Types of Carbide Bur Shanks

The three main types of shanks are Friction Grip (FG), Right Angle (RA) (also known as Latch-Type), and Handpiece (HP). It is important to know which type of shank you want when choosing a bur because each type is designed to fit into a certain type of handpiece.

FRICTION GRIP, STANDARD LENGTH (FG)

For use in high speed handpieces and friction grip low speed contra angle heads.
Has the smallest diameter shank of all the types of carbide burs; the end of the shank is smooth and is held in place in the handpiece by friction against a chuck.
The most commonly used operative bur in many offices.
Typically 19.0mm | 03.75 inches in length.

FRICTION GRIP, SHORT SHANK (FGSS)

For use in high speed handpieces (with miniature heads ONLY) and friction grip low speed contra angle heads.
Has a shank that is the same diameter as a standard friction grip bur but is almost 20% shorter; also held in place in the handpiece by friction.
For use when better access to the posterior region is needed, especially when patients cannot open their mouths wide enough.
Typically, 16.5mm | 0.65 inches in length.

FRICTION GRIP, SURGICAL (FGOS)

For use in high speed handpieces and friction grip low speed contra angle heads.
Has a shank that is the same diameter as a standard friction grip bur but is more than 50% longer; also held in place in the handpiece by friction.
Often used when a longer length and better visibility are required, including in extraction and root canal procedures.
Typically, 25.0mm | 0.98 inches in length.

RIGHT ANGLE / LATCH-TYPE (RA)

For use in latch-type contra angle heads in low speed handpieces.
Has a notch on the end that allows a hook to latch onto it in the head of the handpiece.
Provides greater control when cutting dentin or enamel.
Typcailly, 22.0mm | 0.87 inches in length.