Coronal Polish Certification Practice Test

What term refers to polishing root surfaces that have been exposed during periodontal surgery?

1. Cosmetic polishing

2. Preventative polishing

3. Therapeutic polishing

4. Maintenance polishing

The correct answer is: Therapeutic polishing

The correct term for polishing root surfaces that have been exposed during periodontal surgery is therapeutic polishing. This process serves a critical purpose in the context of periodontal treatment. After surgery, the root surfaces can become rough and susceptible to bacterial colonization, potentially leading to further issues such as infection or periodontal disease progression. Therapeutic polishing is designed to smooth these surfaces, helping to remove any debris, biofilm, or calcified materials that could interfere with the healing process and promote tissue reattachment. This type of polishing is typically performed as part of a broader periodontal maintenance program to ensure optimal healing and improve the long-term prognosis for the affected teeth. Other terms like cosmetic, preventative, and maintenance polishing do not specifically address the context of healing and the unique needs of root surfaces post-surgery. Cosmetic polishing focuses more on aesthetic improvement rather than therapeutic needs, while preventative polishing may involve techniques to prevent future dental issues, not necessarily linked to surgical contexts. Maintenance polishing is generally concerned with ongoing care rather than immediate post-operative treatment, making therapeutic polishing the most appropriate choice in this scenario.