What does coronal polishing primarily involve removing?

Coronal polishing primarily involves the removal of soft deposits and extrinsic stains from the surfaces of the teeth. This procedure is aimed specifically at enhancing the aesthetics of the smile and preparing the tooth surface for further treatments, such as fluoride applications. Extrinsic stains often come from food, drinks, smoking, and other lifestyle factors, and they accumulate on the enamel surface.

By focusing on the removal of these soft deposits and stains, coronal polishing helps in achieving a clean and smooth tooth surface, which is essential for effective oral hygiene and overall dental health. This not only improves the appearance of the teeth but also reduces the accumulation of plaque and bacteria, therefore contributing to the prevention of dental diseases such as caries and periodontal issues.

Removal of gingival tissue, periodontal ligaments, or hard deposits from calculus does not fall under the scope of coronal polishing. Gingival tissue removal would be inappropriate and is not a part of this procedure, while periodontal ligaments relate to deeper structures in the periodontal support system that are not addressed during coronal polishing. Additionally, calculus removal requires scaling, which is a different process involving the use of specialized instruments to remove hardened deposits that cannot be addressed through polishing alone.