Arizona State Coronal Polish Practice Exam

A common post-care instruction given to patients after coronal polishing is to wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking. This recommendation is important because the polishing procedure can temporarily remove dental biofilm and surface stains, leaving the tooth enamel more susceptible to acids found in food and beverages. By waiting, patients allow time for any fluoride in the polishing paste to be absorbed by the enamel, which can help in remineralizing the teeth and enhancing their strength. This precaution helps in providing long-term benefits following the procedure.

In contrast, brushing immediately might disrupt the benefits obtained from the polishing and is usually not advised right after treatment. While mouthwash can be beneficial at times, using it right after polishing may interfere with the fluoride application as well. Returning to a normal diet immediately does not consider the necessary time for the enamel to fully benefit from the polishing session and may expose it to potential harm from food and drink that could be acidic or abrasive. Thus, waiting at least 30 minutes is a key component of post-care instructions to ensure the best results from the coronal polishing procedure.