title: Burs, teeth and hand instruments.
abstract: Scanning electron microscope studies demonstrate deficiencies in the surfaces of cavity preparations made with conventional cutting instruments. Better surface preparation can be achieved by using appropriate shaped tungsten rotary instruments, and by sharp hand instruments used with a scraping action. The direction of rotation of the cutting alters the quality of the enamel margin. The SEM image should not be interpreted as the sole criterion of clinical success.
mesh_terms: D003737:Dental Cavity Preparation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003754:Dental High-Speed Equipment; D003762:Dental Instruments; D006801:Humans; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D014070:Tooth / Q000648:ultrastructure*