1. Assessment
We begin with a clinical exam and review of your dental and medical history, plus digital X‑rays. This helps determine the extent of periodontal involvement and whether scaling and root planing is appropriate.
Periodontal Care
Scaling and Root Planing in Toronto
Scaling and root planing is a deep cleaning that targets plaque and bacteria beneath the gumline to help reduce gum inflammation. At Belman Dental Centre in Midtown Toronto—serving Davisville and Eglinton—we use digital X‑rays and the iTero Element 3D scanner to guide a personalised plan.
What scaling and root planing does
Scaling and root planing focuses on cleaning the tooth surfaces below the gumline and smoothing root surfaces so gum tissue can heal and reattach. The aim is to remove the sources of chronic irritation and help restore healthier gum-to-tooth connections.
Treatment is performed by a general dentist at Belman Dental Centre. If your gums require specialised care beyond our scope, we will discuss referral options to a periodontist.
- Removes plaque and hardened deposits below the gumline
- Smooths root surfaces to encourage tissue healing
- Reduces inflammation and helps control gum irritation
- Complements regular oral hygiene and professional maintenance
Your appointment and what to expect
A typical visit begins with a clinical exam and digital X‑rays to evaluate bone levels and supporting structures. Dr. Noah Belman and our team use those findings, along with impressions or scans from the iTero Element 3D scanner if needed, to plan treatment.
During the procedure you’ll receive local anaesthetic where required to keep you comfortable. For anxious patients we offer nitrous oxide or oral sedation; we will review options during your consultation.
- Initial assessment with digital X‑rays
- Local anaesthesia as needed
- Nitrous oxide or oral sedation available
- Treatment by a general dentist; referral if specialised care is needed
Aftercare and follow-up
After scaling and root planing you may experience some tenderness, sensitivity or mild swelling for a few days. We will provide tailored home-care instructions and may recommend a short course of rinses or supportive therapies.
To maintain results, the team at Belman Dental Centre will schedule follow-up visits and professional maintenance. Ongoing monitoring at regular intervals helps us track healing and prevent recurrence.
- Short-term sensitivity is common
- Specific home-care instructions will be provided
- Follow-up visits to monitor healing and maintenance
- Personalised recall schedule based on your assessment
Personalized Care
Could This Be Right for You?
A conversation and clinical assessment are the best way to understand your options. People often ask about scaling and root planing when they are experiencing one or more of the following situations.
- Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing that is persistent
- Chronic bad breath that does not improve with home care
- Sensation of pockets or food trapping near the gumline
- Increasing tooth sensitivity or loosening of teeth
- A dentist or hygienist recommending deeper cleaning based on exam
What to Expect
Your Care, Step by Step
2. Treatment planning
Based on the assessment, we outline a personalised plan that may include one or more appointments, local anaesthesia, and any sedation options. If specialist care is advisable, we will explain referral options.
3. Treatment
Scaling removes deposits below the gumline and root planing smooths root surfaces. The procedure is performed by a general dentist with comfort measures in place. The duration varies with how many areas require treatment.
4. Follow-up and maintenance
We schedule follow-up visits to check healing and may recommend a maintenance interval to help preserve gum health. Ongoing professional care and consistent home hygiene are important for lasting results.
Planning Your Care
Cost and payment
Fees for scaling and root planing vary depending on the number of sites treated, the complexity of care and the need for additional services. itemized fee information will be provided after your clinical assessment so you know what to expect.
Belman Dental Centre can help you understand how proposed fees relate to any insurance benefits or financing options you may have. Please contact our office for information on payment methods and to request personalised treatment plan and fee information.
Good to Know
Scaling and Root Planing FAQs
How is scaling and root planing different from a regular cleaning?
A routine cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar above the gumline and polishing teeth. Scaling and root planing targets deposits below the gumline and smooths roots; it’s a deeper procedure intended for areas where gum tissue needs to reattach and heal.
Will the procedure be painful?
We use local anaesthesia to keep the treated areas numb during the procedure, and many patients feel only minor discomfort afterwards. For patients with dental anxiety, nitrous oxide and oral sedation are available; we’ll review suitability at your consultation.
How many visits will I need?
The number of appointments depends on the number of teeth and areas involved. Some people have scaling and root planing completed in one or two visits, while others require multiple shorter visits. A clinical exam clarifies the best schedule for you.
How long before I notice improvement?
Some improvement in bleeding and tenderness can be noticed within a week, while tissue healing and reattachment may take several weeks. We will monitor progress at follow-up visits and adjust your maintenance plan as needed.
Will I need additional treatments after scaling and root planing?
Some patients respond well to scaling and root planing with regular maintenance, while others may need adjunctive therapies or referral to a specialist. Decisions about antibiotics, further periodontal procedures or restorative care depend on your response and a specialist assessment if required.
Ready When You Are
Book a periodontal consultation
To discuss scaling and root planing at Belman Dental Centre, call 1-416-486-1136 or book a consultation at 1881 Yonge St., Suite 403, Toronto. A personalised assessment will determine the recommended care and next steps.