[Experiments on abrasion and wear of dental diamond instruments]

In spite of identical ISO standards for shape, grain size, and largest head diameter of diamond abrasive instruments there are major differences in the machining performance among the various makes. These differences are largely due to variations in shape and diamond partical size. Diamond burs from different manufacturers of the same visual shape and particle size do not show any significant differences in performance. However, not only the abrasive performance but to a greater extent the design of the preparation margin determine the selection of a bur. It would be desirable that manufacturers be more specific about the particle size used and the shape of the bur, since the ISO standard does not include sufficiently accurate data about diamond particle size and shape design. The life of a diamond instrument is limited by the wear of its tip. Here the diamond layer wears off faster than on the rest of the instrument. This calls for early replacement of the instrument in clinical use even if the shaft still might be functionable.