Third molar surgery demands a blend of visibility, precision, and safe instrument control, especially when navigating deep posterior anatomy. In most cases, the average wisdom tooth length ranges between 17.8 mm and 18.1 mm, requiring burs that offer both extended reach and predictable cutting performance. Long-shank surgical burs are therefore indispensable for clinicians performing osteotomy, crown sectioning, and root retrieval in the posterior mandible and maxilla.
Two burs commonly relied on for deep surgical access are the Mr. Bur Round Surgical Bur (HP8XL) and the Mr. Bur Fissure Type Straight Cutting Bur (HP172XL). Their extended 51mm total length, controlled cutting, and surgical-grade construction make them suitable for efficient and safe third molar removal, particularly when access is limited and cortical bone reduction is required.
This article explores how these burs support stable surgical workflows, clinical efficiency, and predictable outcomes in third molar surgery.
Why Long-Shank Burs Matter in Third Molar Removal
Third molars often present a combination of challenges: limited mouth opening, restricted posterior visibility, deep impaction, and angled roots. Standard-length HP burs may fail to reach the surgical site comfortably, forcing clinicians into awkward handpiece positions that compromise both control and safety.
Long-shank burs provide:
-
Safe distance from the posterior oral cavity
Reduces soft-tissue interference and minimizes patient risk. -
Stable handpiece positioning
Maintains ergonomic posture and prevents unnecessary wrist deviation. -
Ideal length for deep osteotomy
A 51 mm bur easily reaches and clears bone around third molars without over-angulation.
With the average wisdom tooth measuring 17.8–18.1 mm, a long-shank bur offers more than enough operating length to reach the surgical window while keeping the working end clearly visible.
1. Round Surgical Bur (51 mm) HP8XL
Long-Shank Round Head for Safe, Controlled Osteotomy
The 51 mm long shank design of the HP8XL provides exceptional reach during third molar removal. Its round head geometry enables smooth, controlled bone reduction with minimal risk of unintended gouging.
Primary Purposes
-
Initial cortical bone entry
-
Creating a bone window around the third molar
-
Uniform cortical bone smoothing
Why It Works for Third Molar Surgery
The round head is ideal for initiating osteotomy, particularly when establishing the initial access point. In cases of dense or thick cortical bone, the HP8XL bur helps progressively widen the exposure while maintaining a gentle, rounded contour—helpful for visibility and flap management.
Additional Clinical Uses
-
Apicoectomy
Safe bone window formation over root apices. -
Crown lengthening
Precise bone sculpting around periodontal margins. -
Sinus access
Controlled removal of thin cortical plates with reduced perforation risk.
The HP8XL’s extended shank length allows clinicians to work with a clear field, maintaining a stable grip outside the soft-tissue environment.
2. Fissure Type – Straight Cutting Bur (HP172XL)
Precision Linear Cutting for Tooth and Bone Sectioning
The HP172XL is engineered for decisive cutting tasks in third molar surgery, particularly when impacted teeth need to be sectioned before elevation.
Primary Purposes
-
Bone sectioning for flap creation or access expansion
-
Tooth crown or root splitting
-
Linear ridge contouring
Why It Works for Third Molars
Tooth sectioning is often essential when dealing with:
-
Mesioangular impactions
-
Horizontal impactions
-
Bifurcated or curved roots
-
Ankylosed segments
The HP172XL provides straight, predictable cutting lines, allowing clinicians to split the crown or roots cleanly and remove the tooth in smaller, controlled segments.
Additional Clinical Uses
-
Bone sectioning in surgical extractions
-
Dividing multi-rooted teeth
-
Shaping alveolar ridges for implant surgery
Its rigid long shaft minimizes chatter and maintains accuracy during linear movements.
Clinical Workflow: Using Both Burs Together in Third Molar Removal
A standardized approach often looks like this:
Step 1 — Initial Bone Entry
Use HP8XL Round Bur
-
Create a conservative access point
-
Remove initial cortical bone
-
Widen exposure to visualize the occlusal or buccal aspect of the third molar
Step 2 — Bone Window Expansion
Use HP8XL
-
Smooth cortical margins
-
Preserve visibility
Step 3 — Tooth Sectioning
-
Split the crown vertically or horizontally
-
Separate divergent roots
-
Section retained fragments to reduce lever force
Step 4 — Final Smoothing and Retrieval
Use HP8XL again
-
Remove residual bone
-
Smooth sharp edges
-
Prepare for suturing
This combination provides a complete solution from osteotomy to tooth segmentation.
Usage Reminders for Safe Surgical Performance
Long-shank burs require proper operating protocols to avoid complications:
1. Use copious water irrigation
Prevents thermal osteonecrosis and keeps the surgical field clean.
2. Apply light pressure — let the bur cut naturally
Excessive force causes bur deviation, chatter, and heat buildup.
3. Maintain a stable grip
The extended length can amplify vibration if not stabilized properly.
4. Replace burs every 3–5 uses
Ensures consistent cutting performance and smoother bone removal.
5. Operate below 30,000 RPM
Ideal for both bone safety and bur longevity.
Conclusion
Third molar surgery demands clarity, reach, and precision, qualities that can only be achieved when the correct surgical burs are selected. The 51 mm Long-Shank Round Surgical Bur (HP8XL) and the Straight Cutting Fissure Bur (HP172XL) offer the stability, safety, and depth required for efficient third molar removal while maintaining excellent clinical control. Their extended length ensures they reach the full surgical depth of average wisdom teeth, while their distinct cutting geometries, round for bone removal and fissure for anatomical sectioning, complement each other seamlessly.
Whether used for deep impactions, apicoectomies, ridge contouring, or sinus access, both burs stand out as reliable tools in daily oral surgery practice, supporting predictable, minimally traumatic outcomes.
Diamond Burs, Carbide Burs, Surgical & Lab Use Burs, Endodontic burs, IPR Kit, Crown Cutting Kit, Gingivectomy Kit, Root Planning Kit, Orthodontic Kit, Composite Polishers, High Speed Burs, Low Speed Burs
