Also called scaling and root planing. It cleans the root surfaces below the gumline, where gum disease actually lives and where no toothbrush reaches — done with the area numbed, at a pace you set.
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Gum disease starts as inflammation at the gumline. Left alone, the gum begins to detach from the tooth, forming a pocket — and once that pocket is deeper than about three millimetres, neither brushing nor a routine cleaning can reach the bottom of it. Bacteria sit on the root surface below, and the body responds by losing the bone that holds the tooth.
Deep cleaning goes into those pockets, removes hardened deposits from the root, and smooths the surface so the gum can reattach. It is the treatment that stops the process — and unlike bone, gum inflammation genuinely does reverse when the cause is removed. The bone already lost does not grow back, which is why treating early matters so much.
Gum disease is largely painless until it is advanced, which is exactly why it goes unnoticed. Measurement, not sensation, is what diagnoses it.
A course of treatment rather than a single appointment:
Numbers first. Every tooth is measured at multiple points and the depths recorded, so progress can be compared rather than estimated.
The treatment itself. Deposits removed from the root surfaces inside the pockets, then the root smoothed so the gum can reattach.
Standard, not optional. The area is frozen so the appointment stays comfortable — this is why deep cleaning is often done one side at a time.
Confirming it worked. Re-measurement a few weeks later, then a maintenance interval of three to four months while the gums stabilise.
In Ontario, most courses of treatment land between roughly $200 and $600, and heavier cases treated over several visits cost more. Cost tracks time: it is quoted by the amount of scaling required, which is why a full-mouth course is usually split into sessions. Gum treatment is generally well covered by insurance because it is medically necessary rather than cosmetic, and eligible patients may have a share covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan.
You see the exact cost in writing before any treatment begins — no surprises at the front desk.
We help you understand your coverage and submit claims, so you know your real out-of-pocket cost.
Sol Dental Studio accepts the Canadian Dental Care Plan for eligible patients.
Where each one leaves your gums twelve months from now:
We chart every pocket and show you the numbers and the x-rays, so you can see exactly which areas are affected and how far it has gone.
The area is numbed and the root surfaces cleaned thoroughly. Splitting treatment by side keeps each appointment manageable and lets one half settle.
Four to six weeks later we chart again. Shallower pockets and no bleeding mean it worked; anything stubborn gets a specific plan rather than a repeat.
Gums are usually tender for a day or two and may be temporarily more sensitive to cold as the roots are cleaner. Both settle. What decides the long-term outcome is what happens between appointments:
Dr. Richard He — DDS (University of Toronto) with a dedicated implant fellowship. Gum treatment and any restorative work that follows planned in one practice.
Patients rate Sol Dental Studio 5.0 out of 5. Gentle freezing, unhurried visits, judgment-free care.
A written estimate before any treatment, insurance guidance included, and CDCP accepted.
Palermo Village at Dundas & Old Bronte. Care in English, Mandarin, Portuguese, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu.
Most patients need it only when gum disease is diagnosed, and then maintenance visits are necessary every 3 to 4 months.
A regular cleaning focuses on removing plaque and tartar above the gumline, while a deep cleaning targets buildup below the gumline and smooths the tooth roots to help the gums reattach properly.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort because local anesthesia is typically used to numb the treatment area. Some mild soreness or sensitivity may occur afterward.
Depending on the severity of the gum disease, it may take 1 to 2 visits.
The length of treatment depends on the severity of gum disease and the number of areas being treated. Some patients require one visit, while others may need multiple appointments.
The dentist or hygienist removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces to reduce bacteria and encourage gum healing.
Common signs include red or swollen gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, chronic bad breath, gum recession, loose teeth, and increased tooth sensitivity.
Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, is reversible. Advanced stages of gum disease cannot be reversed, but can be controlled with deep cleaning and consistent maintenance.
Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, floss every day, use any prescribed antimicrobial mouth rinse, and attend regular periodontal maintenance appointments as recommended by your dentist.
