Dental drill

Dental Drill

A Dental Drill (pronunciation: /ˈdɛn.təl drɪl/) is a mechanical instrument used by dentists to remove decay and prepare the tooth for fillings.

Etymology

The term "Dental Drill" is derived from the Old English 'drillan', meaning to bore or pierce. The term was first used in the context of dentistry in the 18th century.

Description

A Dental Drill is typically a small, high-speed drill that can rotate at various speeds up to 400,000 revolutions per minute. It is used to remove decayed tooth material prior to the insertion of a dental filling. Dental Drills can also be used to clean out root canals during endodontic therapy, or to shape the structure of the tooth in preparation for indirect restorations such as inlays, onlays, crowns, and bridges.

Types of Dental Drills

There are several types of Dental Drills, including the air-driven (or pneumatic) drill, the electric drill, and the newer, more technologically advanced laser drills. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of drill often depends on the specific requirements of the procedure and the preference of the dentist.

Related Terms

Dentist: A professional who is trained to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the teeth and gums.
Endodontic therapy: A treatment for the infected pulp of a tooth which results in the elimination of infection and the protection of the decontaminated tooth from future microbial invasion.
Dental filling: A treatment to restore the function, integrity, and morphology of missing tooth structure resulting from caries or external trauma.