Which burs are suitable for carving or shaping anatomic cusps in amalgam or composite restorations?

Submitted by: Hamidreza Ziaee

For most composite or amalgam procedures, restorations can be finished with either 12-fluted carbide finishing burs or fine-grit diamond burs. There are a multitude of shapes available in each of these types of burs to shape different aspects of occlusal anatomy. Large or small football shapes are useful to shape large, flat areas of the occlusal surface of posterior teeth. They do not gouge the surface. Smaller, tapered flame-shaped or bullet shaped burs are useful for carving grooves and secondary anatomy. Small, very thin tapered burs can be used for removing flash interproximally at the margins of the restoration.