be receding

These signs do not necessarily confirm gum disease on their own, but they are worth having assessed. An examination, including measuring the depth of the gum pockets around your teeth, will help confirm whether periodontal cleaning is needed.

Periodontal Services We Offer

Periodontal assessment

A detailed examination of your gums, including pocket depth measurements and, where needed, X-rays, to assess the extent of any gum disease.

Non-surgical periodontal cleaning

Also known as scaling and root surface debridement, this involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line, sometimes carried out under local anaesthetic for comfort.

Ongoing periodontal maintenance

For patients who have been treated for gum disease, regular maintenance appointments help monitor gum health and reduce the risk of the condition returning or progressing.

Referral for specialist care

Where gum disease is more advanced, we may recommend referral to a specialist periodontist for further assessment or treatment.

Before Your Periodontal Cleaning Appointment

Initial assessment

Your dentist or hygienist will examine your gums, measure pocket depths around your teeth, and discuss your oral hygiene routine and general health.

Discussing your needs

You will be told the extent of any gum disease found, what treatment is recommended, and how many appointments may be needed.

Treatment planning

Your dentist will explain the process, what to expect afterwards, and the estimated cost before treatment begins.

The Periodontal Cleaning Process

Step 1: Assessment

Gum pocket depths are measured, and your gums and teeth are examined to identify affected areas.

Step 2: Cleaning below the gum line

Plaque and tartar are carefully removed from the tooth root surfaces below the gum line, sometimes over more than one visit, and with local anaesthetic where needed for comfort.

Step 3: Smoothing the root surface

The root surface may be smoothed to help reduce further plaque build-up and support gum tissue reattaching to the tooth.

Step 4: Aftercare advice

You will be given guidance on oral hygiene at home to support healing and help prevent the condition from progressing.

Step 5: Review

A follow-up appointment allows your dentist or hygienist to check how your gums have responded and agree on an ongoing maintenance plan.

Benefits of Periodontal Cleaning

For suitable patients, periodontal cleaning may help:

Reduce gum inflammation and bleeding
Help slow the progression of gum disease
Support the health of the tissue and bone around your teeth
Improve breath affected by gum disease
Reduce the risk of further complications, such as tooth loss, if gum disease is left untreated

As with any treatment, results vary between individuals depending on the severity of gum disease and how well a home oral hygiene routine is maintained afterwards, and your dentist can discuss what to realistically expect in your case.

Cost of Periodontal Cleaning

The cost of periodontal cleaning depends on the extent of treatment needed and the number of appointments required.

Treatment fees

We provide clear costs before any treatment begins, so you can make an informed decision without pressure.

Payment and finance

Finance options may be available to help spread the cost of treatment — please ask our team for details.

Want to Discuss Your Gum Health?

0207 250 3536 | 0208 362 3110

Maintaining Healthy Gums Between Visits

Looking after your gums at home supports the results of periodontal treatment, although gum disease can return if a good routine isn’t maintained.

Brush twice daily — Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled brush, paying attention to the gum line.
Clean between your teeth daily — Floss or use interdental brushes to help remove plaque from areas a toothbrush cannot reach.
Attend regular maintenance appointments — Ongoing reviews help monitor your gum health and catch any changes early.
Avoid smoking where possible — Smoking is linked to a higher risk of gum disease and can affect how well treatment works.
Contact us if symptoms return — Bleeding, swelling, or discomfort should be checked promptly rather than left.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have gum disease?

Common signs include bleeding, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, or teeth that feel loose. An examination with our dentist or hygienist, including measuring your gum pockets, will confirm whether gum disease is present.

Does periodontal cleaning hurt?

Some patients experience mild discomfort or sensitivity, particularly where gum inflammation is more advanced. Local anaesthetic can be used to keep you comfortable during more thorough cleaning.

How many appointments will I need?

This depends on the extent of the gum disease found. Some patients need one appointment, while more advanced cases may require treatment over several visits, followed by ongoing maintenance.

How much does periodontal cleaning cost?

Costs vary depending on the extent of treatment and number of appointments needed. We provide clear costs before any treatment begins so you know what to expect.

Can gum disease be cured?

Gingivitis can often be reversed with good oral hygiene and professional cleaning. More advanced periodontitis is usually managed rather than cured, with the aim of controlling the condition and preventing further damage through ongoing care.

Is periodontal cleaning the same as a normal scale and polish?

No. A routine scale and polish cleans above the gum line, while periodontal cleaning targets plaque and tartar below the gum line and is generally recommended where gum disease is present.

What happens if gum disease is left untreated?

Untreated gum disease can progress and may eventually lead to loose teeth or tooth loss. Early assessment and treatment can help manage the condition and reduce the risk of further complications.

Concerned About Your Gums? Book an Assessment Today

Gum disease often develops without obvious symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular assessment matters. Book an appointment with our team to check your gum health and discuss periodontal cleaning if it’s needed.

As a private dentist in Enfield, we offer weekend and Saturday appointments, plus late-night and same-day dentist availability where possible. We also welcome corporate dental care and lunchtime dental checkup bookings from patients working near City Road and Old Street.

Speak to Our Team