What is the primary criterion for deciding to perform coronal polishing at a visit?

What is the primary criterion for deciding to perform coronal polishing at a visit?

• A. The patient’s age
• B. Tooth color uniformity
• C. Presence of extrinsic stain & plaque
• D. Gum bleeding

Answer: (C)

Coronal polishing is indicated when visible extrinsic stain and plaque are present on the crowns. The goal of polishing is to remove superficial discolorations and biofilm after scaling, giving the enamel a cleaner appearance and a smoother surface that resists future plaque buildup. It isn’t driven by patient age or by tooth color uniformity alone, and gum bleeding signals inflammation that should be addressed, not primarily treated with polishing. Intrinsic stains and calculus require other procedures, so polishing targets the superficial, removable staining you can see on the tooth surface.

Coronal polishing is indicated when visible extrinsic stain and plaque are present on the crowns. The goal of polishing is to remove superficial discolorations and biofilm after scaling, giving the enamel a cleaner appearance and a smoother surface that resists future plaque buildup. It isn’t driven by patient age or by tooth color uniformity alone, and gum bleeding signals inflammation that should be addressed, not primarily treated with polishing. Intrinsic stains and calculus require other procedures, so polishing targets the superficial, removable staining you can see on the tooth surface.