Deep Cleaning (Scaling & Root Planing) Cost in Canada (2026)
Deep cleaning (scaling and root planing, SRP) is billed at the same per-unit rate as regular scaling — $54–$87 CAD per unit depending on the province (from our dataset). A full-mouth SRP typically takes 6–8 units ($430–$700 CAD nationally) across 2–4 appointments. The CDCP covers SRP within its 4-unit annual cap — units beyond that need pre-authorization. Alberta is the most expensive province; PEI is the least expensive.
Estimate your CDCP out-of-pocket cost
Scaling and root planing are CDCP-covered within the combined 4-unit annual cap. For a full-mouth SRP requiring more than 4 units, your dentist will need pre-authorization. Select your province and income tier to estimate your covered and out-of-pocket costs.
Deep Cleaning CDCP Out-of-Pocket Calculator
Province × income tier — scaling/SRP cost 2026 in CAD
paymentsCDCP Coverage & Out-of-Pocket Estimate
* Estimates based on 2025–2026 provincial suggested-fee guides (CAD). Actual costs vary by province and provider; figures flagged as estimates are modelled.
The CDCP reimburses on its own fee grid, typically below the provincial suggested-fee guide. Even at the under-$70,000 tier, a balance can remain if your dentist bills above the CDCP rate.
Deep Cleaning Cost by Province (Canada 2026)
Scaling and root planing use the same per-unit fee on provincial guides. The chart below shows the per-unit cost across provinces — multiply by your total units to estimate your appointment cost.
Scaling (per unit). Source: Real Dental Costs analysis of 2025–2026 provincial suggested-fee guides. Manitoba, Quebec and Saskatchewan are estimates.
| Province | Scaling per unit (CAD) | 6-unit SRP (approx.) | 8-unit SRP (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prince Edward Island | $54 | $324 | $432 |
| Nova Scotia | $56 | $336 | $448 |
| Ontario | $65–$70 | $390–$420 | $520–$560 |
| New Brunswick | $72–$74 | $432–$444 | $576–$592 |
| Newfoundland | $76.96 | $462 | $616 |
| Alberta | $87.25 | $524 | $698 |
What happens during a deep cleaning?
A scaling and root planing session for gum disease follows a specific clinical protocol:
- Local anaesthetic — one or two quadrants are numbed to ensure comfort throughout.
- Scaling below the gumline — hand scalers and/or an ultrasonic scaler remove calculus from root surfaces and within periodontal pockets.
- Root planing — the root surface is smoothed to remove bacterial toxins and encourage gum tissue reattachment.
- Irrigation — the pocket may be irrigated with an antiseptic solution.
- Re-evaluation appointment — typically 4–6 weeks after completing all quadrants, to measure pocket depths and assess healing.
Each quadrant takes 45–60 minutes and 2–3 units of billable time. Most full-mouth SRP is completed in 2 appointments (upper and lower halves, each covering 2 quadrants) or 4 appointments (one quadrant per visit).
CDCP coverage for deep cleaning: the pre-authorization rule
The CDCP applies a single combined cap for all scaling (regular + root planing): 4 units per 12 months for adults aged 17 and up.
This is the most important rule to understand for deep cleaning:
- If your full-mouth SRP requires 8 units, the CDCP will reimburse the first 4 units automatically.
- Your dentist must obtain pre-authorization from Sun Life before performing units 5–8.
- Pre-authorization is typically submitted before your second or third SRP appointment once it is clear more than 4 units are required.
- Without pre-authorization, units beyond 4 will be entirely your cost regardless of your income tier.
Practical tip: Ask your dentist before your first SRP appointment whether they will be submitting for pre-authorization on the additional units. A participating CDCP dentist should handle this on your behalf.
Deep cleaning vs regular cleaning: when is each needed?
| Feature | Regular cleaning | Deep cleaning (SRP) |
|---|---|---|
| Target area | Above and at gumline | Below gumline, into periodontal pockets |
| Indication | Preventive / mild buildup | Gum disease (periodontitis) — pocket depth ≥4 mm |
| Anaesthetic | Not usually required | Local anaesthetic standard |
| Number of appointments | 1 | 2–4 (by quadrant) |
| Typical units | 2–4 | 6–8 (full mouth) |
| CDCP coverage | Within 4-unit cap | Within 4-unit cap; extra units need pre-auth |
Your dentist determines which treatment is appropriate based on pocket depth measurements (periodontal charting). Pockets of 4 mm or more with bleeding typically indicate SRP is needed.
Related pages
- Teeth Cleaning Cost — regular cleaning and scaling cost hub
- Gum Disease Treatment Cost — periodontitis treatment beyond initial SRP
- CDCP Coverage Guide — full coverage matrix, pre-authorization rules
- Dental Costs in Canada — all procedures, recall exam to implants
Frequently asked questions
How much does a deep cleaning cost in Canada?
Does the CDCP cover deep cleaning?
How many appointments does a deep cleaning take?
Does deep cleaning hurt?
What is the difference between scaling and root planing?
Independent dental pricing research — figures verified against provincial suggested-fee guides (ODA, ACDQ, BCDA, etc.) and the CDCP coverage rules published on canada.ca. Pricing/market research, not medical or dental advice.
This page provides pricing and market research information, NOT medical or dental advice. Real Dental Costs is an independent data publisher and is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or Sun Life Financial. Manitoba, Quebec and Saskatchewan scaling figures are modelled estimates.