Inadequate finishing & polishing (plaque retention, staining)
What it is
After placing a restoration (especially posterior composite), the clinician does not finish and polish properly, leaving a surface that is rough, irregular, or has residual flash. Rough composite surfaces are associated with: • More plaque accumulation and bacterial adhesion • Surface staining and reduced gloss • Gingival irritation (especially interproximally) • Potentially faster wear and earlier need for repair/refinement A commonly cited threshold is that surface roughness (Ra) above ~0.2 μm is linked with increased bacterial retention risk.
Why it happens
• Skipping steps (or using only a coarse finishing instrument) → scratches remain and surface stays plaque-retentive. • Wrong instrument sequence (coarse-to-fine not followed, or finishing burs/discs used aggressively) → deeper grooves that polishing can't fully remove. • Poor access areas ignored (gingival proximal margins, lingual of molars) → interproximal roughness and plaque stagnation. • Timing confusion (immediate vs delayed polishing): surface roughness can differ depending on when polishing is performed and the composite/polishing system used. • Polishing system choice: different systems produce different roughness/gloss outcomes and can affect color stability.
The full clinical mistake entry includes
- How to avoid it — the prevention protocol
- The clinical tip experienced clinicians use
- The documented reference behind the mistake
More clinical mistakes
Dentalverse is an educational resource for dental students and dentists. This page is a study reference — it is not medical advice and does not replace clinical judgment. Always follow your institution's protocols and your supervisor's guidance.