Coronal Polishing
A procedure limited to the removal of extrinsic stain and soft deposits from the clinical crowns of teeth using a rubber cup, brush, and prophylaxis paste.
Full Definition
Coronal polishing is a specific, scope-limited procedure in which extrinsic stains and residual soft deposits are removed from the coronal (crown) portion of teeth using a rotary rubber cup or brush with an abrasive prophylaxis paste. Unlike a full prophylaxis, coronal polishing does not include subgingival instrumentation or calculus removal. In many states and provinces, dental assistants are permitted to perform coronal polishing independently; editors reviewing scope-of-practice documents must be precise about this distinction. The term should always be hyphenated as 'coronal polishing' is the standard form and does not take a hyphen between the two words.
Usage
Usage note: Do not use 'coronal polishing' and 'prophylaxis' interchangeably; they have different procedural scopes and distinct CDT codes. Verify scope-of-practice delegation rules when editing regulatory documents.
In Context
- "Coronal polishing was performed to remove extrinsic tobacco stain from the facial surfaces of the maxillary anterior teeth." — Clinical Progress Note
- "The scope-of-practice document must clearly differentiate between coronal polishing and full prophylaxis, as the two carry different delegation rules." — Regulatory Policy Document