A method and instrument for removing material from an internal portion of a tooth wherein the tool used to remove the material includes an elongate shaft extending from a first end to a second end; a cutting surface extending along a working portion of the elongate shaft; a handle attached to the first end of the elongate shaft, the handle including a first end and a second end; a projection attached to the elongate shaft and extending around a portion of the perimeter of the shaft substantially adjacent to the first end of the handle, wherein the projection provides a barrier to prevent a user's fingers from moving beyond the handle directly onto the elongate shaft.