Scaling and Root Planing in NE Calgary

What Is Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical deep cleaning used to treat gum disease. During scaling, we remove plaque and hardened tartar from the surfaces of your teeth, including the areas below the gumline where a regular cleaning cannot reach. During root planing, we smooth the surfaces of the tooth roots so the gums can heal and reattach to them.

When bacteria collect in the pockets between your teeth and gums, they cause infection, bleeding and bad breath, and over time they can damage the bone that holds your teeth in place. Scaling and root planing removes that source of infection and is one of the most effective ways to stop gum disease before it causes lasting damage.

At Rundlehorn Smiles Dental in NE Calgary, our dentists perform scaling and root planing as part of a customized periodontal care plan, so the treatment is matched to how much of your mouth is affected.

Benefits of Scaling and Root Planing

• Stops gum disease from advancing: Eliminating infection below the gumline helps stop gum disease before it leads to bone or tooth loss.
• Improves gum health: Smoother root surfaces help gums heal and reattach, reducing inflammation, bleeding and pocket depth.
• Fresher breath and a cleaner mouth: Removing bacteria-laden buildup eliminates chronic bad breath and leaves your mouth feeling noticeably fresher.
• Supports long-term oral health: This deep cleaning sets a strong foundation for ongoing dental care and lowers your risk of more serious problems.

Signs You May Need Scaling and Root Planing

• You have been diagnosed with periodontitis
• Pocket depths of 4 mm or more were found at your exam
• Your gums bleed, look red and swollen or are pulling away from your teeth
• Tartar has built up below the gumline
• You have persistent bad breath that a regular cleaning does not fix
• You want to prevent tooth loss from gum disease

Only an exam and X-rays can confirm whether you need this treatment, so a visit is the best first step.

What Is Included in Scaling and Root Planing

• A gum exam that includes measuring the pockets around your teeth
• X-rays to check the bone around your teeth
• Local numbing so the treatment stays comfortable
• Removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gumline
• Smoothing of the tooth roots so your gums can reattach
• Advice on home care to protect your results
• A more frequent hygiene schedule afterwards, when it is recommended

What to Expect at Your Visit

1. Exam and diagnosis. We measure your gum pockets, review your X-rays and confirm that a deep cleaning is the right treatment.
2. Clear plan and estimate. We explain how many visits you will need and give you an itemised estimate before anything begins.
3. Numbing. We numb the area to keep you comfortable.
4. The deep cleaning. We carefully remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gumline and smooth the tooth roots. Treatment is usually done over one or two visits, depending on how many areas need attention.
5. Home care advice. We show you how to look after your gums as they heal.
6. Follow-up. We check your healing and set up regular hygiene visits to keep your gums healthy.

Recovery and Aftercare

Mild sensitivity or tenderness is common for a day or two, and your gums usually begin healing right away, with improvement visible within weeks. Wait until any numbness wears off before eating, and choose soft, lukewarm foods for the first day. Brush gently with a soft toothbrush, floss daily and rinse with warm salt water if your gums feel sore. Call us at 403-300-2233 if pain, swelling or bleeding gets worse instead of better.

Deep Cleaning or Regular Cleaning?

A regular cleaning is meant for healthy gums and is a routine part of preventive care. A deep cleaning is a treatment for gum disease, and it reaches below the gumline where infection lives. If your dentist finds signs of gum disease, we will explain why a deep cleaning is needed before a regular cleaning can keep your gums healthy. You can read more about routine Dental Cleanings on their own page.

Why Choose Rundlehorn Smiles Dental for Scaling and Root Planing

• Experienced dentists who explain the why before the what, with no pressure
• Local numbing and gentle techniques for a comfortable experience
• A treatment plan customized to your gums, with a written estimate first
• Sedation options for anxious patients
• Open seven days a week: Monday to Saturday 8 AM to 8 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM
• Participating CDCP provider with direct billing to most major insurers

Related Treatments

• Periodontal (Gum) Care: The full plan for treating and preventing gum disease.
• Dental Cleanings: Routine professional cleanings for healthy gums.
• Bad Breath Treatment: Find and treat the cause of persistent bad breath.
• Oral Exams and X-Rays: A thorough check of your teeth, gums and bone.

Cost of Scaling and Root Planing in NE Calgary

The cost of a deep cleaning depends on how many areas of your mouth need treatment and how many visits are required. After your exam, we give you a written, itemised estimate before any treatment begins, so there are no surprises.

We direct bill most major insurers, and we are a participating provider for the Canadian Dental Care Plan, which covers scaling and gum treatment for eligible patients. Some services may need preauthorization, which our team handles for you. Flexible payment options are available for larger treatments. Call us at 403-300-2233 for a personalized quote.

Frequently Asked Questions