What is the primary function of a Gates Glidden?

The primary function of a Gates Glidden drill is to enlarge root canals. This type of dental bur is specifically designed to assist in the endodontic procedure by allowing the clinician to efficiently create a more ample space within the root canal system. The shape and cutting flutes of the Gates Glidden are optimized for this purpose, enabling the safe removal of dentin and preparation of the canal for subsequent treatment, such as filling.

In endodontics, a proper enlargement of the root canal is crucial for effective cleaning, disinfection, and obturation (filling). Therefore, using a Gates Glidden drill helps ensure that the canal is adequately shaped to accommodate these processes, ultimately contributing to a higher success rate of root canal treatments.

This specialized tool should not be confused with the other options, which pertain to different aspects of dental practice. For instance, drilling into soft tissue is done with different instruments specifically designed for soft tissue management. Suctioning blood and fluids during procedures typically involves suction devices, not drills. Finally, polishing tooth surfaces requires different dental tools, such as polishing cups and disks, not a Gates Glidden drill.