Hand and Rotary cutting instruments in Operative Dentistry

Instruments are used to examine, clean, cut, and restore teeth. The main types are either hand-held or rotary instruments driven in a handpiece. Operative dentistry as an art employs the appropriate use of tool with the proper kind of abrasive and cutting or polishing agent to accomplish a given task. In order to properly prepare a cavity, the tooth tissues, enamel and dentin must be excised with specific instruments in an efficiently ordered sequence. Most cavity preparations require the use of both rotary and hand instruments. Their use demands a sound knowledge of the equipment and instruments without which the optimum effect of these instruments will not be achievable. Familiarity with the design, handling and application of different instruments will enable the dental professionals to develop the high degree of technical skill that is necessary to perform quality restorative treatment. For improved working and increased efficiency it is necessary to have a sound knowledge about the cutting instruments and their application.