Which is the preferred material for use to sharpen a dental instrument to be used for tooth preparation?
Arkansas stone is a naturally occurring mineral containing microcrystalline quartz and traditionally has been the preferred material for fine sharpening stones. Only a fine grit stone is suitable for the final sharpening of dental instruments to be used for tooth preparation.
Ref: Sturdevant's art and science of operative dentistry. 4th edition page 317
Arkansas stone
Silicon carbide
Aluminium oxide
Diamond