Scaling & Root Planing in NW Calgary
A deeper-than-routine cleaning that removes bacteria below the gumline and helps your gums heal.
About Scaling & Root Planing at Bow River Dental
Scaling and root planing is a deeper-than-routine cleaning that removes plaque and tartar below the gumline and helps treat gum disease. If you need a deep cleaning in Calgary, Bow River Dental uses a local anesthetic for comfort and treats you gently in a judgement-free setting.
This treatment is part of our Gum Disease & Bad Breath Treatment services, and we welcome new patients of all ages.
What Is Scaling and Root Planing?
Scaling and root planing, often called a deep cleaning, is the first-line treatment for gum disease. It has two steps. Scaling removes plaque, tartar and bacteria from your teeth and from the pockets under your gums. Root planing then smooths the surfaces of your tooth roots, which makes it harder for bacteria to stick and lets your gums reattach firmly to your teeth.
A regular cleaning treats the parts of your teeth above the gumline. A deep cleaning goes below it, where the infection that causes gum disease hides.
Who Needs a Deep Cleaning?
Your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing if an exam shows signs of gum disease, such as:
- Gums that bleed easily, and look red, swollen or tender
- Pockets forming between your teeth and gums
- Tartar buildup below the gumline
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste
- Gums that are starting to pull away from your teeth
A deep cleaning is a key step in Periodontal Treatment, and it can stop gum disease from getting worse.
What Is Included
- A local anesthetic for comfort
- Removal of plaque, tartar and bacterial deposits below the gumline
- Smoothing of the root surfaces to promote gum reattachment
- Digital imaging to guide your treatment
- Home care instructions
- A follow-up visit to check how your gums are healing
- Direct insurance billing
What to Expect at Your Visit
- 1Exam. We check your gums, measure pocket depths and take X-rays to see where cleaning is needed.
- 2Comfort. We numb the area you are having treated with local anesthetic.
- 3Scaling. We carefully remove plaque, tartar and bacteria from your teeth and below your gumline.
- 4Root planing. We smooth the root surfaces so your gums can heal and reattach.
- 5Aftercare. We explain how to care for your gums and book your follow-up visit.
Some patients have the deep cleaning done one section of the mouth at a time, over two or more visits, so each area is fully numb and comfortable.
Recovery and Aftercare
Your gums may feel sore or tender for a few days, and you may notice a little bleeding or sensitivity to hot and cold. To help your gums heal:
- Eat soft foods for the first day or two
- Rinse gently with warm salt water
- Brush softly and keep flossing as we show you
- Avoid smoking, which slows healing
- Use an over-the-counter pain reliever if you need one
Call us if you have swelling, a fever or pain that gets worse instead of better.
Why Choose Bow River Dental for Scaling & Root Planing
- A local anesthetic for comfort, and Sedation Dentistry options for anxious patients
- Gentle, thorough, judgement-free care
- Fees that follow the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide
- Direct insurance billing, and the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is accepted
- 20+ years of care and trusted by 10,000+ families
- Evening and Saturday appointments, free parking and a convenient NW Calgary location, with a 4.5 rating from 277 Google reviews
Related Treatments
- Periodontal Treatment: your full gum care plan
- Bad Breath Treatment: to treat the cause of bad breath
- Check-Ups & Cleanings: to keep your gums healthy after treatment
- Sedation Dentistry: to help you relax
Cost of Scaling & Root Planing
The cost of a deep cleaning depends on how much of your mouth needs treatment and how many visits it takes, so there is no single price. Bow River Dental follows the Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide, and we explain your options and costs before treatment begins. We bill most insurance plans directly and welcome eligible patients using the Canadian Dental Care Plan. Call 403-247-0999 for a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is scaling and root planing painful?
We use a local anesthetic to numb the area, so you should feel pressure but not pain during treatment. Your gums may feel tender for a few days afterward. Sedation options are available if you feel anxious.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth and just below the gumline. A deep cleaning, or scaling and root planing, cleans deeper below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces, and is used to treat gum disease. Your dentist recommends which one you need after an exam.
How many visits does scaling and root planing take?
Many patients need two visits, with one side of the mouth treated at each. Mild cases may be done in one visit, and more advanced cases may take more. We give you a clear plan after we examine your gums.
How long does it take to heal after a deep cleaning?
Most people feel better within a few days, and your gums continue to tighten and heal over the following weeks. Good brushing and flossing at home helps a lot. We check your gums at a follow-up visit to see how they are healing.
Is scaling and root planing covered by insurance or the CDCP?
Many insurance plans cover part of the cost. The Canadian Dental Care Plan lists periodontal services, including deep scaling, among the services it may cover when your dentist recommends them. We bill most insurance plans directly and can help you understand what to expect.
Book Your Deep Cleaning
Ready to treat gum disease? Call Bow River Dental or book online, and we will find a time that works for you.
- Monday: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Wednesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
- Thursday: 10 AM to 6 PM
- Friday: 9 AM to 4 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Bow River Dental, 4411 16 Ave NW Suite 110, Calgary, AB T3B 0M3
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We're welcoming patients of all ages to our family dental clinic in NW Calgary. Book your first visit online — most appointments available the same week.