🎯 What Happens When Dentists Apply Too Much Pressure on airotor While Cutting?

 What Happens When Dentists Apply Too Much Pressure While Cutting?

In clinical dentistry, efficiency and control are key. But when a bur doesn’t seem to cut as quickly as expected, many dentists instinctively press harder. While it may feel like a solution, applying too much pressure during cutting can actually backfire—affecting both patient outcomes and the longevity of your equipment.

Let’s explore what really happens when pressure is over-applied, and how to avoid it.

1. Bur Slows Down or Stalls

If your handpiece lacks sufficient torque, applying more pressure causes the bur to slow down or even stall. High RPM alone isn't enough—without enough torque to maintain speed under pressure, cutting becomes inefficient and unpredictable.

🔧 Result:

• Skipping or incomplete cutting
• Increased chair time
• Frustration for both dentist and patient

2. Excessive Heat → Risk to the Pulp

Heavy pressure increases friction, which rapidly raises the temperature at the cutting site. Without proper water cooling, this heat can transfer to the pulp chamber.

🔥 Possible outcomes:

• Pulpitis or post-op sensitivity
• Irreversible pulp damage
• Need for further endodontic treatment

3. Damage to Bur and Airotor

More pressure means more stress—not just on the tooth, but also on your tools. This causes:

• Dulling of the diamond bur
• Increased bearing wear in the airotor
• Shortened handpiece lifespan

💸 That means more frequent replacements and added costs.

4. Reduced Control and Risk of Overcutting

Heavy-handed cutting reduces tactile feedback. It becomes harder to judge depth and angle, increasing the risk of:

• Overcutting or damaging nearby structures
• Chipping enamel or ceramic
• Injury to soft tissue

🎯 Precision is compromised.

5. Cooling System Overload

Most airotors use a water spray to cool the bur and tooth. But when excessive pressure is applied:

• The spray may not reach the cutting site properly
• Cooling becomes ineffective
• Heat rapidly builds up, increasing risk to the pulp

💡 The Smart Solution: Let the Bur and Airotor Do the Work

✅ Use Controlled, Light Pressure

Avoid forcing the cut. A sharp diamond bur paired with a good airotor should slice through enamel or dentin effortlessly.

✅ Use High-Torque Airotors

If you're forced to press hard, your airotor may not have enough torque. Upgrade to one that maintains speed under load.

⭐ Use BRIXO Airotor and Diamond Bur Pair for Best Results

At BRIXO Dental, we engineer our non-LED push-button airotors to deliver consistent torque and stable RPM—ideal for efficient, pressure-free cutting. When combined with a sharp BRIXO diamond bur, you get:

• Smooth cutting
• Less effort
• Better clinical outcomes
• Longer handpiece life

🎯 Use BRIXO Airotor and diamond pair always—and get the best results.

Final Takeaway

Don’t press harder—work smarter. Excess pressure causes heat, stalls, damage, and fatigue. With the right tools and technique, you can achieve better outcomes with less effort.