Dental Treatments with the Drill

Dental drills have been used for years to treat common dental problems like tooth decay and cavities. The drill would remove decayed or damaged tooth structure and prepare the tooth to be restored. While drills have long been the standard of care in dentistry and reliably and effectively help treat teeth, they make many patients feel nervous and uncomfortable. After all, the idea of having a drill in your mouth can cause a little anxiety in even the most relaxed patients. Those who struggle with dental anxiety or phobia may have even more struggles related to the sounds, smells or sensations associated with the drill.

There should be no pain associated with the drill. We use local anesthetics that numb your mouth in the treatment area. You may still feel some pressure and vibration, however. This can be unpleasant for many people. Although the dental drill has a long history of safety and effectiveness, we now have a new option when it comes to treating decayed or damaged teeth. No drill dentistry uses special dental lasers to remove the damaged or decayed tissue. Dental lasers are especially useful with children and phobic patients but can be used with anyone who would otherwise be treated with a drill.

Lasers offer more precise results and allow us to treat teeth more conservatively, which means that more healthy tissue is preserved. Once the decayed tissue is removed, the tooth can be restored using tooth-colored materials like composite resin or porcelain. Call us today to learn more about dental lasers or to schedule your appointment with our Santa Clara dentist.