Which of the following is a common sign that polishing may need to be stopped?

The correct choice indicates that one of the most crucial considerations during the coronal polishing procedure is the patient's comfort. When a patient displays signs of discomfort, it is a clear signal that the procedure may need to be stopped. Discomfort can manifest in various ways, including physical expressions, verbal complaints, or involuntary reactions, and it's vital for a dental professional to respond to these cues to ensure patient safety and well-being. Maintaining open communication with the patient throughout the procedure allows for immediate feedback to address their comfort level.

Other signs, such as tight jaw muscles, excessive saliva production, or the presence of a cotton roll in the mouth, can occur for different reasons and may not necessarily require the procedure to be halted. Tight jaw muscles could simply indicate that the patient is anxious or tense but may not reflect acute discomfort related to the polishing itself. Excessive saliva production can be managed and does not inherently indicate an issue with the polishing technique. Similarly, the presence of a cotton roll is a normal part of some dental procedures and does not affect the need to continue.

In summary, the presence of discomfort is the most important signal to halt the polishing process, highlighting the need for attentive patient care and responsiveness in a clinical setting.