I was trained in dental school to use a 12 blade to "carve" resin composite restorations. Like high school friends, since graduation the 12 blade and I have grown apart. I can't really explain it other than I wanted to hang out with the cool kids...the finishing burs. I guess sometimes I think I can accomplish anything with a bur. This morning I restored 22 and 23 each with interproximal root caries that extended facially. These are difficult restorations to finish with just a bur because of the close proximity of the adjacent teeth. I decided to reach out and get reacquainted with my old friend, the 12 blade. We fell in just like old times...thick as thieves. I can guarantee you that the 12 blade now will have a permanent home on my restorative speed dial. So I take this opportunity to remind everyone else, don't sleep on the 12 blade. You aren't too cool to use it, I promise. Next time you are dealing with a resin restoration especially anterior teeth, class V's, or root caries try a 12 blade for some of your initial shaping and finishing. If you haven't used it in awhile like me, you will be pleasantly reminded of how handy it can be.
(Sorry, I would have taken some photos this morning but I lost my CF card somewhere. D'oh! Time for a visit to Best Buy.)
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I was trained in dental school to use a 12 blade to "carve" resin composite restorations. Like high school friends, since graduation the 12 blade and I have grown apart. I can't really explain it other than I wanted to hang out with the cool kids...the finishing burs. I guess sometimes I think I can accomplish anything with a bur. This morning I restored 22 and 23 each with interproximal root caries that extended facially. These are difficult restorations to finish with just a bur because of the close proximity of the adjacent teeth. I decided to reach out and get reacquainted with my old friend, the 12 blade. We fell in just like old times...thick as thieves. I can guarantee you that the 12 blade now will have a permanent home on my restorative speed dial. So I take this opportunity to remind everyone else, don't sleep on the 12 blade. You aren't too cool to use it, I promise. Next time you are dealing with a resin restoration especially anterior teeth, class V's, or root caries try a 12 blade for some of your initial shaping and finishing. If you haven't used it in awhile like me, you will be pleasantly reminded of how handy it can be.