System and process for managing dental burs

Abstract

A system and method for managing dental burs includes a carrier that is customized to hold a selection of burs that a particular dentist prefers for a given procedure. Accordingly, each dentist will have a separately identifiable carrier for such procedures as amalgam and composite fillings, veneer, crown and bridge preparation, post and core procedures, endodontics, emergency treatments and other procedures, such as those that are attendant to removable prosthodontics. In addition, the carrier includes indicators for advising the dentist as to how many times each bur in the carrier has been used. By tracking use on a bur by bur basis, premature disposal of used burs as well as the incidence of bur changes in the midst of procedures will be minimized while helping to prevent the negative consequences of overusing burs (i.e. intra-oral separation, excessive heat generation). The system also includes a used bur sterilization container, which mates with the carrier but can be separated from the carrier and placed in an autoclave for sterilization. This permits burs from the carrier to be kept separate from other burs during the sterilization process, which simplifies sorting and restocking, as well as permitting tracking of individual bur use. The system ensures hands-free sterilization, which further helps to prevent accidental exposure to the contaminated burs by the dental staff. This system also enables efficient inventory control of all burs purchased by the a practice by sorting them into easy to access restock and replace containers in each dental operatory.