Prevention above and around the gumline.
A regular cleaning removes deposits associated with maintaining a generally healthy mouth or managing mild inflammation.
Winnipeg North Dental Family Dentistry
Scaling & Root Planning
Deep periodontal cleaning to control infection beneath the gums.
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Non-surgical periodontal therapy
Below the gumline is where this treatment begins.
Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning treatment used for periodontitis. It removes plaque, hardened calculus and bacterial deposits from root surfaces inside periodontal pockets—areas a toothbrush, floss and routine polishing cannot reach.
The objective is not to make roots unnaturally smooth. It is to carefully remove deposits and contaminated material so inflammation can settle and the tissues have an opportunity to heal around cleaner surfaces.
Treatment inside periodontal pockets.
Instrumentation extends beneath the gumline to treat affected root surfaces in areas diagnosed with periodontitis.
Why it may be recommended
The decision comes from periodontal findings—not one symptom.
Bleeding, deeper pocket measurements, calculus below the gumline and changes in supporting bone help determine whether deep cleaning is appropriate and which areas need treatment.
Space around the tooth
Deeper measurements can indicate lost attachment and areas that are difficult to clean.
Inflammatory activity
Bleeding during gentle measurement helps identify tissues that remain inflamed.
Deposits on roots
Hardened buildup beneath the gumline requires professional instrumentation.
Supporting foundation
Dental images help show whether periodontitis has affected bone around teeth.
Your treatment visit
Careful access, controlled cleaning and a plan for healing.
Divide the treatment
Depending on the number and depth of affected areas, care may be completed in one visit or by sections of the mouth.
Keep you comfortable
Local anaesthetic is commonly used so root surfaces can be treated thoroughly without rushing.
Clean beneath the gums
Specialized instruments remove deposits and disrupt bacterial buildup from the planned root surfaces.
Review home care
We tailor cleaning instructions to the spaces, sensitivity and tools that will be most practical for you.
The first days after treatment
Healing may feel different before it feels routine.
Tenderness, temperature sensitivity or light bleeding can occur after deep cleaning. These effects vary with the extent of treatment and should generally settle as the tissues begin to heal.
Clean as directed
Continue plaque control using the technique and tools recommended for treated areas.
Choose comfortable foods
If chewing feels tender, select softer foods temporarily and avoid irritating the area.
Manage sensitivity
Use recommended products or medication only as directed and tell us if symptoms are increasing.
Know when to call
Contact the clinic for persistent bleeding, worsening swelling, severe pain or a concern that does not follow the instructions provided.
The reassessment matters
Treatment is evaluated after the tissues have had time to respond.
At the follow-up, we compare bleeding, pocket depths, tissue tone, plaque control and symptoms with the starting findings. The goal is to see where inflammation has improved and whether any sites remain difficult to maintain.
Stable areas move into maintenance
Residual pockets may need further care
Recall timing is personalized
Scaling & root planing FAQs
What patients often want to know.
Is deep cleaning the same as a regular cleaning?+
No. Scaling and root planing treats root surfaces inside periodontal pockets in areas diagnosed with periodontitis. A routine cleaning has a different preventive purpose.
Will my mouth be frozen?+
Local anaesthetic is often used for comfort. The amount and areas treated depend on your plan, health history and preferences.
Why might treatment take more than one visit?+
Dividing the mouth into sections can allow adequate time for anaesthetic, thorough instrumentation and your comfort. The number of visits varies.
Can gums tighten after treatment?+
As inflammation decreases, tissues may become firmer and pocket measurements may improve. Recession or spaces can also become more noticeable when swelling resolves.
Will I still need cleanings afterward?+
Yes. Most patients treated for periodontitis need ongoing periodontal maintenance to control new buildup and monitor stability.