What is scaling and root planing? It is a deep cleaning procedure specifically designed for gum disease. It involves the removal of plaque and tartar below the gumline and the smoothing of tooth roots to support gum reattachment.
At Lilac Family Dentistry, it is only recommended for patients with signs of gum disease, and the treatment need is confirmed strictly through clinical assessment.

Deep Cleaning for Gum Disease

• Targeted Care: This treatment focuses on managing gum infection and inflammation by treating buildup below the gumline.

• Comfort Focus: Local numbing options are discussed when appropriate to ensure you remain comfortable during the procedure.

• Thorough Approach: Because of its depth, the treatment may be completed over multiple visits.

• Transparent Pricing: Pricing is typically discussed per quadrant or per area, depending on gum disease severity and the time required.

Gum disease is often painless in its early stages, meaning many patients do not realize they have a problem until a professional evaluation reveals deep tartar buildup. If your gums are bleeding, swollen, or receding, a standard teeth cleaning will no longer be enough to protect your smile.
At Lilac Family Dentistry in North York, our trained dental hygiene professionals provide expert periodontal care. We focus on halting the progression of gum disease through meticulous below-the-gumline cleaning, helping you restore your oral health and protect your natural teeth.

What is root planing and scaling?

To answer the common question, what is root scaling and planing? it is fundamentally a deep cleaning procedure for gum disease. When plaque hardens into tartar below the gum tissue, it creates pockets of bacteria that irritate and detach the gums from the teeth. To fix this, the procedure involves:

• The removal of plaque and tartar below the gumline.
• The smoothing of tooth roots to support gum reattachment.

When is periodontal scaling and root planing recommended?

This is a highly specific treatment, not a general preventive service. It is explicitly recommended for patients with signs of gum disease.
Often, this need is identified after findings from a Dental Exam or a routine Dental Hygiene visit. Ultimately, it is recommended when routine cleaning is no longer sufficient to keep your gums healthy. The treatment need is always confirmed through a thorough clinical assessment first.

What happens during the procedure?

Treatment is performed by trained dental hygiene professionals. To ensure every trace of infection is addressed, we utilize:

• Digital charting to track gum pocket depth and monitor severity.
• Manual scaling instruments for deep, stubborn deposits.
• Ultrasonic scaling for efficient plaque and bacteria removal.

Because this procedure requires precision and time, it may be completed over multiple visits.

Is scaling and root planing painful?

It is completely normal to worry about discomfort when dealing with deep cleaning. To ensure you are at ease, local numbing options are discussed when appropriate before we begin.
After the procedure, mild sensitivity may occur temporarily. However, post-treatment care instructions are provided to help you manage this comfortably at home.

Scaling and root planing vs regular cleaning

Many patients ask us about scaling and root planing vs cleaning (or scaling and root planing vs deep cleaning, which are actually the same thing). The differences are significant:[Image comparing regular dental cleaning and deep scaling]

• Teeth Cleaning focuses on routine plaque removal above the gumline.

• Dental Hygiene focuses on ongoing preventive maintenance.

• Scaling and root planing treats buildup below the gumline, not just above, and specifically focuses on managing gum infection and inflammation.

How much does scaling and root planing cost?

Because gum disease affects every patient differently, the scaling and root planing cost is highly personalized.

• Pricing is typically discussed per quadrant (section of the mouth) or per area.
• The final cost depends directly on gum disease severity and the time required.

If you are wondering about scaling and root planing cost without insurance, patients receive a clear explanation before treatment begins so there are no surprises. If you have benefits, insurance coverage may apply depending on the plan.

What should you expect after treatment?

Healing is a crucial part of periodontal care. After your visits are complete, the dentist may evaluate your gum health and treatment progress. To ensure the gums are responding well and reattaching as intended, follow-up visits may be recommended to monitor healing.

Why choose Lilac Family Dentistry for your periodontal care?

Entrusting your gum health to a clinical team is a highly personal decision. At Lilac Family Dentistry, we measure our success not by aggressive treatments, but by the lifelong relationships we build with our patients. We are incredibly proud to have a multi-generational practice in place, celebrating 47 years of dentistry in the same location.
Because of our deep roots in the North York community, we prioritize integrity, education, and highly conservative care. When you sit in our chair, you can expect:

• Honest Communication: All findings, including your digital pocket depth charting are explained clearly to the patient.
• Patient-Led Decisions: We believe in empowering our patients; absolutely no treatment proceeds without patient consent.
• Comprehensive Solutions: We seamlessly coordinate your periodontal care with routine Teeth Cleaning and Fluoride Treatment to protect your teeth as your gums heal.

We treat you like family because, to us, you are. Our Family Dentistry practice is tailored to all ages, ensuring that your long-term oral health always remains our top priority.

Understanding Your Cleaning Options

FAQs About Scaling and Root Planing

Get Answers About Deep Cleaning for Gum Disease

A healthier, brighter smile is just a click away! If you have signs of gum disease or have been told that a routine cleaning is no longer enough, scaling and root planing may be necessary to treat buildup below the gumline.
At Lilac Family Dentistry in North York, your treatment planning is based entirely on clinical findings, gum health, and a clear explanation of what the procedure involves.

• Targeted Infection Control: Remove the deep bacteria that cause swelling, bleeding, and eventual tooth loss.
• Comfort-Focused Care: We discuss local numbing options to ensure your deep cleaning is as comfortable as possible.

If you are evaluating a dentist near you or looking for a trusted dental clinic near North York to handle your periodontal care, don’t wait for your gum disease to worsen. Take the first step toward healthier gums by scheduling your assessment today or visit us: 4430 Bathurst St #509, North York, ON