Evaluation of Caries Removal Burs on Sound Healthy Dentin

Recently burs for caries removal have been introduced as being “dentin-safe” to sound, healthy dentin. Objective: this investigation is to evaluate whether this new generation of caries removal bur is safe to healthy dentin. Methods: Three same sized (#6 round) burs recommended for caries removal were evaluated: carbide bur-SS White Burs (CB) ; ceramic CeraBur K1SM-Komet (CEB); polymer SmartBur II-SS White Burs (SB). Extracted third molars were mounted in acrylic resin and sectioned with a saw to expose dentin. The dentin was sanded to a 600 grit sandpaper. Five of each bur was used to prepare sound dentin using a Bienair electric handpiece running at 4000 rpm with a 50% torque for 2 seconds with CB and CEB and 10 seconds with SB. Replicas were made of the prepared surfaces using a regular body PVS (ExaMix NDS). Replicas were sectioned in half and measured for depth of dentin penetration and preparation. Depth of preparation was measured using a Mitutoyo Digimatic digital micrometer. Results: The depth of penetration of the sound dentin of each bur was CB=0.89(.01); CEB=0.98(.05); SM=0.00(.00) Conclusion: Following the protocol described the polymer bur recommended for caries removal was dentin safe demonstrating no damage or preparation of the sound dentin surface. Both the carbide bur and ceramic bur recommended for caries removal demonstrated removal of sound dentin.