Periodontics (gum care)
Scaling and root planing in Valleyfield and Vaudreuil-Dorion
Scaling and root planing is the deep cleaning used to treat periodontitis: under local anesthesia, the hygienist removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths the root surfaces so the gums can reattach and the pockets can shrink. It is done over one to four sessions, by quadrant.
At a glance
| Duration | 45 to 90 minutes per session |
| Number of sessions | 1 to 4 depending on extent |
| Anesthesia | Local |
| Re-evaluation | 6 to 8 weeks |
| Maintenance | Every 3 to 4 months |
Offered in Valleyfield and Vaudreuil-Dorion, 7 days a week in Valleyfield and Monday to Friday in Vaudreuil-Dorion. Phone: 514-533-3368.
Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning): what you need to know
A routine cleaning works on the visible part of the teeth and just under the gum. When periodontal pockets have formed, bacteria and tartar sit on the roots several millimetres deep, where a toothbrush and a regular cleaning cannot reach. Scaling and root planing goes to the bottom of those pockets and leaves the roots smooth, so the gum tissue can heal against them.
At Go Dentiste, the procedure is planned after periodontal charting and performed by our hygienists under local anesthesia, at our Valleyfield and Vaudreuil-Dorion clinics. A re-evaluation six to eight weeks later measures the improvement, and maintenance visits every three to four months keep the disease under control.
When is scaling and root planing indicated?
- Periodontal pockets of 4 mm or more measured at your hygiene visit
- Bleeding gums with tartar visible under the gumline on the X-rays
- Bone loss around the teeth seen on X-rays
- Bad breath that persists despite good brushing
- Loose teeth or gums that have pulled away from the teeth
How the treatment works, step by step
1. Probing and planning
The hygienist records the depth of each pocket and the dentist confirms the diagnosis and the number of sessions needed.
2. Local anesthesia
The quadrant being treated is numbed so the deep cleaning is comfortable.
3. Subgingival scaling
Ultrasonic and hand instruments remove tartar and bacterial deposits from beneath the gumline.
4. Root planing
The root surfaces are smoothed to remove contaminated cementum and make it harder for plaque to reattach.
5. Irrigation and antimicrobials
The pockets are rinsed with an antiseptic solution; a local antimicrobial may be placed in deep sites.
6. Instructions and follow-up
You receive hygiene instructions specific to the treated areas and a re-evaluation appointment.
Benefits
- Reduces pocket depth and stops the progression of bone loss
- Eliminates the bleeding and bad breath caused by deep deposits
- Non-surgical: no incisions or stitches
- Often avoids the need for periodontal surgery
- Protects the teeth from loosening and eventual loss
After the treatment: advice
- Avoid eating until the anesthesia wears off, then choose soft foods for the rest of the day
- Sensitivity to cold is common for a few weeks; use a desensitizing toothpaste
- Rinse with warm salt water or the prescribed mouthwash for the first days
- Keep brushing and cleaning between the teeth gently but thoroughly, even if the gums are tender
- Attend the re-evaluation: it decides whether further treatment is needed
Alternatives and options
For gingivitis without pockets, a regular professional cleaning is sufficient. When pockets remain deep after scaling and root planing, periodontal surgery by a periodontist allows direct access to the roots and can regenerate lost bone in some sites. Laser-assisted therapy is sometimes offered as an adjunct but does not replace mechanical debridement.
Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) in Valleyfield and Vaudreuil-Dorion
Go Dentiste Valleyfield
Address:
785 Monseigneur-Langlois Boulevard
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec J6S 0B1
Opening hours
| MondayMon | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
|---|---|
| TuesdayTue | 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. |
| WednesdayWed | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| ThursdayThu | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. |
| FridayFri | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
| SaturdaySat | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
| SundaySun | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. |
Phone: 514-533-3368
Go Dentiste Vaudreuil-Dorion
Address:
275 Harwood Boulevard
Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec J7V 1Y3
Opening hours
| MondayMon | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
|---|---|
| TuesdayTue | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| WednesdayWed | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| ThursdayThu | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| FridayFri | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. |
| SaturdaySat | Closed |
| SundaySun | Closed |
Phone: 514-533-3368
Frequently asked questions about scaling and root planing
Is scaling and root planing painful?
No. Each quadrant is anesthetized before treatment. Afterwards, the gums can be tender and the teeth sensitive to cold for a few days to a few weeks.
What is the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning?
A regular cleaning removes deposits above and just below the gumline on healthy gums. Scaling and root planing treats diseased pockets several millimetres deep, under anesthesia, and includes smoothing of the roots.
How many sessions are needed?
One to four, depending on how many quadrants have pockets. Each session lasts 45 to 90 minutes.
Will the pockets disappear?
Pockets shrink as the inflammation resolves and the gum reattaches; many 4 to 5 mm pockets return to a healthy 3 mm. Deeper pockets may improve without fully closing and are monitored at maintenance visits.
Does scaling and root planing need to be repeated?
Not routinely. After the initial treatment, maintenance cleanings every three to four months keep the disease controlled. Isolated sites may need localized re-treatment over the years.
Is it covered by insurance?
Most private plans cover scaling and root planing, usually in units of time with an annual maximum. The CDCP also covers periodontal treatment for eligible patients.
Related treatments
- Gum disease treatment (gingivitis and periodontitis)
- Gum graft
- Dental exam and cleaning
- Sensitive teeth
- Dental implants
See also: Periodontics (gum care) · All our dental services · Emergency dentist
Book an appointment in Valleyfield or Vaudreuil-Dorion
New patients welcome, same-day emergencies. One phone number for both clinics.
Content prepared by the Go Dentiste team (Dr Dominic Morel-Maynard, general dentist and owner). Last updated: September 25, 2026. General information for guidance only: only an in-clinic exam can establish a diagnosis and a treatment plan suited to your situation.