Mechanical removal of caries defined restorative dentistry for the better part of its existence. Only in the last two decades has minimally invasive dentistry, and for the past 75 years did preventive, non-invasive dentistry became a new direction. A key instrument involved in this transformation is the drill. The first evidence of mechanical removal of decayed tooth structure comes from 7000 BCE with traces of drilling probably with a stone flint. Trephines, sometimes using hot iron, were used in Ancient Egypt to open up the skull or drain purulent teeth. The Greeks and Romans were familiar with the string and bow drill and opened teeth using a trephine. This is such a drill. Used both by jewellers and dentists. It was not used directly on patients. The foot drill was introduced in 1871 and in the early 20th century the electric cord-operated (low speed) drill. It ran at 25,000 rpm. In 1957 Borden introduced the high-speed turbine-operated drill we use today. Description by Andrew Spielman
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