There are dozens of tools and types of equipment required by the dentistry trade. The most obvious one is the drill and its many interchangeable tips, called “burs,” which is used to clean and polish teeth. Some cases call for more than just cleaning and polishing. For example, a patient with advanced tooth decay will be treated with fillings, inlays, or crowns. In those instances, a diamond cutting disc may be preferred over a drill. Read on to learn what a cutting disc is and how it is used for dental procedures.
The Function of Cutting Discs
Diamond cutting discs are flat and round with sharp edges. As their name implies, they are made of diamond, which is the hardest known mineral on the planet. In dentistry, they are most often used to restorative materials, such as veneers, crowns, and bridges. They come in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and strengths. They can also be used for polishing teeth.
How to Select and Use Cutting Discs
Porcelain, resin, gold, and composite are a few of the materials used in restorative dentistry. Each material requires a different type of tool. Therefore, most dental practices will need more than one cutting disc. Cutting discs with a coarse grit are best used for initial cutting and grinding of harder materials, like metal. Finer grits leave marks that are less visible than those from coarse grits. Very fine-gritted discs are almost always used for polishing. Some cutting discs can be double-sided, flexible, or both. A dentist’s skill and experience level will determine the type of cutting disc he or she selects for their practice.
The Importance of Cutting Discs
Cutting discs are an integral part of any dental practice. Teeth are just as unique as fingerprints. Veneers, crowns, and bridges must be hand-shaped to fit each individual patient. Luckily, cutting discs are designed perfectly for this function.