What can be a sign that a polishing procedure has not been effective?

A sign that a polishing procedure has not been effective is the visibility of stains remaining on the teeth. This indicates that the polishing process did not adequately remove plaque, tartar, or extrinsic stains, which are the primary goals of a coronal polishing procedure. Effective polishing should result in a smoother tooth surface and a noticeable reduction or complete removal of surface discolorations. If stains are still evident after the procedure, it may suggest inadequate technique or the choice of polishing agent was not suitable for the specific type of stain present.

Other options do not indicate ineffective polishing. A patient reporting no soreness typically suggests that the procedure was performed gently and effectively, rather than being a sign of ineffectiveness. Teeth appearing whiter would generally indicate a successful outcome of the polishing process, demonstrating that the stains were effectively removed. The gritty feel of a polishing agent could be an indication of its composition or the technique being used but does not directly correspond to the effectiveness of the polishing in terms of stain removal.