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About The Video
In this episode of Before & Beyond, Lee Yean shares the case of a patient with severe plaque and tartar buildup, gum swelling, and staining, despite having had a cleaning just eight months earlier. She explains how tartar can form a hard barrier, preventing flossing and brushing from being effective, and why professional deep cleaning is required
She shows examples of hardened deposits removed from the patient’s teeth and emphasises that waiting too long allows bacteria to damage gums and bone. Lee Yean advises against delaying treatment, stressing that deep cleaning is essential to prevent gum disease and protect long-term oral health. Her explanation helps patients understand when scaling and polishing is not enough and more advanced cleaning is needed
Deep cleaning, also known as scaling and root planing, is a vital procedure when gum disease has progressed beyond what routine cleaning can address. Plaque and tartar that build up beneath the gumline cause inflammation, bleeding, and bone loss if left untreated. Unlike regular scaling, deep cleaning involves cleaning both above and below the gums, removing deposits and smoothing root surfaces to encourage healing.
Patients may require local anaesthetic for comfort, but the procedure helps stop disease progression and prevents tooth loss. Common signs that deep cleaning may be necessary include swollen or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, and tartar deposits that cannot be removed with normal brushing. Regular checkups help dentists detect these issues early, but when gum disease advances, deep cleaning becomes an essential step in restoring gum health and preserving teeth.
