The dental drill is an important piece of equipment in a number of dental treatments. Listed below are several interesting facts about this often-feared dentistry tool.
Ancient drill
The very first dental drill was said to be used by an ancient civilization some 9,000 years ago. It was called a bow drill or fire drill, very aptly called as it was mainly used to create friction fire.
The need for water
Did you ever wonder why water shoots out of the drill as it works on a tooth? This is because the friction produced from the drilling causes enough heat to damage tooth nerves – if there is no water included.
Foot-powered drill
Dentists during the early 20th century used drills that ran by pumping a pedal using the foot.
Tungsten carbide drill bits
Tungsten carbide is the material used in drill bits.
Drill bits have variety, too
There are drill bits that have a diamond coating, used for smoothing purposes. There are also those with small blades which are used for cutting teeth.
Dental drill phobia
Those who fear the dental drill are more likely to be disturbed mainly by the high-pitched sound when the drilling starts.
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