GUM DISEASE & BAD BREATH
Deep cleaning: scaling and root planing
A deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline.
WHAT TO EXPECT
What does deep cleaning: scaling and root planing involve at Orangeville Smiles Dentistry?
Orangeville Smiles Dentistry performs scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning for Orangeville patients whose plaque and tartar buildup has moved below the gumline where a regular cleaning can't reach. The procedure removes that buildup and smooths the root surface so gum tissue can reattach and heal. It's typically recommended after a periodontal assessment shows gum pockets deeper than what routine cleaning addresses, often as a step toward getting gum disease under control.
- Removes bacteria and tartar below the gumline
- Smooths root surfaces to promote gum reattachment
- Reduces gum inflammation and bleeding
- Often completed over one or two visits
WHO IS THIS FOR
Who is a candidate for deep cleaning: scaling and root planing at Orangeville Smiles Dentistry?
- Patients diagnosed with gum pockets deeper than about 3-4mm during a periodontal exam
- Anyone with visible tartar buildup below the gumline that a routine cleaning hasn't kept ahead of
- Patients experiencing gum tenderness, bleeding, or a sense that their gums are pulling away from teeth
- Smokers or patients with diabetes, who often see faster tartar buildup and slower healing
- Patients whose dentist has recommended it as a first step before further gum disease treatment
WHY PATIENTS CHOOSE THIS
Why do patients choose deep cleaning: scaling and root planing at Orangeville Smiles Dentistry?
Reaches bacteria a regular cleaning cannot
Helps gums reattach more firmly to teeth
Slows the progression of gum disease
Reduces pocket depth around affected teeth
THE PROCESS
How does deep cleaning: scaling and root planing work at Orangeville Smiles Dentistry?
01
Numbing the area
We apply local anesthetic to the treatment area so scaling and root planing is comfortable.
02
Scaling
We remove plaque and tartar from the tooth surface and below the gumline using fine dental instruments.
03
Root planing
We smooth the root surfaces to remove rough spots where bacteria collect, making it harder for plaque to reattach.
04
Follow-up check
We schedule a follow-up visit to see how your gums have responded and confirm no further treatment is needed.
COST & COMPARISON
How much does deep cleaning: scaling and root planing cost at Orangeville Smiles Dentistry?
Scaling and root planing is often priced per quadrant, and published dental literature commonly cites a typical range of roughly $600 to $1,200 for a full mouth, though actual cost depends on how many areas need treatment. Orangeville Smiles Dentistry provides a specific quote after your assessment, using ODA Fee Guide pricing as the reference point.
DEEP CLEANING VS. A REGULAR CLEANING
A regular cleaning at Orangeville Smiles Dentistry addresses plaque and tartar above the gumline and takes less time. Scaling and root planing goes further, working below the gumline to remove buildup a routine cleaning physically can't reach, which is why it typically takes longer and may involve numbing. Skipping it when it's needed generally allows the buildup to keep irritating the gums, which can let gum disease progress rather than stall.
RISKS & CONSIDERATIONS
What are the risks of deep cleaning: scaling and root planing?
- Some sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure for a few days afterward is common
- Mild gum bleeding or tenderness in the first day or two is normal and usually settles
- Root surfaces may feel slightly different to the tongue afterward, which most patients adjust to
- In more advanced cases, one round of scaling and root planing may not fully resolve the disease, and further treatment could be recommended
AFTERCARE
What does aftercare look like after deep cleaning: scaling and root planing?
- Expect some sensitivity to hot and cold for a few days
- Stick to soft foods for the first day or two
- Rinse gently with warm salt water as needed
- Keep brushing and flossing, but be gentle near treated gums
- Avoid smoking while your gums heal
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently asked questions about deep cleaning: scaling and root planing in Orangeville
Easy to find,
easy to visit,
right in Orangeville.
As your local Orangeville family dentist, our Alder St. office sits minutes from downtown, with simple access for families across Orangeville and Dufferin County.
