What is the difference between prophylaxis and coronal polishing?

The distinction between prophylaxis and coronal polishing is crucial in dental hygiene practice. Prophylaxis refers to a comprehensive preventive treatment that involves scaling to remove plaque, tartar, and teeth stains along with polishing the teeth. This process is essential for maintaining oral health, especially in preventing periodontal disease. It targets not only surface stains but also the build-up of biofilm and calculus that can lead to more significant dental issues if left unaddressed.

On the other hand, coronal polishing is a more focused procedure aimed specifically at enhancing the smoothness of the teeth and removing extrinsic stains from the tooth surface. Coronal polishing does not involve scaling; thus, it is not a substitute for prophylaxis but rather a complementary treatment that can follow it. By understanding this difference, dental professionals can provide appropriate treatments based on the specific needs of each patient.

The other options misinterpret preventive care by either making inaccurate claims about the effectiveness of prophylaxis compared to coronal polishing, confusing the target groups for these treatments, or incorrectly suggesting that there is no difference between the two.