Which procedure is used primarily for polishing teeth?

The procedure used primarily for polishing teeth is coronal polishing. This technique is focused on removing plaque and stains from the coronal surfaces of the teeth, which is the visible part above the gum line. Coronal polishing utilizes a rotary instrument and an abrasive paste to achieve a smooth and shiny finish on the tooth surfaces. This process is generally performed after scaling, which removes tartar and deposits from the teeth, to ensure that the teeth are clean and polished for aesthetic purposes and to enhance oral hygiene.

Other procedures listed serve different purposes. Scaling is aimed at cleaning below the gum line to address periodontal disease. Root planing goes a step further by smoothing the root surfaces to help in the healing of gum tissues. Probing is a diagnostic procedure that measures the depth of gum pockets but does not actively contribute to polishing the teeth. Therefore, coronal polishing is specifically the procedure that emphasizes enhancing the appearance and smoothness of the tooth surfaces.