National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) Practice Exam

What type of polishing is often done before placement of dental sealants?

1. Coronal polishing

2. Air abrasion polishing

3. Microdermabrasion polishing

4. Ultrasonic scaling

The correct answer is: Coronal polishing

Coronal polishing is the correct choice because it involves smoothing and cleaning the surfaces of the teeth, specifically the crowns, to ensure that they are free of plaque, biofilm, and debris. This polishing process creates an optimal surface for the application of dental sealants, enhancing their adhesion and effectiveness. By providing a clean tooth surface, coronal polishing helps to ensure that the sealant will bond properly and last longer, protecting the fissures in the teeth from decay. Other types of polishing, such as air abrasion polishing, microdermabrasion polishing, and ultrasonic scaling, serve different purposes in dental care. Air abrasion polishing is primarily used for removing decayed tooth material and surface stains, instead of preparing teeth for sealants. Microdermabrasion polishing is a dermatology technique rather than a dental practice and is not typically employed in the context of sealant application. Ultrasonic scaling is used for removing calculus and plaque from the teeth but does not provide the fine polishing needed before sealing. Thus, coronal polishing is specifically designed for preparing teeth for sealant application.