A dental deep cleaning — clinically known as scaling and root planing — is a non-surgical periodontal treatment that removes tartar buildup and bacterial deposits from below the gumline, where a standard cleaning cannot reach. It is recommended when a patient shows signs of periodontal (gum) disease, including gum pockets deeper than 3–4 millimetres, bone loss, or persistent gum inflammation. For many Calgary patients, a deep cleaning is not optional — it is the first and most important step in stopping gum disease from progressing.
What Makes a Deep Cleaning Different From a Regular Cleaning?
A routine prophylaxis cleaning polishes the visible surfaces of your teeth and removes light tartar from above the gumline. It is a preventive procedure designed for patients with healthy gums or only mild buildup.
A deep cleaning goes significantly further. Using specialised hand instruments called scalers and curettes — or ultrasonic devices — your dental hygienist cleans:
- Below the gumline, into the periodontal pockets
- Along the root surfaces of the teeth (root planing)
- Areas where calculus (hardened tartar) has attached to the tooth root
Root planing smooths rough root surfaces so that bacterial plaque has fewer places to cling and so the gum tissue can reattach more effectively to the tooth.
How Do I Know If I Actually Need One?
Your dentist or dental hygienist will take a series of measurements called a periodontal probing assessment. A small probe is used to measure the depth of the space between your gum and the tooth at six points per tooth. Healthy pockets measure 1–3 mm. Pockets of 4 mm or deeper — especially if they bleed on probing or show signs of bone loss on dental X-rays — indicate periodontal disease.
Common signs that Calgary patients may need a deep cleaning include:
- Gums that bleed regularly when brushing or flossing
- Persistent bad breath (halitosis) that does not resolve with hygiene
- Gums that appear red, swollen, or have pulled away from the teeth (gum recession)
- Teeth that feel loose or have shifted position
- Visible tartar buildup at the gumline
- A long gap since your last dental visit
What Does the Procedure Actually Involve?
Most deep cleanings are completed over two appointments, treating one side of the mouth per visit. Local anaesthetic is typically applied to keep you comfortable, as the treatment reaches sensitive areas below the gum tissue.
After the procedure, your gums may feel tender for a few days and some sensitivity to hot or cold is normal. Your hygienist will recommend chlorhexidine rinse or other post-care instructions. A periodontal maintenance schedule — usually every 3–4 months — is then established to monitor healing and prevent recurrence.
Is Gum Disease Actually That Common in Calgary?
Periodontal disease is one of the most widespread chronic conditions in Canada. Studies suggest that nearly half of Canadian adults have some form of gum disease, and many do not realise it because early stages are often painless. Factors like cold, dry winters, high stress levels, and busy lifestyles that delay dental visits can all contribute to progression. Regular assessments at a Calgary NW dental clinic are the most reliable way to catch gum disease early.
What Happens If You Skip the Deep Cleaning?
Left untreated, chronic periodontitis causes irreversible damage. The bacterial infection destroys the alveolar bone and periodontal ligament that hold your teeth in place. Over time, teeth loosen and may be lost entirely. Research also links untreated periodontal disease to systemic conditions including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes complications, and adverse pregnancy outcomes. A deep cleaning is a significantly more affordable and less invasive intervention than the tooth replacement options — such as dental implants or bridges — that become necessary after tooth loss.
Book a Periodontal Assessment at Expressions Dental in Calgary NW
If you have been told you need a deep cleaning, or if you have noticed any of the warning signs above, the licensed dental team at Expressions Dental in Calgary NW is ready to help. We provide thorough periodontal assessments, comfortable scaling and root planing treatment, and personalised maintenance plans to keep your gums healthy long-term. Visit expressionsdental.ca to book your appointment today — your gum health is worth protecting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dental deep cleaning and is it the same as a regular cleaning?
A dental deep cleaning, known clinically as scaling and root planing, is a periodontal treatment that removes tartar and bacteria from below the gumline and along tooth root surfaces. A regular cleaning only addresses the visible tooth surfaces above the gumline and is a preventive procedure for patients with healthy gums — a deep cleaning is a therapeutic treatment for gum disease.
Does a dental deep cleaning hurt?
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during a deep cleaning because local anaesthetic is applied to the area being treated. Afterwards, you may have tender gums and some sensitivity to hot or cold foods for a few days, which typically settles on its own or with over-the-counter pain relief.
How do I know if I need a deep cleaning or just a regular cleaning in Calgary?
Your dentist or hygienist will measure the depth of your gum pockets using a small probe — pockets of 4 mm or deeper, combined with bleeding gums or bone loss visible on X-rays, indicate that a deep cleaning is needed rather than a routine prophylaxis. If it has been a long time since your last dental visit or you have bleeding, swollen gums, it is worth booking an assessment at a Calgary dental clinic to find out.
How long does a dental deep cleaning take?
A deep cleaning is typically completed over two appointments, with one side of the mouth treated per visit. Each appointment generally takes between 60 and 90 minutes depending on the severity of tartar buildup and the number of teeth involved.
Is a dental deep cleaning covered by insurance in Alberta?
Many Alberta dental insurance plans provide at least partial coverage for scaling and root planing, as it is a medically necessary procedure when periodontal disease is present. Coverage amounts vary depending on your specific plan, so it is best to check with your provider or ask the team at Expressions Dental to help verify your benefits before treatment begins.
How often will I need to come back after a deep cleaning?
After a deep cleaning, most patients are placed on a periodontal maintenance schedule of every three to four months rather than the standard six-month recall. These more frequent visits allow your hygienist to monitor pocket depths, check that healing is progressing, and remove any new buildup before it can cause further damage.
Can gum disease come back after a deep cleaning?
Yes — periodontal disease can recur if home care habits are not maintained and regular professional cleanings are skipped. Consistent brushing, flossing, and keeping your scheduled periodontal maintenance appointments at a Calgary NW dental clinic like Expressions Dental are essential to keeping gum disease under control long-term.