What is a key characteristic of carbide burs?

Carbide burs are primarily characterized by being made out of tungsten carbide, which is a material known for its exceptional hardness and durability. Tungsten carbide is significantly harder than steel, allowing these burs to maintain their cutting edge for a longer period and thus be more efficient in various dental procedures. Their ability to cut effectively through hard dental tissues makes them a preferred choice in many dental applications, from cavity preparation to crown preparations.

The choice of tungsten carbide as the material also plays a critical role in minimizing heat generation during procedures, which is important for patient comfort and dental tissue health. This characteristic helps in reducing the risk of damage to the surrounding tooth structure while providing a high level of precision in dental work.

The other options do not align with the fundamental properties of carbide burs. For instance, while some burs are made from stainless steel, carbide burs specifically utilize tungsten carbide. Additionally, carbide burs come in a wide variety of shapes designed for different uses, making the assertion of limited shapes inaccurate. Though burs can be used for polishing, that is not their primary function; they are mainly valued for their cutting capabilities rather than polishing alone.