My old drill bit habit cost me two crowns, now I replace them monthly
For years I used to run my carbide burs until they were dull as butter, thinking I was saving money. Last spring in Columbus, I had two patients in one week where the bur grabbed and chipped their enamel, and both needed crowns. That was a $600 mistake out of my own pocket after lab fees, not counting the awkward phone calls. Now I replace every multi-use bur after 20 patients, no exceptions, and I track it on a simple tally sheet. The difference in cutting feel is dramatic, smoother and way less vibration, which patients notice too. My assistant thought I was being wasteful at first, but she saw the crown count drop to zero since. Has anyone else had a similar hidden cost from trying to stretch dental supplies past their safe life?