Periodontal Scaling Prices UK
Periodontal scaling, also called deep cleaning or root planing, removes plaque and calculus below the gumline to halt gum disease before teeth loosen. It takes longer than a routine hygiene visit and usually involves anaesthetic gel or injections to keep treatment comfortable.
Specialist periodontal clinics such as Pure Periodontics in Bishopsgate, London and The Tannery Dental Centre in Huddersfield schedule extended chair time, ultrasonic instrumentation, and laser disinfection, so pricing varies with pocket depth and the number of visits required.
How Much is Periodontal Scaling in the UK?
Initial assessment and charting: £120 to £190 for periodontal charting, full-mouth X-rays, and treatment planning with a specialist hygienist or periodontist.
Single quadrant root planing: £220 to £320 per quadrant when local anaesthetic and hand scaling are required for 45–60 minutes.
Full-mouth scaling package: £780 to £1 050 over two longer appointments, including ultrasonic instrumentation, irrigation, and post-treatment reviews.
If gum disease has already affected bone levels, review our guide to dental bone grafts to understand how regenerative surgery fits into a periodontal treatment plan.
Factors that Affect the Cost of Periodontal Scaling in the UK
🧠 Specialist expertise vs hygiene clinic
Seeing a registered periodontist adds £80–£140 per visit compared with an advanced hygienist, but complex pockets benefit from surgical-grade skills.
🧪 Adjunctive antimicrobial therapy
Perio chips, diode lasers, or sodium hypochlorite irrigation can add £60–£120 per session to suppress bacteria in deep pockets.
🦷 Number of quadrants treated
General practices typically complete one or two quadrants per visit, so treating the full mouth can require up to four appointments and duplicate anaesthetic fees.
🩺 Maintenance and review schedule
High-risk patients may need three-monthly maintenance cleans at £95–£140 each to prevent relapse, increasing the annual cost.
How to Save Money on Periodontal Scaling in the UK
💡 Bundle quadrants into longer visits
Ask if the clinic can complete two quadrants in one session; it may trim £70–£110 in duplicate anaesthetic and chair-time charges.
🤝 Use dental payment plans
Membership schemes at clinics like Gentle Dental in Surrey offer discounted hygiene maintenance and spread costs over monthly direct debits.
📅 Maintain at-home care strictly
Investing in interdental brushes and water flossers keeps pockets stable, reducing the frequency of specialist maintenance appointments.
FAQs
Does periodontal scaling hurt?
Local anaesthetic keeps the procedure comfortable, although you may feel slight tenderness for 24 hours; over-the-counter pain relief usually manages any soreness.
How soon will my gums heal?
Gums typically tighten within two weeks, but full reattachment and pocket reduction can take six to eight weeks with excellent home care.
Is periodontal scaling covered by the NHS?
Severe gum disease can sometimes be treated on the NHS under Band 2, but waiting lists are long; private periodontal clinics offer faster access at predictable fees.
Will deep cleaning stop my gums from bleeding?
Most patients notice reduced bleeding within a fortnight, provided they follow tailored brushing and interdental routines recommended by the clinician.
Conclusion
Periodontal scaling is the cornerstone of gum disease control, but total spend depends on specialist input, adjunctive therapies, and ongoing maintenance. Secure a detailed treatment plan, prioritise daily home care, and lock in review appointments to protect both your gums and future restorative work. 😁
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Jane Smith |
| Am British, live in London (1985–present) |
