Dental drill

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Dental Drill

A Dental drill or dentist's drill is a small, high-speed drill used in dentistry to remove decayed tooth material prior to the insertion of a dental filling. Dental drills are used in the treatment of dental caries.

History[edit | edit source]

The concept of a dental drill has been in existence since ancient times. The earliest known dental drill dates back to 7000 BC in the Indus Valley Civilization. The modern dental drill was invented by George F. Green in 1868.

Types[edit | edit source]

There are several types of dental drills, including:

  • Air turbine drills
  • Electric drills
  • Ultrasonic drills

Each type of drill has its own advantages and disadvantages, and is used for different procedures.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

During a typical procedure, the dentist uses the drill to remove decayed tooth material, then fills the cavity with a dental filling. The drill is also used to shape the tooth in preparation for a dental crown or dental bridge.

Risks and Complications[edit | edit source]

While generally safe, dental drills can cause complications such as tooth sensitivity, tooth fracture, and infection. It is important for the dentist to use the drill carefully to minimize these risks.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Dental drill Resources
Doctor showing form.jpg
Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD