What is the purpose of using a prophy cup during coronal polishing?

The primary purpose of using a prophy cup during coronal polishing is to apply polishing paste effectively to the tooth surface. The prophy cup is designed to hold and distribute the polishing paste while rotating against the enamel, which helps to remove plaque, stains, and debris from the teeth.

When the polishing paste is applied in this manner, it can effectively smooth the surfaces of the teeth, making them cleaner and shinier. This enhanced cleanliness not only improves the aesthetic appearance of the teeth but also promotes better oral hygiene by reducing the biofilm that can contribute to dental decay and periodontal diseases.

While the other choices do involve relevant dental procedures or concepts, they do not accurately describe the specific role of the prophy cup in coronal polishing. For instance, enhancing fluoride delivery pertains to fluoride treatments rather than polishing, anesthetizing the tooth is related to pain management, and reducing patient anxiety is more applicable to the overall patient experience in a dental setting rather than the mechanical function of polishing.