Tooth extraction, particularly of multi-rooted molars and impacted wisdom teeth, is one of the most common yet complex surgical procedures in dentistry. While forceps and elevators often suffice for straightforward cases, many extractions are complicated by anatomical challenges such as curved roots, ankylosis, dense bone, or proximity to nerves. In these situations, attempting removal without proper surgical technique risks prolonged chair time, fractured roots, unnecessary bone loss, and post-operative complications like infection or delayed healing.
Sectioning burs have emerged as indispensable tools in these scenarios. By strategically dividing a tooth into smaller segments, clinicians can achieve more controlled luxation, preserve surrounding bone, and reduce the need for excessive force. The result is not only improved efficiency but also better patient comfort and biological outcomes.
In this blog, we will explore the importance of sectioning in modern oral surgery, examine the risks of attempting extractions without the right burs, and highlight how 3 specialized sectioning burs from Mr. Bur, the taper round end Coarse Diamond Bur, the Tooth Sectioning Diamond Burs (Cool Twister Line), and the Zekrya Surgical Bur FG equip dentists to handle even the toughest cases.
The Role of Sectioning in Difficult Extractions
When a tooth presents with complex anatomy or resistance to extraction, sectioning is often the key to success.
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Preserving Bone: Instead of excessive bone removal with chisels or rongeurs, sectioning allows the tooth to be divided and delivered with minimal collateral damage. This preservation is especially critical when planning for implants or prosthetic restorations.
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Reducing Force: By creating smaller, manageable segments, less leverage and torque are required, reducing the risk of fractures to both the tooth and the surrounding alveolus.
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Improving Access: In posterior areas with limited visibility, sectioning provides controlled pathways to isolate roots and minimize surgical trauma.
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Enhancing Patient Recovery: Efficient, atraumatic surgery correlates with reduced postoperative swelling, less pain, and faster healing.
Without sectioning burs, these advantages are difficult to achieve consistently, leading to preventable complications.
Common Pitfalls Without Proper Sectioning Burs
Attempting tooth extraction without the right burs often leads to frustration and clinical compromise. Common pitfalls include:
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Overheating and Bone Necrosis: Inadequate irrigation or prolonged cutting with inappropriate instruments can generate excess heat, risking necrosis and delayed osseointegration for future implants.
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Unnecessary Bone Removal: Dentists may remove more bone than necessary to create access, undermining long-term restorative plans.
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Root or Crown Fracture: Excessive force without proper sectioning can lead to fractured root tips, complicating surgical retrieval.
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Prolonged Chair Time: Struggling with insufficient tools often doubles surgical time, leading to patient discomfort and reduced clinic efficiency.
These pitfalls highlight why specialized sectioning burs, designed for surgical precision, are no longer optional, they are essential.
Meet the Three Sectioning Burs Dentists Rely On
1. Taper Round End Coarse Diamond Surgical Bur
The Taper Round End Coarse Diamond Surgical Bur is a long-shank, coarse-grit diamond instrument specifically engineered for sectioning in deep and narrow surgical sites.
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Key Features:
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Extended 32 mm length for reaching posterior molars and impacted third molars.
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Coarse grit diamond coating for rapid cutting through enamel and dentin.
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Narrow taper round end geometry for precise access into fissures and root bifurcations.
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Clinical Use:
This bur is invaluable during wisdom tooth extractions, particularly in cases of vertical or mesioangular impactions. By using the taper round end design, dentists can create controlled sectioning lines between roots without unnecessary bone removal. -
Case Insight:
In a mandibular third molar with divergent roots, the taper round end bur allowed the crown to be separated from the roots quickly, facilitating efficient luxation of each fragment. The patient’s recovery was smoother with less post-operative swelling due to reduced surgical trauma.
2. Tooth Sectioning Diamond Burs (Cool Twister Line)
The Tooth Sectioning Diamond Burs (Cool Twister Line) represent a versatile solution for general tooth sectioning across molars and premolars.
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Key Features:
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Available in multiple shapes to suit different anatomical challenges.
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Coarse grit (green band) for rapid and effective sectioning.
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Twister Line design optimizes cooling and debris removal, reducing heat generation.
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Clinical Use:
These burs are ideal for most routine sectioning tasks, including separating crowns from roots or splitting multi-rooted molars. Their enhanced cooling properties make them safe for extended use without risking thermal damage. -
Case Insight:
In an upper first molar extraction with fused roots, the Cool Twister bur was used to split the tooth along its central groove. The efficient debris removal minimized clogging, and the tooth was delivered in segments within minutes, cutting chair time significantly.
3. Zekrya Surgical Bur FG (Carbide)
The Zekrya Surgical Bur FG is a one-piece tungsten carbide bur renowned for its blade-like cutting efficiency.
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Key Features:
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Tungsten carbide composition for exceptional durability.
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Sharp, blade-like flutes for aggressive sectioning.
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Resistant to fracture, making it reliable in heavy-duty surgical cases.
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Clinical Use:
The Zekrya bur excels in sectioning dense enamel and dentin or splitting crowns in difficult posterior cases. It is particularly effective in situations where diamond burs would clog or wear out quickly. -
Case Insight:
In a maxillary molar with significant restorative work, the Zekrya bur was used to section a porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown before extraction. Its ability to cut through both porcelain and underlying metal allowed the clinician to proceed without switching instruments, saving time and reducing instrument costs.
How the Right Bur Choice Reduces Complications and Saves Chair Time
Each bur type brings unique advantages, and knowing when to use them can dramatically improve outcomes:
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Efficiency in Sectioning: The sharpness and cutting ability of these burs shorten surgical time, reducing patient stress and chair fatigue.
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Preservation of Anatomy: By precisely sectioning teeth instead of indiscriminately removing bone, clinicians preserve alveolar ridge integrity, which is vital for implant planning.
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Improved Safety: Controlled cuts lower the risk of root tip fractures or iatrogenic damage to adjacent teeth.
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Enhanced Patient Comfort: Less force and faster surgery translate into reduced swelling, bleeding, and post-operative pain.
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Cost-Effectiveness: Durable burs like the Zekrya minimize replacements, while diamond burs with optimized cooling reduce risk of failure-related complications.
Clinical Applications: Case-Based Scenarios
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Impacted Third Molar with Divergent Roots:
Using the Taper Round End Coarse Diamond Bur, a lower third molar was efficiently sectioned, allowing atraumatic removal of the crown and each root separately. -
Upper First Molar with Fused Roots:
The Cool Twister Diamond Bur split the fused tooth cleanly along the central groove, avoiding unnecessary bone removal and reducing surgical time. -
PFM Crown Sectioning Prior to Extraction:
The Zekrya Surgical Bur cut through both porcelain and metal, simplifying crown removal before extracting the underlying tooth.
These real-world examples highlight how proper bur selection translates into tangible improvements in efficiency and patient outcomes.
Research and Evidence Supporting Sectioning Burs
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A clinical study published in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery demonstrated that strategic tooth sectioning significantly reduces operative time and improves healing outcomes in impacted molar extractions.
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Research in the British Dental Journal emphasized that using appropriate burs for sectioning reduces postoperative complications such as trismus and swelling.
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Studies comparing carbide and diamond burs confirm that each has unique strengths: carbide excels in cutting metals and dense enamel, while diamond burs offer smoother sectioning with less vibration.
Elevating Extraction Efficiency with Mr. Bur Sectioning Burs
Tooth extractions, particularly difficult wisdom teeth and multi-rooted molars, need not be a prolonged or traumatic experience for patients or clinicians. The strategic use of sectioning burs transforms these challenging procedures into controlled, efficient, and predictable interventions.
With specialized instruments such as the Taper Round End Diamond Surgical Bur, the Tooth Sectioning Diamond Burs (Cool Twister Line), and the Zekrya Surgical Bur FG, dentists can overcome anatomical challenges, reduce chair time, and minimize complications.
By integrating these burs into surgical workflows, clinicians ensure better patient outcomes, preserve vital bone, and work with greater confidence, even in the most complex extraction scenarios.
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