Sintered diamond burs, also known as metal-bonded diamond burs, have become more popular among dental professionals for a variety of reasons. They provide a great deal of versatility, especially when it comes to cutting a wide array of dental materials. These burs have a blend of diamond particles and metal binder that allows them to cut much faster than traditional coated diamond burs. Despite their popularity, however, there are some misconceptions about these tools. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the common myths surrounding this type of bur and dispel them once and for all!
Traditionally, dentists use metal-bonded diamond burs to grind away tooth tissue, often enamel. This can create a rough finish and can quickly wear down the tool. Additionally, the grinding motion of these burs can clog them with debris and cause a loss in cutting effectiveness. Using this type of bur can even lead to abrasions and discomfort for the patient.
In an attempt to address these issues, a team of researchers at the University of Northampton designed and developed helically-bladed diamond burs with a metallic binder that could be used in high speed air-turbine rotary hand-pieces. The goal of this study was to determine the machinability of these diamond-impregnated burs on zirconia and metal alloy specimens.
The researchers compared the results of these tests to those of standard coated diamond burs. Ultimately, it was determined that the metallic-diamond burs performed better than the coated ones in all tests. This is due to the fact that the diamonds in these types of burs are bonded to the metallic binder, which is much stronger than the ceramic it is surrounded by. Additionally, these tools require less pressure than coated diamond burs, resulting in a smoother, more precise cut and a greater lifespan than conventional coated burs.
While both the metal-bonded and coated diamond burs were found to perform well in this test, it is important to note that the performance of these tools varies depending on many factors such as sterilization and disinfection procedures, storage conditions, the amount of time they are used, and even the color of the diamond coating. Ultimately, it is recommended that the user of a diamond-impregnated bur with a metallic binder change the bur after about five teeth preparations in order to maintain the highest level of efficiency and precision. This will prevent the tool from becoming clogged with debris and ensure a more effective cut. Also, it is a good idea to dress the head of the bur before and after each use with an aluminium oxide stick in order to reveal a fresh layer of diamond. This will extend the life of the bur by as much as ten times compared to electroplated diamond burs.