When regular dental cleanings aren't enough to treat gum disease, scaling and root planing offers a deeper, more thorough solution. At Dental Sedation Ottawa, we provide this essential periodontal treatment using advanced sedation dentistry options—from gentle relaxation to complete sleep—so you can receive effective care without fear or discomfort.
Scaling and root planing, often called "deep cleaning," is a non-surgical procedure that treats gum disease by thoroughly cleaning below the gum line. While a regular cleaning addresses the visible tooth surface, deep cleaning reaches into the pockets that form when gum disease causes gums to pull away from teeth.
The procedure has two components: Scaling removes plaque and tartar deposits from tooth surfaces and below the gum line. Root Planing smooths the tooth roots to remove bacterial toxins and help gums reattach firmly to teeth, reducing pocket depth.
For most patients with early to moderate gum disease, scaling and root planing successfully halts disease progression and allows gums to heal, avoiding the need for surgery.
At our Ottawa dental clinic, we believe periodontal treatment should never cause fear. That's why sedation dentistry is central to how we provide deep cleaning procedures.
Mild relaxation ideal for patients with minimal anxiety. Effects wear off within minutes.
Learn more about nitrous oxide →Medication taken before your appointment creates moderate sedation and drowsiness. Perfect for patients with dental fear. You'll have little memory of the procedure.
Explore oral sedation →Deeper sedation with continuous monitoring keeps you in a twilight state—profoundly relaxed with minimal awareness. Most patients remember nothing about the procedure.
Discover IV sedation →Complete sleep with zero awareness, administered by board-certified medical anesthesiologists Dr. Hesham Talab, MD MSc PhD FRCPC FASE and Dr. Asad Mirghassemi, MD MSc FRCPC. Hospital-grade safety in our clinic.
Learn about general anesthesia →Your mouth is divided into four quadrants. With appropriate sedation—particularly IV sedation or general anesthesia—we can treat all four quadrants in a single visit. One appointment, one recovery period, faster overall healing.
Ready to treat your gum disease comfortably? We'll help you choose the right sedation option.
Your dentist recommends scaling and root planing when you have periodontitis—gum disease that has progressed beyond early gingivitis.
Without treatment, periodontitis progressively destroys the bone and tissue supporting your teeth, eventually leading to tooth loss. Scaling and root planing stops this destruction. Learn more about gingivitis and periodontitis →
On treatment day, we begin by administering your chosen sedation. Once you're comfortable and relaxed, we thoroughly numb the treatment area. Using specialized instruments—including ultrasonic scalers and hand instruments—we carefully remove plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces and deep within periodontal pockets. Then we smooth the root surfaces to remove bacterial toxins and create a clean surface that helps gums heal and reattach.
Treatment Time: One quadrant: 45-60 minutes | Two quadrants (one side): 1.5-2 hours | All four quadrants: 2-3 hours (typically done under IV sedation or general anesthesia)
Ready to restore your gum health?
Some discomfort, sensitivity, and minor bleeding are normal. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended. Rinse gently with warm salt water 2-3 times daily. Stick to soft, cool foods for the first day or two.
Gentle brushing is essential even when gums are tender. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and brush carefully. Wait 24 hours before flossing, then resume gentle flossing. Use any prescribed antimicrobial mouthwash as directed.
Days 1-2: Maximum sensitivity. Days 3-7: Noticeable improvement. Weeks 2-4: Gums beginning to tighten and reattach. Weeks 4-6: Follow-up appointment to assess healing. Many patients notice fresher breath, reduced bleeding, and healthier-looking gums within weeks.
After your gums heal, you'll need periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months to prevent disease recurrence. Learn about periodontal maintenance →
After your gums heal from deep cleaning, you'll need periodontal maintenance cleanings every 3-4 months. These specialized cleanings prevent disease recurrence by removing bacterial buildup before it can re-establish infection.
Your daily oral hygiene directly determines long-term success:
Success Rates: When combined with excellent home care and regular maintenance, scaling and root planing successfully controls gum disease in approximately 85% of patients.
Starting price per section
All four quadrants
Additional fees by type
Most dental insurance plans cover scaling and root planing at 50-80% when medically necessary.
We provide direct billing to major insurers and accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
Our patients consistently rate us 5 stars for gentle, thorough deep cleaning procedures with comfortable sedation options.
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View All Reviews on GoogleDentist Referrals Welcome: We collaborate with referring dentists throughout Ottawa and Eastern Ontario for periodontal sedation cases.
Learn About Our Referral Process