Dental Hygiene: Coronal Polishing Quiz

Study Notes

Students will be able to pronounce, define, and spell key terms related to coronal polishing.
They will understand coronal polishing, differentiating it from prophylaxis.
Students will know indications and contraindications for coronal polishing.
They will identify types of intrinsic and extrinsic stains, and the methods to remove them.
Students will name and describe handpieces and attachments for coronal polishing.
They will explain the importance of selecting appropriate polishing agents.
Students will know how to polish esthetic restorations, including suitable materials. They will describe the step-by-step process, including safety, correct sequence, post-polish flossing, and evaluation of the procedure.
Students will demonstrate handpiece grasp and positioning for prophy angles.
Students will demonstrate the fulcrum and finger rest.
Students will demonstrate proper seating of the operator and assistant during procedures.
Students will complete coronal polishing without causing trauma.
Students will know how to determine if teeth are free from plaque and stains

Calculus: Plaque adhered to tooth structure, mineralized by calcium and phosphate salts.
Clinical crown: Visible portion of the tooth in the oral cavity.
Coronal polishing: Technique to remove plaque and stains from coronal surfaces.
Endogenous stains: Stains developed within tooth structure.
Exogenous stains: Stains developed from external sources.
Extrinsic stains: Stains on external tooth surfaces, removable by polishing.
Fulcrum: Finger rest used when holding an instrument.
Intrinsic stains: Stains within the tooth structure, often not removable by polishing.
Nasmyth's membrane: Residue from epithelial tissue, easily stained.
Oral prophylaxis: Complete removal of calculus, debris, stain, and plaque.

Coronal polishing removes plaque and stains from crowns.
A smooth surface is less likely to accumulate plaque, calculus, or stain.
Polishing is done with a low-speed handpiece, prophy angle, rubber cup, and polishing material (abrasive agent).

Indications: before placement of sealants, orthodontic bands, acid etching, crowns, or bridges.
Contraindications: when no stain is present, high-risk caries (nursing bottle, root), sensitive teeth, newly erupted teeth, areas of demineralization.

Extrinsic stains are external and removable. Examples include tobacco, food, drink.
Characteristics: appearance and cause of different extrinsic stains (black, tobacco stains, brown/yellow, green, dental plaque agents, food/drink, Nasmyth's membrane)

Intrinsic stains are incorporated into tooth structure. They cannot be easily removed by polishing or scaling. Examples include pulpless teeth, tetracycline, dental fluorosis, imperfect tooth development and silver amalgam
Characteristics: appearance and cause of different intrinsic stains are shown.

Air polishing uses water/sodium bicarbonate slurry for stain, plaque removal.
Rubber cup polishing uses abrasive pastes with a rubber cup in a low speed handpiece, for plaque and stain removal.

Start with the most posterior tooth in the quadrant. Work forward towards anterior.
Use strokes from gingival third toward incisal third
Use low speed, intermittent pressure for approximately 1-2 seconds between strokes
Ensure complete tooth coverage with overlapping strokes.

The patient's head must be positioned correctly for both mandibular and maxillary arches(chin up/down for maxilla/mandible).
The operator must be seated comfortably at the patient's side
Operator's positioning is often visualized as a clock (e.g., 8 or 9 o'clock); positioning must permit access to all oral areas.