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Bur shank types: friction grip vs. latch vs. straight
Also called: FG bur, RA bur, latch-type bur, HP bur
Burs come in three shank styles that match the handpiece they fit.
A bur is a small rotating cutting tool. Its shank (the part that goes into the handpiece) decides where it fits. Friction-grip (FG) burs have a short smooth shank for the high-speed handpiece. Latch-type (RA) burs have a notch at the end for the contra-angle. Long straight (HP) shanks fit the straight handpiece.
How to spot it
- FG: short, plain round shank.
- Latch: a flat notch and groove at the end of the shank.
- HP: long, plain shank, about the length of a pencil stub.
What it is used for
- Pick the bur style that matches the handpiece on the tray.
Safety and care
- Burs are cleaned and heat-sterilized or used once and thrown away (many diamonds and carbides are single-use).
- Store in a bur block; never carry loose burs in your hand.
Related
Sources: W&H Dentalwerk. Reports and studies: handpiece types and speeds, Mr. Bur. A Simplified Understanding of Dental Bur Classification and Numbering Systems, CDC. Guidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings, 2003. MMWR 2003;52(RR-17)