What adverse outcome is most associated with excessive heat during polishing?

• A. Gingival recession
• B. Pulpal irritation or damage
• C. Enamel chipping
• D. Root exposure

Answer: (B)

Excess heat generated during polishing mainly threatens the dental pulp because the pulp lies beneath enamel and dentin and is highly sensitive to temperature rise. Friction from polishing can raise intrapulpal temperature; water cooling helps, but if the heat is excessive or polishing is prolonged, the temperature can exceed the pulp's tolerance, causing irritation and potentially irreversible damage or necrosis. A commonly cited threshold is about a 5.5°C rise in intrapulpal temperature, after which irreversible changes are more likely, especially with longer exposures. Because enamel and dentin transmit heat to the pulp, even with cooling, the risk increases with heavy pressure, rapid movements, or coarse abrasives. This is why excessive heat during polishing is most associated with pulpal irritation or damage. Other outcomes like gingival recession or enamel chipping relate more to mechanical trauma or periodontal factors rather than heat buildup.