How Many Types of Dental Burs Are There? Uses and More!

dental burs

Dental burs are among the most common and essential instruments required to perform various procedures. 

The bur heads come in various shapes and sizes, specifically catered to the unique needs of dental professionals. 

In this blog, we’ve discussed everything about dental burs, including their types, names, and applications. 

Moreover, you’ll discover an overview table highlighting different aspects of the burs. 

Overview of Burs Dental Instruments

Surgical burs dental are small, rotary-cutting instruments with sharp tips. They are connected to handpieces that deliver electric power to enable their operation. These versatile instruments are designed to perform a wide range of procedures, including the following: 

The instruments’ atraumatic tips ensure minimal trauma and damage to the surrounding tissues. 

In addition, they ensure precision and accuracy, allowing dentists to perform procedures with minimal chances of errors and complications. 

 

How Many Bur Shapes Are There? 

Remember, every variation of the bur is designed to perform specific operations and dental procedures. The burs’ unique tip designs identify their specific usage and application in dentistry. 

The common types of bur shapes are listed in the table below, along with their unique applications: 

Tip Shape

Application

Round

Cavity preparation, shaping cavities, removing old fillings

Inverted cone

Cavity preparation, shaping cavities, removing old fillings

Long cone

Cavity preparation, shaping cavities, root canal therapy

Fissure

Removing decay from pits and fissures

Gates Glidden & Kerrison

Root canal therapy, root amputation

Gracey & Kirkland

Scaling and root planing, gingival curettage

Football & pear

Surgical procedures (e.g., tooth extraction, biopsy)

Fine-grit

Polishing and finishing restorations

Now, let’s move on to the different types of dental burs and their kits. 

Some Medical-Grade Dental Burs and Packs 

In order to choose the right burs dental instruments, it’s essential to have knowledge of their different types and applications. 

Here are some common dental burs and their applications: 

Dental Bur Acrylic Cutting Bur - Regular Cross Cut

This bur is specifically designed for working with acrylic materials, commonly used in denture fabrication and orthodontic appliances. Its regular cross-cut pattern provides efficient cutting action, allowing for precise shaping and contouring of acrylic components.

Dental Bur Flame Shaped Diamond #8861 Fine Grit 19mm (Standard Length)

The Dental Bur Flame Shaped Diamond #8861 Fine Grit 19mm (Standard Length) is a versatile instrument designed for precision and efficiency in dental procedures. Its rounded tip and tapered shank make it ideal for preparing margins on both anterior and posterior teeth, ensuring a smooth and accurate fit for restorations. The fine-grit diamond surface provides a superior finish. 

Dental Bur Diamond Taper - Med Grit - 19mm FG (Standard Length) - Pack of 5

Dental Bur Diamond Taper - Med Grit - 19mm FG (Standard Length) - Pack of 5 allows for easy access to hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. The pack has 5 burs, each featuring a medium-grit diamond surface that is ideal for removing decay and preparing the tooth surface for restorations. The diamond taper burs are durable and reliable instruments that can be used for a variety of procedures, including cavity preparation, crown and bridge work, and endodontic therapy.

Dental Bur Diamond Football - Extra Fine Grit - 19mm FG (Standard Length) - Pack of 5

This versatile pack is used for a variety of dental procedures. The instruments’ in the pack feature a football shape that provides excellent control and visibility. Their atraumatic tips make them ideal for cavity preparation, shaping tooth structures, and polishing restorations. The extra fine-grained diamond surface ensures a smooth and polished finish.

Final Words

To conclude, the modern dental practices are equipped with specialized burs tailored for unique procedures. Whether it’s filling a cavity, shaping tooth structures, or contouring the canine margins, you’ll find a specially designed bur for each procedure. 

Explore GerDentUSA’s website to buy German stainless steel dental burs. They also offer kits and packs, customization options, and a diverse range of other dental surgical instruments

FAQs 

Which dental instruments are used for polishing and finishing restorations? 

The specialized dental instruments featuring fine-grit tips are designed for finishing and polishing restorations. Fine-grit tips provide precision and control, allowing dental professionals to achieve a high level of detail in polishing, enhancing restorations' aesthetics and longevity.

How can I get dental burs of my preferred size and design? 

You can contact an instrument manufacturer and supplier who offers customization options. Like, GerDentUSA has skilled engineers on board who’ve been trained in manufacturing customized instruments.