Periodontics - Gums - Montreal

Gum treatment (periodontics) covered by the CDCP

Your gums are the foundation of your teeth. When they bleed, recede, or get infected, periodontal treatment protects your teeth in the long run. Done as part of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), with direct billing to the plan.

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Signs of gum trouble to watch for

Gum disease is often painless at first. Spotting the signs early allows for simpler, more effective treatment.

Bleeding

The gums bleed when brushing or flossing.

Redness and swelling

The gums are red, tender, or swollen.

Bad breath

Persistent bad breath despite good hygiene.

Recession

The teeth look longer as the roots become exposed.

Sensitivity

Discomfort with heat, cold, or contact near the gumline.

Mobility

One or more teeth move slightly.

Understanding how it progresses

Periodontal disease progresses in stages. The earlier it is caught, the simpler the treatment.

Stage 1

Gingivitis

Reversible inflammation of the gums. A deep cleaning and good hygiene are often enough to fully restore them.

Stage 2

Early periodontitis

The inflammation reaches the supporting tissue. A cleaning below the gumline (root planing) is required.

Stage 3

Advanced periodontitis

The supporting bone is affected. Close follow-up and targeted care aim to stabilize the situation.

The care we offer

Depending on the state of your gums, treatment is tailored to stop the inflammation and preserve your teeth.

1

Deep scaling

Removal of tartar above and at the gumline.

2

Root planing

Cleaning below the gumline to smooth the root and remove bacteria.

3

Hygiene advice

Brushing and flossing techniques suited to your situation.

4

Maintenance follow-up

Regular appointments to keep the gums healthy.

CDCP coverage

Non-surgical gum care (cleaning below the gumline, root planing, gum disease management) is among the services eligible under the Canadian Dental Care Plan, with frequency limits. Some procedures and surgical treatments, or care beyond the limits, require preauthorization and may not be covered. The clinic bills the plan directly; depending on your income bracket, an official co-payment may apply. You are given an estimate before any non-covered care.

Gingivitis or periodontitis

Two stages, two approaches. This table sums up the differences to better understand your care plan.

CriteriaGingivitisPeriodontitis
Tissues affectedGums onlyGums and supporting bone
ReversibilityReversibleManageable, not reversible
Main treatmentDeep cleaningRoot planing and follow-up
Follow-upRegular hygieneClose periodontal maintenance
CoverageCDCP, direct billingCDCP, direct billing

Are your gums bleeding or receding?

An assessment identifies the stage and puts the right treatment in place, early.

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Frequently asked questions

Why are my gums bleeding?
Bleeding when brushing is often the first sign of gingivitis, caused by plaque buildup. It is reversible with a deep cleaning and proper hygiene. Persistent bleeding is worth having assessed.
Is gum disease reversible?
Gingivitis is fully reversible. Periodontitis, which affects the supporting bone, cannot be fully cured, but it is very manageable with regular treatment and follow-up to stabilize the situation.
Is periodontal treatment covered by the CDCP?
Non-surgical gum care is covered, with frequency limits. Some procedures require preauthorization from the plan, and surgical treatments or care beyond the limits may not be covered - you are then given an estimate before proceeding.
Is root planing painful?
It is done under local anesthesia: the area is numbed, the treatment is comfortable. Temporary sensitivity may follow, managed with the instructions given at the clinic.
How often is maintenance needed?
It depends on the stage and how you respond to treatment. After periodontitis, closer maintenance (often every 3 to 4 months) helps keep the gums stable.

See also: CDCP cleaning and scaling, CDCP dental exam and services covered by the plan.