Costs & Charges
How much is periodontal treatment on the NHS?
By The Local Dentist Editorial · Updated 13 August 2026
Hygiene vs periodontal therapy
Routine cleaning and active gum disease therapy are different. Your dentist should explain diagnosis (for example pocket charting) and whether treatment is NHS, private, or mixed before it starts.
What you should see on the plan
Gum treatment on the NHS should be diagnosed, not sold as a “deep clean” package. In England, active periodontal therapy in a course is typically Band 2 at £76.60 for 2026/27, not a per-pocket private menu. If you are offered private gum therapy, ask what the NHS alternative is and why. Home cleaning and reviews matter as much as the appointment. Confirm nation: Wales uses care packages, not England bands.
People Also Ask
Will one clean fix gum disease?
Not always. Gum disease often needs a programme of care and good home cleaning. Follow the clinical plan rather than shopping for a one-off polish.
Is a scale and polish the same as periodontal treatment?
No. A routine clean is prevention or stain removal. Periodontal therapy treats diagnosed gum disease and is charted. Mixing the labels is how people overpay privately.
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This article is general information for UK patients, not clinical advice, and NHS rules and charges change — confirm current rules on nhs.uk or speak to a dentist before acting. For severe facial swelling affecting breathing/swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or trauma call 999 / go to A&E; otherwise NHS 111 for urgent dental access. Price figures are indicative benchmarks from our methodology.