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Root Planing and Scaling in Edmonton – Deep Gum Cleaning at Lumos Dental
Healthy gums are essential to maintaining a strong, beautiful smile. At Lumos Dental, we provide professional root planing and scaling in Edmonton to treat gum disease and protect your long-term oral health. If you have been diagnosed with gingivitis or periodontitis, deep cleaning treatment can help stop infection, reduce inflammation, and prevent further damage.
Root planing and scaling is a non-surgical periodontal treatment designed to remove harmful bacteria beneath the gumline and restore gum health before the condition worsens.
What Is Root Planing and Scaling?
Root planing and scaling, often referred to as a deep cleaning, is a specialized dental procedure used to treat active gum disease. Unlike a routine cleaning that focuses primarily on the surfaces of your teeth above the gums, this treatment targets infection below the gumline where bacteria accumulate.
The first step, scaling, removes plaque and hardened tartar from both the tooth surfaces and beneath the gums. The second step, root planing, smooths the root surfaces to remove bacterial toxins and help the gums reattach more securely to the teeth. By eliminating the source of infection, the body is better able to heal naturally.
Why Deep Cleaning Is Important
When plaque and tartar remain below the gumline, they create pockets of bacteria between the teeth and gums. These pockets deepen over time and can lead to gum inflammation, bleeding, bad breath, gum recession, and bone loss. If left untreated, periodontal disease may eventually cause tooth mobility and even tooth loss.
Early intervention with root planing and scaling can stop gum disease from progressing and significantly reduce the risk of more advanced surgical treatment later on. Addressing gum infection promptly protects both your smile and your overall health.
Signs You May Need Root Planing and Scaling
Gum disease often develops gradually, and symptoms can sometimes go unnoticed. You may benefit from deep cleaning treatment if you experience bleeding when brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, swollen or tender gums, gum recession, or loose teeth. During your visit to Lumos Dental, we measure periodontal pocket depths and evaluate your gum health to determine whether this treatment is necessary.
The Root Planing and Scaling Process
At Lumos Dental, patient comfort and thorough care are our top priorities. Treatment begins with a comprehensive examination, including digital imaging and detailed periodontal measurements. If deep cleaning is recommended, the area being treated is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure a comfortable experience.
Specialized dental instruments are then used to carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup from beneath the gumline. Once the teeth are thoroughly cleaned, the root surfaces are smoothed to discourage future bacterial accumulation and encourage healing. Depending on the severity of gum disease, treatment may be completed in one visit or divided into multiple appointments.
After the procedure, the gums begin to heal, inflammation gradually decreases, and pocket depths often improve over time.
Benefits of Root Planing and Scaling
Deep cleaning treatment offers several long-term advantages for your oral health. By removing infection below the gumline, the procedure reduces inflammation and halts the progression of periodontal disease. It helps decrease pocket depth, protects against further bone loss, and lowers the risk of tooth loss. Patients often notice improved breath and healthier-looking gums as healing progresses.
Most importantly, root planing and scaling supports the stability of your teeth and preserves your natural smile.
Is Root Planing and Scaling Painful?
Most patients tolerate root planing and scaling very well. Local anesthesia minimizes discomfort during the procedure, and any post-treatment tenderness is usually mild and temporary. Some patients may experience slight sensitivity for a few days as the gums heal. Following aftercare instructions and maintaining proper oral hygiene helps promote faster recovery.
The Root Planing and Scaling Process
At Lumos Dental, patient comfort and thorough care are our top priorities. Treatment begins with a comprehensive examination, including digital imaging and detailed periodontal measurements. If deep cleaning is recommended, the area being treated is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure a comfortable experience.
Specialized dental instruments are then used to carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup from beneath the gumline. Once the teeth are thoroughly cleaned, the root surfaces are smoothed to discourage future bacterial accumulation and encourage healing. Depending on the severity of gum disease, treatment may be completed in one visit or divided into multiple appointments.
After the procedure, the gums begin to heal, inflammation gradually decreases, and pocket depths often improve over time.
Aftercare and Ongoing Maintenance
Following treatment, proper home care becomes especially important. Gentle brushing, regular flossing, and attending follow-up appointments help maintain the improvements achieved during deep cleaning. In some cases, an antimicrobial rinse may be recommended to further reduce bacteria.
Patients who have undergone root planing and scaling are typically placed on a periodontal maintenance schedule. These specialized cleanings help prevent recurrence of gum disease and support long-term gum health.
Root Planing and Scaling vs. Regular Cleaning
A standard dental cleaning focuses primarily on removing plaque and tartar from above the gumline and just slightly below it. Root planing and scaling is more extensive and specifically designed to treat active gum disease. If periodontal pockets measure deeper than normal, a deep cleaning is necessary to remove infection and prevent further damage.
Understanding the difference helps patients recognize why additional treatment may be recommended beyond a routine cleaning.
Why Choose Lumos Dental for Gum Treatment in Edmonton?
At Lumos Dental, we are committed to comprehensive, preventative care. Our team uses modern diagnostic technology and a personalized approach to ensure every patient receives appropriate treatment based on their individual needs. We prioritize clear communication so you understand your condition and treatment options fully.
Our goal is not only to treat gum disease but to help you maintain long-term oral wellness in a comfortable and supportive environment.
Root Planing and Scaling Near You in Edmonton
Lumos Dental proudly serves patients throughout Edmonton and surrounding communities. Whether you are located downtown, in Bonnie Doon, Mill Woods, or nearby neighborhoods, our clinic provides convenient access to professional periodontal care.
If you are searching for root planing and scaling near me or need trusted gum disease treatment in Edmonton, our team is here to help restore and protect your smile.
Protect Your Gum Health Today
Gum disease will not resolve without treatment. Early intervention with root planing and scaling can stop infection, preserve bone, and protect your natural teeth.
Schedule your consultation at Lumos Dental today to restore healthy gums and safeguard your smile for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does root planing and scaling take?
Treatment length depends on the severity of gum disease and may require one or multiple visits.
Can gum disease return after treatment?
Yes, without proper maintenance and oral hygiene, gum disease can recur. Regular periodontal maintenance is essential.
Will my gums fully grow back?
While lost gum tissue does not fully regenerate on its own, treatment can significantly reduce pocket depth and prevent further damage.
Is treatment covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans provide coverage for periodontal therapy. Our team can review your benefits with you.