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Scaling and Root Planing in Winnipeg

Advanced Scaling and Root Planing at Greenwoods Dental In Winnipeg

Bleeding or swollen gums? That’s your body’s warning sign.
At Greenwoods Dental Centre, we’ve helped hundreds of patients stop gum disease in its tracks with our gentle, proven deep cleaning procedure — scaling and root planing.

How Does Scaling and Root Planing Works?

Scaling and root planing — often called a “deep cleaning” — is a non-surgical periodontal procedure designed to treat gum disease before it progresses to more serious stages.

During scaling, your dental hygienist or periodontist carefully removes plaque and hardened tartar (calculus) from both above and below the gumline, reaching into the periodontal pockets where bacteria thrive.

During root planing, the surface of the tooth root is smoothed out, making it harder for bacteria to reattach and helping the gum tissue reattach firmly to the tooth.

The result? Cleaner teeth, healthier gums, and a foundation for long-term oral health.

Step-by-Step Process

What to Expect:
Scaling & Root Planing

Here's exactly what happens at each stage of your treatment.

01
Assessment
Periodontal Examination

Your provider measures gum pocket depth and takes X-rays to assess bone levels and determine your treatment plan.

02
Comfort
Local Anesthesia

The treatment area is fully numbed. Most patients feel minimal to no discomfort during the procedure.

03
Deep Cleaning
Scaling

Plaque and tartar are carefully removed from every tooth surface, including deep below the gumline and inside pockets.

04
Root Treatment
Root Planing

Tooth roots are smoothed and polished, helping gum tissue reattach and preventing future bacteria buildup.

05
If Needed
Antimicrobial Treatment
Optional

An antimicrobial rinse or antibiotic may be placed in gum pockets to further reduce bacteria and support healing.

06
Ongoing Care
Follow-Up & Maintenance

A check-up 4–6 weeks after treatment confirms healing. Most patients follow a 3–4 month maintenance schedule.

Why Schedule a Scaling and Root Planing?

Scaling and root planing offers a wide range of short- and long-term benefits:

  • Stops gum disease progression before it reaches advanced stages
  • Reduces gum pocket depth and encourages tissue reattachment
  • Eliminates harmful bacteria from hard-to-reach areas
  • Freshens breath by removing the source of odor-causing bacteria
  • Protects bone and tissue from further breakdown
  • Reduces risk of tooth loss caused by periodontal disease
dentist doing scaling and root planing of a patient
Got Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

Your comfort is our priority. We use local anesthesia to fully numb the area before treatment, so most patients feel little to no discomfort during the procedure. Some tenderness and sensitivity in the days following treatment is normal and usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.

This depends on the severity of your gum disease and how many teeth are involved. Typically, the mouth is treated in two appointments — one side per visit — each lasting about 45–90 minutes. Some mild cases may be completed in a single session.

A routine cleaning is a preventive procedure that removes plaque and tartar from visible surfaces above the gumline. Scaling and root planing is a therapeutic treatment that goes much deeper — below the gumline and into periodontal pockets — to actively treat infection and disease.

Most dental insurance plans cover scaling and root planing as a medically necessary procedure. Our team will review your coverage and provide a detailed estimate before treatment begins so there are no surprises.

Yes, gum disease can recur if proper oral hygiene and professional maintenance are not maintained. That's why we recommend a periodontal maintenance schedule every 3–4 months after treatment, combined with brushing twice daily and flossing regularly at home.

Scaling and root planing is often a one-time procedure for moderate gum disease, followed by regular periodontal maintenance cleanings. If the disease is more advanced or doesn't respond fully, additional treatment — including surgical options — may be recommended by your periodontist.

Schedule Your Scaling &
Root Planing Consultation Today

If you've been told you need a deep cleaning, our experienced periodontal team at Greenwoods Dental can help. We'll evaluate your unique situation and create a personalized treatment plan to get you the results you deserve.

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