How can a dental hygienist minimize patient discomfort during coronal polishing?

Minimizing patient discomfort during coronal polishing is crucial for a positive experience and effective treatment. The correct approach involves using gentle pressure and maintaining a comfortable polishing speed. This technique helps to avoid irritation of the gums and enamel, and it allows the patient to feel relaxed throughout the procedure.

Gentle pressure prevents unnecessary trauma to the tooth surfaces and surrounding tissues. It is an essential factor in ensuring that the patient does not experience pain or sensitivity during polishing. Similarly, a comfortable polishing speed allows for thorough cleaning while minimizing the chances of discomfort. A high-pressure or high-speed approach may lead to excessive abrasion of enamel and possible injury to soft tissues, which can result in an unpleasant experience for the patient. Therefore, adopting a careful and considerate approach with gentle pressure and an appropriate speed enhances patient comfort and promotes a more effective and enjoyable procedure.