What is the primary purpose of coronal polishing?

What is the primary purpose of coronal polishing?

• A. Remove extrinsic stain & plaque from the coronal surfaces
• B. Remove calculus from roots
• C. Polish enamel to a high gloss
• D. Seal dentin tubules

Answer: (A)

Coronal polishing is done to remove extrinsic stains and plaque from the visible crown surfaces. Using a gentle abrasive paste with a soft cup or brush, it smooths the enamel after scaling so the surface is cleaner and less likely to retain plaque. It is not used to remove calculus from root surfaces—that’s the role of scaling and root planing. Polishing to a high gloss can happen as a side effect, but that isn’t the main goal; polishing should not be used on demineralized or compromising enamel, and it doesn’t seal dentin tubules.

Coronal polishing is done to remove extrinsic stains and plaque from the visible crown surfaces. Using a gentle abrasive paste with a soft cup or brush, it smooths the enamel after scaling so the surface is cleaner and less likely to retain plaque. It is not used to remove calculus from root surfaces—that’s the role of scaling and root planing. Polishing to a high gloss can happen as a side effect, but that isn’t the main goal; polishing should not be used on demineralized or compromising enamel, and it doesn’t seal dentin tubules.