Indirect and Direct Restorative Protocols - Caulk

“In comparison to other finishing burs
I have used, I’ve found that Midwest’s
Esthetic Finishing Burs create a
smoother surface for my restorations.”
Gregori M. Kurtzman, DDS
Private practice, Silver Spring, MD.
Figure 3. Egg-shaped carbides of the Midwest ® Esthetic Finishing line
(DENTSPLY Professional, York, PA) are well suited for smoothing inconsistencies
on the lingual aspects of the restorations.
Figure 4. Midwest ® bullet-shaped and multi-fluted burs and carbides
may be used to finish the occlusal surface.
Table. Inspection Criteria for Finishing Burs
First Use
n Check for inadvertent damage that may have
occurred while readying burs for use
n Cutting edges should be free from defects
n Long, slender burs should be checked for distortion
n Discard damaged or distorted burs
n Sterilize burs prior to first use
Re-Use*
n Check for damage that may occur during sterilization
n Cutting edges should be free from defects
n Long, slender burs should not be bent or damaged
n Discard damaged or corroded burs
n Ensure all contamination has been removed
* Following sterilization, the instruments may exhibit some evidence of discoloration. This is normal and should not affect their performance.
instruments to ensure their suitability for use in the intraoral
environment (Table). Finishing with a bur possessing a low
blade count can be inefficient, as it will often chatter in
contact with the restoration surface and will destroy the
innate properties of the ceramic material. Use of burs with
a high blade count, such as 30-fluted, finishing carbides
(Midwest® Esthetic Finishing Burs, DENTSPLY Professional,
York, PA), however, can enable predictable fine
finishing around the new restoration. With a wide assortment
of anatomically adapted shapes in six different blade
lengths, the Esthetic Finishing Burs ensure the clinician
has the proper instrument available for finishing the varying
morphology of the anterior and posterior regions (Figures
3 and 4). These burs perform well for finishing transitions
between natural tooth structures and ceramic restorations
(eg, inlays/onlays, crowns), and for removing excess cement
and flash from the margin.
Effective trimming and finishing with Midwest® finishing
burs ensures that oral health is maintained throughout the entire
lifespan of the restoration. A rough ceramic surface may
promote the retention of plaque and bacteria, leading to periodontal
disease and caries. Gingival irritation resulting from a
rough surface may exacerbate these problems. These associations
are not limited to anterior restorations; a poorly finished
occlusal surface also puts the patient at risk for increased wear
of the opposing dentition due to the different texture, stain retention,
and microcracking of the rough ceramic surface. An
effectively finished and polished ceramic surface is, therefore,
necessary to ensure optimal oral aesthetics and to increase longevity
of the restored tooth and dentition. n
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