Every dentist faces many hard decisions on a daily basis. Among these decisions is choosing the right tools for the job. When it comes to burs, there are a number of different options. However, if you truly understand the nature of each bur, you’ll have no problem figuring out when each is necessary. Learn about these characteristics to become more effective at oral surgery.
Know Your Types
As mentioned, there are a plethora of different burs on the market. Dental surgical burs come in all different sizes, shapes and materials. Burs fashioned out of diamond are the right choice for restorative procedures and crown preparation. Carbide burs are better suited for shaping and removal jobs. All in all, it’s likely that there is a bur available to perform any type of procedure.
A Look at Handpieces
An integral part of every bur is the handpiece. This is the portion of dental surgical burs that dentists grasp while working. In general, handpieces can be straight or contra-angle. The latter is capable of working at high speeds as well. Many techniques, such as bone removal, require the high-speed capability of contra-angle handles. Therefore, you’ll have to make sure that you are working with the right handpiece for the type of procedure that you are doing.
The Anatomy of a Bur
As with any tool, burs have specific parts that help identify them. The first part of the bur is referred to as the shank. This area attaches directly to the handpiece and provides control. The shaft is the long cylinder that helps extend the tool into the patient’s mouth. Finally, the head is the part that is rotated at high velocities to create the cutting or grinding action. The sizing and shaping of each of these parts will vary depending on the bur’s intended use.
Becoming More Familiar
Every dentist knows that dental surgical burs are a central part of their practice. Due to this, it is important to become fully informed about their characteristics. You’ll be able to save a lot of time by knowing which bur to use beforehand.
