Dental burs are an essential tool in many restorative dentistry procedures. They are tiny, rotating cutting instruments that play a vital role in shaping and preparing teeth for restorations such as filling cavities and installing crowns or bridges.
Whether you’re studying dentistry or are interested in it, keep reading to learn more about the different types of dental burs and how they are used in restorative dentistry.
What are Dental Burs?
A dental bur is a small, handheld tool used to prepare teeth for restorations. They are available in a range of shapes and sizes and each one is designed for a specific purpose. They’re typically made of either steel or tungsten carbide and fit onto a handpiece that rotates the bur at a high speed.
Different Types of Dental Burs
The first step in understanding dental burs is learning about the different types. Some of the most commonly used burs for restorative dentistry include:
- Carbide burs: These are made from tungsten carbide and are used to cut and shape hard materials such as enamel and dental composites.
- Diamond burs: These are made from a metal shank coated with diamond particles. They’re often used for cutting and shaping tooth structure and are useful for working with harder materials such as porcelain.
- Fissure burs: These are designed for cleaning and shaping tooth grooves and fissures. They’re an essential tool for preparing teeth for fillings.
- Round burs: The most versatile type of dental bur, they are used for a wide range of procedures including preparing teeth for fillings, shaping, and smoothing.
Why Using the Right Dental Bur is Important
In restorative dentistry, choosing the correct bur for each procedure is essential to get the best results. Using the wrong bur can lead to a range of issues including improper shaping, damage to the structure of the tooth, and complete failure of the restoration.
Dentists consider a range of factors, such as the location and size of the restoration, the type of material they are using, and the hardness of the tooth structure before selecting the right bur for the job. They’ll also think about the shape and size of the bur, along with how fast, efficient, and durable it is for cutting.
What Are Burs Used for in Restorative Dentistry?
A variety of restorative dentistry procedures require the use of dental burs. These include:
- Preparing for fillings: When a patient has a cavity, burs are used to remove decay and shape the tooth in order to prepare it for filling.
- Smoothing and shaping: Dentists use burs to shape and smooth the surface of the tooth. This ensures that the restoration fits correctly and looks and feels natural.
- Removing old restorations: Burs are used in the removal of old fillings, crowns, and bridges when replacing them with a new one.
- Creating undercuts: Dentists use burs to create an undercut in the structure of the tooth. The purpose of this is to allow for a tighter and more secure fit of the restoration.
Dental burs are essential for most restorative dentistry procedures. For dentists, choosing the right one is essential for getting the optimal results for the patient.
