When it comes to high rotational speeds, dental drills have always been cutting edge technology. In fact, modern dental drills can reach more than 180 000 rotations per minute (rpm). For comparison, household drills operate at around 1000 rpm. But why do dental drills need to spin so fast? This question has been puzzling many people, and there are various theories about this.
The role of rotational momentum and torque
One theory is that the dental drill needs to spin fast to provide rotational momentum and torque to the burr. The burr is the part of the drill that cuts into the tooth. Unlike a concrete drill, a dental drill does not require direct connection between the source of energy (compressed air) and the burr itself. Instead, compressed air spins a turbine in the head of the drill, which the burr is attached to. You can even hold the burr with your fingers stationary from start-up, and it won’t generate any torque.
Cutting takes place on the side of the burr
Another misconception is that most of the cutting in a dental drill takes place at the tip by pushing down on the rotational axis. In fact, most of the cutting takes place on the side of the burr from a sweeping motion. The burr must spin fast enough to allow for this motion, meaning that high rotational speeds are a must.
The need for smoother surfaces
Another explanation for why dental drills spin so fast is to have smoother surfaces. With a smoother drill operating at low rpms, the drill’s surface will generate fewer impacts. However, while less intense impacts do less damage, a fixed number of high-intensity impacts will be needed to drill a hole of a certain size. A dental drill operating at high rpms provides a larger number of small and less intense impacts in a short time, which is preferable for a patient’s comfort.
The role of torque, vibration, and noise
Depending on the type of dental handpiece, it is possible to have more torque, vibration, and noise. Some handpieces use compression air as the driving force, while others use electric motors. The type of handpiece used depends on the specific dental procedure. For example, regular handpieces can be used to remove caries, while more sophisticated ones are required to place implants and perform root canal treatments.
Final Thoughts
The reason for high rotational speeds in dental drills boils down to torque and cutting efficiency. With greater speeds, cutting motion becomes smoother, generating fewer and less intense impacts. When used in conjunction with specific handpieces, high rotational speeds reduce patient pain, enhance cutting efficiency, and increase performance. Thus, when sitting in a dentist’s chair, you can rest easy, knowing that the dental drill’s rotations per minute are necessary for your best interest.
Why do Dental Drills Need Such High RPM?
When it comes to high rotational speeds, dental drills have always been cutting edge technology. In fact, modern dental drills can reach more than 180 000 rotations per minute (rpm). For comparison, household drills operate at around 1000 rpm. But why do dental drills need to spin so fast? This question has been puzzling many people, and there are various theories about this.
The role of rotational momentum and torque
One theory is that the dental drill needs to spin fast to provide rotational momentum and torque to the burr. The burr is the part of the drill that cuts into the tooth. Unlike a concrete drill, a dental drill does not require direct connection between the source of energy (compressed air) and the burr itself. Instead, compressed air spins a turbine in the head of the drill, which the burr is attached to. You can even hold the burr with your fingers stationary from start-up, and it won’t generate any torque.
Cutting takes place on the side of the burr
Another misconception is that most of the cutting in a dental drill takes place at the tip by pushing down on the rotational axis. In fact, most of the cutting takes place on the side of the burr from a sweeping motion. The burr must spin fast enough to allow for this motion, meaning that high rotational speeds are a must.
The need for smoother surfaces
Another explanation for why dental drills spin so fast is to have smoother surfaces. With a smoother drill operating at low rpms, the drill’s surface will generate fewer impacts. However, while less intense impacts do less damage, a fixed number of high-intensity impacts will be needed to drill a hole of a certain size. A dental drill operating at high rpms provides a larger number of small and less intense impacts in a short time, which is preferable for a patient’s comfort.
The role of torque, vibration, and noise
Depending on the type of dental handpiece, it is possible to have more torque, vibration, and noise. Some handpieces use compression air as the driving force, while others use electric motors. The type of handpiece used depends on the specific dental procedure. For example, regular handpieces can be used to remove caries, while more sophisticated ones are required to place implants and perform root canal treatments.
Final Thoughts
The reason for high rotational speeds in dental drills boils down to torque and cutting efficiency. With greater speeds, cutting motion becomes smoother, generating fewer and less intense impacts. When used in conjunction with specific handpieces, high rotational speeds reduce patient pain, enhance cutting efficiency, and increase performance. Thus, when sitting in a dentist’s chair, you can rest easy, knowing that the dental drill’s rotations per minute are necessary for your best interest.