HOSA Dental Terminology Practice

Round burs are commonly used for which dental procedure?

1. Cavity prep and caries removal

2. Smoothing tooth surfaces

3. Finishing restorations

4. Creating retention grooves

The correct answer is: Cavity prep and caries removal

Round burs are primarily utilized for cavity preparation and caries removal because of their shape and design, which allow for effective drilling and cutting into the tooth structure. The spherical design of round burs enables them to create deeper and wider access to tooth decay, facilitating the removal of decayed dentin and enamel. During cavity preparation, dentists need to ensure that they remove all the decayed tissue while also creating a form that can adequately hold the restorative material. Round burs are adept at creating the necessary shapes, especially in areas that may be challenging to reach with other types of burs. The versatility and efficiency of round burs make them an essential tool in the initial stages of restorative procedures. Other tasks, like smoothing tooth surfaces, finishing restorations, or creating retention grooves, typically employ different shapes of burs designed specifically for those purposes, such as finishing or flame-shaped burs that are optimized for those particular functions.