Gum Disease & Bad Breath
Scaling and Root Planing in Calgary NE
When gum disease has progressed beyond what a regular cleaning can address, a deeper clean below the gumline is often the next step. Cornerbrook Smiles Dental provides scaling and root planing to remove plaque and tartar where a standard cleaning cannot reach, with appointments available seven days a week from 8am to 8pm. We serve patients across Cornerstone, Cityscape, Redstone, and Skyview Ranch in northeast Calgary.
Part of Gum Disease & Bad Breath
Open 7 days a week
Overview
Scaling and root planing, sometimes called a deep cleaning, is a non-surgical treatment for gum disease that has progressed beyond the earliest stage. Unlike a routine cleaning, which focuses on the visible surfaces of your teeth, scaling and root planing targets the tooth root surfaces below the gumline, removing the plaque and tartar buildup that contributes to gum disease and helping your gums reattach to your teeth.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling removes plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and below the gumline, while root planing smooths the root surfaces of the tooth to remove bacteria and toxins and make it harder for plaque to reattach. Smoothing the root surface also helps your gums heal and reattach more closely to the tooth, reducing the pocket depth that allows bacteria to collect. Together, these two steps address gum disease at its source rather than just on the surface.
Signs You May Need This Treatment
- Gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing
- Gum pockets measuring deeper than normal during an exam
- Persistent bad breath despite good oral hygiene
- Gums that appear red, swollen, or tender
- Visible tartar buildup below the gumline
- A diagnosis of gingivitis or early periodontitis
Your dentist or hygienist will measure the pocket depth around your teeth during a routine exam to determine whether scaling and root planing is recommended for you.
What Is Included
- Measurement of pocket depth around each tooth to assess gum health
- Removal of plaque and tartar from below the gumline
- Smoothing of the tooth root surfaces to support gum reattachment
- A follow up plan to monitor healing and prevent recurrence
Why Patients Choose Us for This
- Treats gum disease at the source rather than just the surface
- A non-surgical option for moderate gum disease
- Open seven days a week from 8am to 8pm
- Direct billing to most major insurance providers
- Over 20 years of combined clinical experience
What to Expect at Your Visit
- 1
We listen first.Tell us about your symptoms and oral hygiene routine, and we will measure the pocket depth around your teeth to assess how far gum disease has progressed.
- 2
We explain your options.You will get an honest assessment of your gum health, a clear explanation of the procedure, and a transparent estimate before any work starts.
- 3
We treat you with care.The area is typically numbed with local anesthetic for comfort, and the procedure may be completed over one or more visits depending on how much of the mouth needs treatment.
Recovery After Scaling and Root Planing
Most patients experience some mild soreness or sensitivity in the treated area for a few days afterward, which usually responds well to over the counter pain relief. Gums may feel slightly tender or appear a little swollen initially as they begin to heal and reattach to the tooth. Sticking to soft foods and avoiding very hot or cold items for the first day or two can help with comfort. Continuing gentle brushing and flossing, along with attending any recommended follow up visits, supports the healing process and helps prevent the gum disease from progressing further.
Cost of Scaling and Root Planing
The cost of scaling and root planing depends on how many areas of the mouth need treatment and how advanced the gum disease is. Many insurance plans provide partial coverage for this treatment since it addresses an active gum condition rather than routine maintenance. Call us at (403) 300-4444 for a personalized quote, and ask about direct billing if you have dental insurance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is scaling and root planing?
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning treatment for gum disease that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the tooth root surfaces, helping your gums heal and reattach to your teeth.
Can I eat after scaling and root planing?
Most patients can eat once any numbness from local anesthetic has worn off, though sticking to soft foods and avoiding very hot or cold items for the first day or two can help with comfort while the area heals.
Does scaling and root planing hurt?
The area is typically numbed with local anesthetic, so the procedure itself should not hurt. Some mild soreness or sensitivity afterward is common and generally responds well to over the counter pain relief.
Is scaling and root planing the same as a regular cleaning?
No. A regular cleaning addresses the visible surfaces of the teeth, while scaling and root planing targets the tooth root surfaces below the gumline, and is recommended when gum disease has progressed beyond what a routine cleaning can address.
How many visits does scaling and root planing take?
This depends on how much of the mouth needs treatment. Some patients complete treatment in a single visit, while others require the mouth to be divided into sections treated over multiple appointments.
Book Your Scaling and Root Planing Consultation
Address gum disease at the source with scaling and root planing at Cornerbrook Smiles Dental. Book your consultation today.
Have a question first? Contact us and we will get back to you.