A proper oral hygiene routine is no longer enough to restore your gums after a diagnosis of gum disease, periodontal disease, periodontitis, or gingivitis. You’ll need the attention of a trained dentist who can provide deep cleaning and reverse the effects of mild and moderate forms of gum disease.
For these types of issues, we use advanced techniques known as:
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Dental scaling.
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Root planing.
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Deep cleaning.
Dental scaling and root planing might be unfamiliar, so East Village Dental’s hygiene team will provide an overview below and answer common questions. With our professional care, please know you can have healthy, fully functional gums.
What Is Dental Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and Root Planing in Calgary (Deep Cleaning for Gum Disease)
Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) is a non-surgical treatment for gum disease that removes plaque, tartar, and bacterial toxins from below the gum line and smooths the tooth roots so inflamed gums can heal and reattach to teeth. Unlike a routine cleaning that addresses only visible plaque above the gums, deep cleaning targets infection sources beneath the gum line to halt gum disease progression and prevent tooth loss.
Teeth scaling uses special tools to remove plaque beneath the gum line manually. Our hygienists will professionally clean and brush your teeth during a routine cleaning visit. This type of periodic cleaning removes accumulated plaque alongside regular brushing and flossing.
If left untreated for long enough, this plaque can continue to grow and require dental scaling. This process will:
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Rid your gums of all the plaque that has built up and is eating away at your teeth.
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Give your gums a fresh start to begin the healing process.
Who Needs Scaling and Root Planing?
You may need scaling and root planing if you have any of these signs of gum disease:
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Bleeding or swollen gums during brushing, flossing, or eating
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Deep gum pockets (typically 5mm+ depth) that trap bacteria
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Tartar or calculus buildup visible below the gum line
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Persistent bad breath (halitosis) that doesn’t improve with brushing
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Loose or shifting teeth
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Diagnosis of gingivitis or periodontitis (early to moderate gum disease)
Pocket depth matters: When gums become inflamed, pockets between teeth and gums deepen beyond what regular brushing and flossing can clean. Scaling and root planing is recommended when pockets are too deep for routine cleaning, typically 5mm or greater, to remove bacteria and toxins that cause ongoing infection.
What Is Root Planing?
Gingivitis tends to cling to teeth’ roots. This can cause teeth to become loose and gradually result in tooth decay and tooth loss. To prevent deterioration, we will smooth out the uneven root surfaces of your teeth to help your gums stick to the roots. Root planing will prevent harmful bacteria from attaching to the roots of your teeth.
When Should I Consider Scaling and Root Planing?
If your gums are inflamed, bleeding, constantly in pain, or have lost teeth, you could have periodontal disease. Chronic periodontitis is a condition that may require scaling and root planing as the initial treatment. We will assess your teeth and provide a professional opinion about whether you need scaling or root planing.
What to Expect During Scaling and Root Planing Treatment and Recovery
During Treatment:
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Local anaesthetic: Areas are numbed for comfort (similar to a routine filling)
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Quadrant approach: Treatment is typically done in sections (2-4 quadrants per mouth) over 1-2 visits, each lasting 45-90 minutes
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Scaling:The Hygienist uses specialised ultrasonic tools and hand instruments to remove tartar and plaque below the gum line
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Root planing: Tooth roots are smoothed to eliminate bacterial toxins and create a clean surface for gums to reattach
After Treatment:
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Mild soreness, sensitivity, or gum tenderness for 2-4 days (managed with over-the-counter pain relief)
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Gums may feel tight as they begin healing and shrinking
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Soft foods and gentle rinsing are recommended for 24-48 hours
Follow-Up Care:
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Pocket depth re-evaluation 4-6 weeks after treatment to measure healing progress
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Most patients require maintenance deep cleanings every 3-4 months to prevent gum disease recurrence
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Customised at-home care plan including special brushes, floss, and rinses
East Village Dental schedules follow-up visits to monitor your progress and ensure long-term gum health success.
Dental Deep Cleaning vs. Routine Dental Cleaning
A deep cleaning is an advanced cleaning for patients diagnosed with periodontal disease or gingivitis. We will clean your teeth using this procedure when regular cleaning is insufficient. The following outlines the main differences between the two methods.
Routine dental cleaning is for:
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Every patient is at least once every six months.
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Removing visible plaque and polishing your teeth.
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Ensuring that your oral health is on track.
Dental deep cleaning is for:
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Patients who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease and require periodontal scaling.
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Gums that are infected and need advanced professional attention.
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Patients need frequent deep cleanings (3–4 times a year) to reverse gum damage.
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You are removing fossilized bacteria known as calculus or tartar that has accrued beneath your gum line.
We are trained in diagnosing periodontal disease and can recognize if your teeth need deep cleaning. If this is the case, we will work with you to develop a plan to get your mouth back on track.
What Does Scaling and Root Planing Cost?
Most dental insurances cover scaling and root planing. Services like scaling and root planing, including root planing treatment, are essential, even if they involve an out-of-pocket cost because they help save teeth and prevent tooth loss. At East Village Dental, our staff will work with you and your insurance provider to guarantee oral health without worrying about cost.
What Does Dental Deep Cleaning Cost?
These cleaning services are charged differently than the standard routine cleaning. Regular dental visits are crucial for maintaining oral health, as they help prevent and recover from issues that may require periodontal scaling and root planing. This is for several reasons:
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They are more in-depth.
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They occur more frequently.
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They require a more practiced hand than other cleanings.
For Gum Disease Treatment That Can Save Your Smile, Call Our Dental Office Today!
Your gums are the foundation of your oral health. Advanced gum disease, where the infection spreads to the ligaments, bone, and other tissues below the gum line, can cause the gum tissue to detach from the teeth and lead to tooth loss. We have helped countless patients transform their unhealthy gums into healthy ones that support their teeth.
If you have periodontal disease, it might feel overwhelming, but there is no reason to get discouraged because our office can help. Through scaling and root planning, we can improve your health and get you to a place where you feel great about your oral health.
We Can Help You Feel Better!
Call us today if you’re experiencing red, sore, or bleeding gums. Our team at East Village Dental, led by experienced dental professionals, is ready to help you!
New Subsection: Your Comfort During Treatment
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We use local anesthesia to ensure your treatment is comfortable and pain-free.
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Our gentle dental hygienists may apply numbing gel before starting to further minimize discomfort.
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Most patients report only mild soreness or sensitivity afterward, which can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
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We guide you through every step to provide a calm and reassuring experience.
Local Relevance Enhancements:
Serving patients in downtown Calgary and nearby communities including Bridgeland, Inglewood, and Beltline who need deep cleaning for gum disease.
Dr. Gregory Broyde, BSc, DDS
General Dentist specializing in advanced periodontal care and gum disease treatment in Calgary
With over years of experience diagnosing and treating gum disease, including scaling and root planing (deep cleaning), Dr. Broyde is committed to helping patients restore and maintain healthy gums. His gentle, patient-focused approach combines the latest periodontal techniques and technologies to deliver effective non-surgical gum disease treatment.
Our Commitment to Your Gum Health
East Village Dental provides comprehensive non-surgical gum disease treatment, including scaling and root planing, performed in-house by our skilled dental team. For complex surgical cases requiring advanced periodontal procedures, we coordinate care seamlessly with trusted Calgary periodontists to ensure you receive the highest standard of care.
Professional Affiliations and Continuing Education
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Member, Canadian Dental Association (CDA)
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Member, Alberta Dental Association
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Ongoing advanced training in periodontal therapy and laser-assisted gum disease treatment
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Certified in IV sedation for anxious patients