What term describes stains or deposits that can be removed from the tooth surface through scaling or polishing?

The term that describes stains or deposits that can be removed from the tooth surface through scaling or polishing is extrinsic deposits. These deposits occur on the external surface of the teeth and can be effectively managed through professional dental cleaning procedures, including polishing and scaling.

Extrinsic stains, such as those caused by food, drinks, or habits like smoking, can accumulate on the enamel but do not penetrate the tooth structure. This is in contrast to intrinsic deposits, which are embedded within the tooth structure and cannot be removed through polishing. Subgingival deposits refer to debris found below the gum line, while supragingival deposits are those found above the gum line but may not explicitly include the removeable context that extrinsic deposits imply. Thus, focusing on the ability to be polished or scaled highlights why extrinsic deposits is the correct designation in this context.