Dental Drills and Micro-Cracks: What Happens Inside Your Teeth?

Dentists often need to clean out the insides of teeth. This is done to get rid of germs and to make space for filling materials. However, this cleaning process can cause tiny cracks in the tooth. These cracks might lead to bigger problems later on. A recent study looked into this issue. It focused on the upper back teeth, which have complex root structures. The study used a special kind of scan called micro-CT. This scan can show very small details. It was used to check for tiny cracks after using different types of dental drills. The drills tested were One Curve, EdgeOne Fire, and VDW. ROTATE. All of these drills are used to clean out the roots of teeth. The root canal system is like a tiny maze inside the tooth. It's important to clean it out properly. But, the process can be tough on the tooth. The study found that using these drills can cause micro-cracks. These cracks are tiny, but they can grow bigger over time. This might lead to a type of break called a vertical root fracture. It is a serious issue that can cause a tooth to break apart. So, what does this mean for dental care? Well, dentists need to be careful when cleaning out teeth. They should use the right tools and techniques. Patients should also ask about the methods used. After all, it's important to keep teeth healthy and strong. Regular check-ups can help catch any problems early. Plus, good oral hygiene at home can make a big difference. Brushing and flossing daily can keep teeth in great shape. It is a good idea to think about how dental tools affect teeth. The more we know, the better we can take care of our smiles.