Scaling and Root Planing in North York
When tartar builds up under the gums, a regular cleaning cannot reach it. Scaling and root planing cleans those deeper pockets so your gums can heal.
Scaling and root planing in North York at Emerald Forest Dental is a deep cleaning for periodontitis. Using local anaesthetic, your dental team removes tartar and bacteria from tooth roots below the gum line and smooths the root surfaces. This helps inflamed gums heal and tighten. It is usually done over two to four visits.
- Typical time
- About 45–90 minutes per section; usually 2–4 visits
- Who it's for
- Adults with periodontitis and gum pockets of about 4 mm or deeper
- Coverage
- Often partly covered under periodontal benefits; check your plan
- Recovery
- Gums may be tender and teeth sensitive for a few days
About scaling and root planing
Healthy gums fit snugly around your teeth, with a shallow space of about one to three millimetres. With periodontitis, that space deepens into a pocket. Tartar and bacteria collect on the root surface inside the pocket, where neither a toothbrush nor a regular cleaning can reach. The body's reaction to these bacteria is what slowly breaks down the gum attachment and bone.
Scaling and root planing goes after the cause. Scaling removes tartar and plaque from the root surfaces deep in each pocket. Root planing smooths those surfaces so the gum tissue can reattach more easily and plaque is slower to build up again. The area is frozen with local anaesthetic first, so most people feel pressure and vibration rather than pain. Treatment is usually split into sections, such as one side of the mouth or one quarter at a time.
Healing takes several weeks. As the swelling goes down, the gums often shrink a little and pockets get shallower. Your teeth may look slightly longer and feel more sensitive to cold for a while. Around six to eight weeks later, your gums are measured again. If some pockets stay deep, your dentist may suggest closer maintenance or a visit with Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari, our registered specialist in periodontics.
Signs you may need a deep cleaning
- Your hygienist found gum pockets of 4 mm or deeper
- X-rays show bone loss around some teeth
- Your gums bleed easily and stay swollen after regular cleanings
- You have tartar below the gum line
- Your breath stays bad despite brushing and flossing
Benefits
- Removes tartar and bacteria from deep below the gum line
- Helps reduce bleeding, swelling and pocket depth
- Can slow further bone loss
- Done with local anaesthetic for comfort
What to expect
- Measure and mapPocket depths and bleeding points are recorded so we can compare later.
- Freeze the areaLocal anaesthetic numbs the section of your mouth being treated that day.
- Scale the rootsUltrasonic and hand instruments remove tartar from the roots inside each pocket.
- Smooth the surfacesRoot surfaces are planed smooth to help the gums heal and reattach.
- Recheck in weeksAbout six to eight weeks later, your gums are measured again to plan the next step.
Aftercare
- Wait until the freezing wears off before eating so you do not bite your cheek or tongue.
- Rinse with warm salt water a few times a day and brush gently but thoroughly.
- Use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth if cold bothers you; tell us if sensitivity does not ease over a few weeks.
- Start cleaning between your teeth again as soon as it is comfortable, using the tools your hygienist showed you.
Other options
For mild gum inflammation without deep pockets, a regular cleaning and better home care may be enough. In some deeper pockets, your dentist may add a locally placed antibiotic or refer you to our periodontist to discuss surgical options. Your dentist will explain what makes sense for your situation.
Cost and coverage
Scaling and root planing is billed in time units, so the total depends on how many sections need treatment and how much tartar is present. The fee is usually based on the ODA suggested fee guide, and local anaesthetic is part of the visit. Many insurance plans include this under periodontal or basic services, often with a yearly limit on units. We can send a pre-treatment estimate to your insurer. For questions about the Canadian Dental Care Plan, please ask our front desk. LendCare payment plans are available if you want to spread out the cost.
Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.
Your dental team
Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari
Dental Specialist in Periodontics
Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Ye Zhang, DDS
General Dentist
Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.
Scaling and Root Planing FAQ
How is this different from a regular cleaning?
A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar on and just below the gum line. Scaling and root planing reaches deeper into gum pockets and smooths the root surfaces. It is a treatment for periodontitis, not routine prevention.
Does deep cleaning hurt?
The area is frozen first, so most people feel pressure and vibration but not sharp pain. Afterward, gums can feel sore and teeth sensitive for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief, taken as directed on the package, usually helps.
Why are my teeth more sensitive after?
As the swelling goes down, the gums may shrink slightly and expose more root surface. Roots are more sensitive to cold than enamel. This often eases over a few weeks, especially with a toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
Will my gums grow back?
Deep cleaning helps gums heal and tighten, but gum tissue that has receded does not usually grow back on its own. If recession is causing problems, your dentist may talk with you about gum grafting.
What happens after scaling and root planing?
Your gums are rechecked after several weeks. Most people then move to periodontal maintenance visits every three or four months to keep the pockets clean and catch any changes early.
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Scaling and Root Planing near you
We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.
This page is general information and is not a substitute for an exam. Your dentist will recommend what's right for you. Reviewed by: Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS. Last updated 2026-10-26.
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