Sintered Diamond Burs for Dental Labs
Diamond burs are a vital tool for any dental laboratory. They are more precise than traditional metal burs, resulting in fewer complications and shorter healing times for patients. However, if not properly cleaned and maintained, the cutting efficiency of a sintered diamond bur can decrease over time. A recent study investigated the effect of multiple uses of a sintered diamond instrument on its surface characteristics.
The morphological changes of the diamond-treated tooth surfaces, which can be seen in stereomicroscope images and depth maps, were evaluated. The results showed that the morphology of the carved tooth surface was altered significantly by the multiple use of the same diamond instrument, regardless of the type of teeth prepared. The morphological changes were more noticeable on the CoCr and zirconia substructures, where grooves and ridges formed on the tooth surfaces due to the mechanical action of the diamond tool. In addition, the striations caused by the rotating tip of the diamond bur were diminished and the surface was more smooth after a single preparation, while it became rougher with each successive use.
Several factors can alter the cutting performance of a diamond bur, including hardness of surface particles, sterilization and disinfection procedures, storage conditions, corrosion, and multiple use.10 Among these, the changing frequency is one of the most significant determinants, because it is directly related to the life duration of the diamond tool.
In the study, a commercial metallic diamond bur with extra coarse gradation was used to prepare tooth models. The round-end tapered working part of the diamond bur was covered with a nickel-diamond composite, and its microstructure was examined using Jeol JSM-6610 LV scanning electron microscope. The researchers found that the surface of the diamond bur had a hard and soft coating after repeated use, which caused it to become worn faster than uncoated metal burs. Moreover, the cutting efficiency of the diamond bur was reduced after five preparations, and therefore it should be changed.
SUVA’s line of sintered diamond rotary instruments features point-shaped burs with precision graded diamond embedded in a metal matrix to carve consistently over a long lifetime. These sintered diamond burs come in a variety of grits to suit any need. They are ideal for grinding, shaping, and carving lapidary minerals and gemstones, glass, opal, and even porcelain. They have an HP shank that fits Foredom and Dremel rotary tools with a 3/32 in diameter collet.