If you've been told you have gum disease, or you've noticed bleeding gums, bad breath, or receding gums, the first thing you probably want to know is: what will treatment cost?
The short answer: hygiene appointments run 80 to 150 pounds. If you need specialist periodontal treatment, non-surgical deep cleaning costs 200 to 400 pounds per section of the mouth, and surgical procedures can range from 750 to 1,500 pounds.
Here's a full breakdown to help you plan.
Gum Disease Treatment Costs at a Glance
| Treatment | Typical UK Private Cost | What's involved |
|---|---|---|
| Dental hygiene appointment | 80-100 pounds | Professional cleaning to remove plaque and tartar |
| Airflow hygiene treatment | 100-150 pounds | Gentle, pain-free cleaning using air, water, and fine powder - ideal for sensitive gums |
| Periodontal consultation | 100-200 pounds | Detailed assessment with a specialist periodontist, including gum pocket charting and X-rays |
| Non-surgical periodontal treatment | 200-400 pounds per quadrant | Deep cleaning below the gum line under local anaesthetic |
| Surgical periodontal treatment | 750-1,500 pounds | Gum flap surgery to access and clean deep pockets |
| Gum grafting | 750-1,000+ pounds per area | Procedure to cover exposed roots or rebuild lost gum tissue |
These are guide prices and will vary depending on your dentist, location, and case complexity. A full assessment is needed before any treatment plan can be finalised.
What Affects the Cost?
How Far the Disease Has Progressed
This is the biggest factor. Catching gum disease early saves money. Gingivitis (the early stage) can often be managed with improved brushing, flossing, and professional cleaning from a hygienist. Once it progresses to periodontitis - where the bone supporting your teeth is affected - you'll likely need specialist care, which costs more.
How Many Areas Need Treatment
Periodontal treatment is usually charged per quadrant (quarter of the mouth). If only one or two sections are affected, your costs will be lower than if all four need treatment. Sections with missing teeth are typically not charged.
Whether You Need a Specialist
A general dentist or hygienist can manage mild to moderate gum disease. More advanced cases need a periodontist - a specialist with three years of additional postgraduate training. Their fees reflect that expertise, but they can often save teeth that would otherwise be lost.
The Type of Treatment Required
Non-surgical deep cleaning is less expensive than surgical options. But if you have deep pockets or significant bone loss, surgery may be the only way to properly clean and stabilise the area.
Start with Hygiene - It's the Most Cost-Effective Step
Most periodontists want you to see a hygienist before any specialist treatment begins. There are good reasons for this:
- Hygienists reduce plaque and inflammation, making periodontal treatment more effective
- Your plaque levels need to be below a certain threshold before a periodontist can properly assess what deeper treatment is necessary
- Regular hygiene visits every 3 to 6 months can prevent gum disease from getting worse in the first place
Tip: If you suspect gum problems, choose a practice that has both an experienced hygiene team and an on-site periodontist. This makes referral quicker and means your hygienist and specialist work as a team.
At Danbury Dental Care, we offer Airflow hygiene treatment which provides a gentle, virtually pain-free clean that's particularly effective for patients with sensitive gums or early-stage gum disease. You can read more about how Airflow compares to a traditional scale and polish.
Is Gum Disease Treatment Available on the NHS?
Basic hygiene and some non-surgical periodontal treatment may be available through NHS dentistry. However, for specialist care including surgical treatment, regenerative procedures, or gum grafting, you will likely need private treatment.
NHS charges are subject to change - check the official NHS website for the latest information.
What Happens During Non-Surgical Periodontal Treatment?
Non-surgical treatment, also called scaling and root planing, involves:
- Local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable
- Deep cleaning beneath the gum line to remove bacteria and tartar from tooth roots
- Smoothing the root surface to help gums reattach and reduce pocket depth
This is usually done in sections, and you may need 2 to 4 appointments depending on severity. After treatment, your gums should begin to heal and pockets should reduce in depth.
Your periodontist will review progress after a few months. If some areas haven't responded well, additional localised treatment or surgery may be recommended.
When Is Gum Surgery Needed?
If non-surgical treatment doesn't fully resolve deep pockets or there's significant bone loss, your periodontist may recommend gum flap surgery. This involves:
- Lifting the gum tissue to access deeper areas of infection
- Thoroughly cleaning the tooth roots and, if needed, reshaping the bone
- Stitching the gums back in place to encourage healing
Surgical treatment is more involved and requires sterile conditions and specialised instruments. However, it can be highly effective in saving teeth that would otherwise be lost.
What About Gum Grafting?
Gum grafts are used to cover exposed tooth roots caused by recession, rebuild lost gum tissue, and improve the appearance of your smile. You can read our detailed guide on gum grafting for receding gums.
Grafting is a precise procedure that may involve taking tissue from another part of your mouth or using graft materials. Your periodontist will give you a fully costed plan after your consultation, so there are no surprises.
Insurance and Finance Options
Many dental insurance plans (Denplan, Bupa Dental Care, and others) include cover for periodontal treatment as part of routine or advanced care. Check your policy for details.
If you don't have insurance, most practices offer payment plans or 0% finance options (subject to status and credit checks) to spread the cost over several months.
Is Gum Disease Treatment Worth the Investment?
Untreated gum disease can lead to tooth loss, and replacing lost teeth is far more expensive. A single dental implant can cost 2,000 to 3,000 pounds or more, whereas periodontal treatment can often save multiple teeth for a similar or lower investment.
Your natural teeth are the best teeth you'll ever have. Treating gum disease early protects your oral health and can prevent the need for dentures, bridges, or implants later on.
The British Society of Periodontology (bsperio.org.uk) provides evidence-based information about gum disease and the importance of early intervention.