What Can Go Wrong While Cutting Metal – Even with a Quality Airotor and Bur

 What Can Go Wrong While Cutting Metal – Even with a Quality Airotor and Bur

Metal cutting in dentistry – such as removing crowns, bridges, or adjusting metal restorations – is a high-stress procedure for both the tool and the operator. Even when you're using a high-quality airotor and a premium bur, certain issues are bound to arise due to the very nature of the task.

Here’s a detailed look at the common issues that can happen during metal cutting, even with the best equipment in hand:

1. Excessive Heat Generation - Cutting through metal produces significant friction, which leads to heat build-up. This can damage the pulp or nearby tissues if not managed with adequate cooling.

2. Increased Bur Wear - Even top-tier burs wear down faster when cutting metal, especially if used repeatedly. This leads to reduced cutting efficiency and the need for more frequent replacements.

3. Overloading the Airotor - Metal resistance puts pressure on the handpiece turbine, potentially causing strain or damage over time, especially with prolonged procedures.

4. Handpiece Vibration - Metal cutting often causes vibrations, which can fatigue the operator and may lead to loss of precision.

5. Noise and Patient Discomfort - The sound generated when cutting metal is louder and sharper, which may cause anxiety or discomfort to the patient.

6. Risk of Bur Slippage - Metal surfaces are hard and smooth. If the bur is worn or not properly tightened, there's a risk of slippage, which can be dangerous.

7. Damage to the Chuck Mechanism - Repeated high-pressure cutting and bur slippage can wear out or damage the chuck mechanism of the airotor.

8. Reduced Cutting Speed Over Time - As the bur dulls, cutting speed decreases, increasing chair time and effort.

9. Higher Risk of Bur Fracture - Metal cutting increases resistance and torque. Under pressure, burs – even quality ones – can fracture.

10. Shortened Lifespan of Airotor

Frequent use for metal-cutting tasks accelerates wear on the bearings, turbine, and internal components.

11. Aerosol of Metal Particles - Tiny metal particles can become airborne, posing a risk if proper suction and protection aren't in place.

12. Increased Operator Fatigue - Prolonged pressure, noise, and vibration contribute to hand and wrist fatigue over time.

Conclusion

Even the best tools face stress during metal cutting. Understanding these issues helps you plan better, take precautions, and maintain your instruments more effectively. Always follow best practices for cooling, maintenance, and proper usage to reduce the impact of these unavoidable challenges.

BRIXO Dental Airotor and Diamond Burs – The NAME you can TRUST