Scaling & Root Planing
A deep clean below the gumline that resets your mouth — and often prevents the need for any more invasive treatment.
The most powerful non-surgical tool we have against gum disease.
Scaling and root planing — sometimes called a 'deep cleaning' — is the gold-standard first treatment for periodontal disease. Where a regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar above the gumline, scaling and root planing goes below it: removing the hardened bacterial deposits clinging to the roots of your teeth and smoothing those root surfaces so the gums can re-attach.
It's done under local anesthetic so you stay comfortable, usually split into two visits (one side of the mouth at a time), and most patients are back to normal eating within hours.
For early to moderate gum disease, this single treatment can completely halt progression — saving you from gum surgery, tooth loss, and years of escalating problems.
What the visit looks like
Numb & comfortable
We apply topical gel, then a precise local anesthetic so you don't feel anything but gentle pressure.
Ultrasonic scaling
A gentle vibrating instrument flushes away hardened tartar from below the gumline with warm water — far more comfortable than older hand-instrument-only methods.
Root planing
We smooth the root surfaces so bacteria can't easily re-attach and so your gums can knit back tightly against the tooth.
Re-check at 6 weeks
We measure your pockets again to confirm healing. Most patients see significant pocket reduction by this visit.
The Lac La Biche Smiles difference.
Local anesthetic and gentle technique — pain-free for almost everyone
Same-day treatment for early cases
Most patients avoid gum surgery completely
Covered by CDCP and most major insurance plans
Your questions, answered.
Is scaling and root planing the same as a regular cleaning?
No. A regular cleaning is above the gumline. Scaling and root planing goes below it — typically under local anesthetic — and is targeted at active gum disease, not routine maintenance.
Will it hurt afterward?
Mild soreness or sensitivity for 1–3 days is normal. Cold may bother you briefly. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually all that's needed.
How long until my gums heal?
Initial healing happens in the first week. Full re-attachment and pocket reduction is measurable at 6 weeks, which is when we re-check.
Will I need it again?
Once your gums are stabilised, you shift to periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3–4 months instead of a repeat deep cleaning. Most patients stay stable for life with that schedule.
Ready to book your visit?
Same-day appointments, direct insurance billing, and a friendly team that puts you at ease. We can't wait to meet you.