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DANB CPFDA study materials
DANB CPFDA study resources

DANB CPFDA: Coronal Polishing: Indications, Technique, and Limits

DANB CPFDA · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

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Coronal Polishing: Indications, Technique, and Limits

Coronal polishing removes plaque and extrinsic stain from the crowns of teeth; it does not remove calculus and it is not periodontal therapy. The CPFDA exam tests patient selection, paste and cup selection, slow-speed technique, and the limits that keep polishing safe.

Purpose and indications

  • Remove extrinsic stain from coffee, tea, tobacco, and some foods.
  • Remove soft plaque before fluoride application or before some adhesive procedures.
  • Improve appearance and prepare a clean surface, but not a substitute for scaling and root planing.
  • Use selective polishing: polish only teeth that need it, not every tooth routinely.

Technique and safety

  • Use a slow-speed handpiece with a rubber cup or bristle brush and an appropriate prophylaxis paste; fine paste for mature enamel and exposed dentin, medium for heavier stain.
  • Hold the cup flared against the tooth, use light intermittent pressure, and keep the cup moving to avoid heat and gouging.
  • Isolate with suction, protect the airway, and avoid throwing paste onto soft tissue.
  • Do not polish demineralized enamel, exposed dentin, carious lesions, or newly erupted teeth with immature enamel; avoid excessive pressure on restorations and margins.
  • Rinse and suction thoroughly; floss to remove impacted paste.

Worked example

An adult has brown tobacco stain on the facial surfaces of anterior teeth but no calculus. The assistant selects a fine prophylaxis paste, uses a rubber cup at slow speed with light pressure, polishes only stained surfaces, rinses and suctions, then flosses. Because there is no calculus, no scaling is attempted; the dentist is informed if deposits are seen.

Traps

  • Calling polishing “scaling” or using it to remove hard deposits.
  • Polishing every tooth when selective polishing is indicated.
  • Using a fluoride-containing paste immediately before sealant etching without rinsing.
  • Too much pressure, which heats the tooth and can damage enamel or restorations.
  • Failing to suction, letting the patient swallow paste and debris.