Which issue can be corrected by finishing and polishing an amalgam rather than replacing it?

Finishing and polishing an amalgam can effectively address an overcontoured marginal ridge. When an amalgam restoration is found to be overcontoured, reshaping the marginal ridge through finishing can create a more anatomically correct contour, which is important for proper occlusion and improving the contact with opposing teeth. The process of finishing allows the dental assistant or dentist to smooth out the restoration, improving its integration into the existing dental structure and enhancing patient comfort. Proper polishing follows to ensure that the surface is smooth and reduces plaque accumulation, further increasing the longevity and function of the restoration.

In contrast, issues such as light or open proximal contacts may require adjustments that can only be achieved through replacement or additional material, and a 0.5mm submarginal area signifies a flat or inadequate margin that can compromise retention and seal, necessitating a more significant correction than polishing can provide. Overcarved grooves and fossa adjustments also typically require additional restorative work to correct the functional aspects of occlusion, which wouldn't be resolved solely through finishing and polishing.