Other Dental Services

Get an Appointment

If you are looking for a dentist in London for Dental Scaling & Root Planing please call us at 519-471-0984 or book an appointment.

Dental Scaling & Root Planing

Protect your smile from the hidden dangers of gum disease with professional scaling and root planing at Just Dentistry. This specialized "deep cleaning" goes beneath the gum line to remove hardened calculus and bacteria that standard brushing cannot reach. By smoothing the tooth roots and eliminating irritants, we help reverse gingivitis and manage periodontitis, preserving your bone health and preventing future tooth loss.

Plaque is a sticky substance that adheres to the tooth structure and is teeming with bacteria. Over time, plaque becomes calcified (hardened) and at this stage, it becomes what is called calculus.

Plaque and calculus are irritants to the tissues of your mouth. The reaction of your body to the irritants and the subsequent gum inflammation, gum recession, bleeding and eventual bone loss around the teeth constitute periodontal (gum) disease.

The earliest stage of periodontal disease is called gingivitis (which is reversible) and is characterized by bleeding gums, especially when one brushes and flosses. If the disease is not addressed, it will progress to periodontitis, which is far more destructive, and is characterized by further gum deterioration, bone loss, and ultimately tooth loss.

Scaling and root planing are the most common form of treatment for periodontal disease. Scaling removes calculus (also called tartar) and plaque from the tooth surface above and below the gum line. Root planing improves smoothness of the root’s surface and removes any remaining calculus.

When the amount of plaque and calculus to remove is extensive, the dentist will numb the area to make the procedure comfortable for you. A combination of sonic and hand instruments are used in the procedure. The sonic instruments remove the large deposits of plaque and calculus. Hand instruments are then used to remove any remaining tartar and ensure all surfaces of the crown and root are clean and free of bacteria. Sensitivity and soreness may be present a few days following treatment and usually can be relieved with over-the-counter pain relievers.

A follow-up visit with Just Dentistry is usually scheduled for four weeks following treatment to check the improvement of gingival status, and regular intervals (3 month and 6 month intervals are typical) thereafter to monitor the disease. The goals are to eliminate the active inflammation caused by bacteria and reduce the periodontal pockets around the teeth so they cannot trap plaque or calculus, thus maintaining the present bone height around the teeth.

If you are looking for a dentist in London for scaling & root planing, please call Just Dentistry at 519-471-0984 to book an appointment with .

Frequently Asked Questions

A routine cleaning focuses on the surface of the teeth above the gum line. Scaling and root planing is a deeper treatment required when plaque and calculus (tartar) have built up below the gum line, causing inflammation. Scaling removes these hard deposits, while root planing smoothes the root surfaces to help the gums reattach and heal.
To ensure your total comfort, we typically use a local anesthetic to numb the area before we begin, especially if the buildup is extensive. You may feel some pressure during the process, but you shouldn’t feel pain. After the procedure, it is normal to experience some minor sensitivity or soreness for a few days, which can be easily managed with over-the-counter relievers.
The earliest sign is often gingivitis, characterized by gums that bleed when you brush or floss. As the disease progresses to periodontitis, you may notice persistent bad breath, receding gums, or teeth that feel loose. Because gum disease is often painless in its early stages, regular exams at our London office are vital for catching it before bone loss occurs.
We typically schedule a follow-up visit about four weeks after your treatment to monitor how your gums are healing and check the depth of the periodontal pockets. Most patients then transition to a specialized maintenance schedule, usually every three to six months, to keep bacteria levels under control and prevent the inflammation from returning.

Schedule an appointment now!

Request your appointment online. Simply fill out the form below and our team will contact you shortly.