What equipment is necessary for performing coronal polishing?

The necessary equipment for performing coronal polishing includes a dental handpiece, a polishing cup, polishing paste, and a saliva ejector.

The dental handpiece is essential because it provides the speed and precision needed to effectively polish the surfaces of the teeth. The polishing cup, often made from rubber or silicone, fits onto the handpiece and holds the polishing paste, allowing it to be applied uniformly across the tooth surfaces. Polishing paste contains abrasives designed to smooth and shine the enamel while removing plaque and stains. The saliva ejector is important for maintaining a dry working area and for removing excess saliva and debris from the patient’s mouth during the procedure, ensuring both comfort and visibility.

While other equipment, like dental chairs and lights, is valuable for creating a suitable treatment environment, they are not specific to the actual coronal polishing process. Options involving x-ray equipment and floss, or a toothbrush and mouthwash, do not relate to the tools necessary for the polishing itself, as they serve different purposes in dental care.