Extend the life of a Tungsten Carbide bur

# To extend the life of a tungsten carbide bur, the bur should...
A. Be moving slow before contacting tooth structure
B. Be sterilized with heat sterilization
C. Contact tooth structure before rotating
D. Be moving fast before contacting tooth structure

The correct answer is D. Be moving fast before contacting tooth structure.

The lifespan of a tungsten carbide bur can
be extended by bringing the bur up to speed  before contacting tooth structure, because it decreases the friction between the bur and the tooth structure thereby decreasing damage to the bur and the pulp.

Sufficient rotating speed makes the cutting
edge of the bur more efficient even with
using light pressure.

Heat sterilization corrodes the carbon steel
and anneals the cutting edge of the bur.