The effect of rotary instrumentation on the permeability of dentin.

The filtration and diffusion of tritiated water through dentin disks were measured ina split-chamber diffusion cell. The dentin had been cut with a diamond disk and the surfaces modified with a carbide fissure bur or diamond bur. Disks were given a secondary burnishing treatment with a blank bur or a modified blank bur. Burnishing reduced the permeability of dentin cut with a fissure bur.