With a foot treadle dental drill, it’s the dentist’s feet that are in charge of the drill bit’s speed. The foot pedal transmits this to the handpiece, gripped securely by the dentist. Then, as the handpiece is worked over the tooth, the dentist can take advantage of the regulated rate from below their feet.

Nearly two centuries ago, dental drills were operated solely by hand, making them difficult to maneuver with an ideal level of precision. However, in 1864, James B. Morrison changed this narrative with his invention of the foot treadle dental drill – the first drill ever to be worked by a foot pedal. This revolutionary invention allowed dentists to exercise more control over teeth-drilling, effortlessly slowing the operation’s speed and ensuring exactness. The foot treadle dental drill quickly gained traction among dental professionals; it was much easier than its manual predecessor.

Up until the start of the 20th century, the foot treadle dental drill was a common piece of equipment utilized for dentistry. However, with the introduction of the electric dental drill, it became obsolete. The electric dental drill was far more powerful and easier to control than its predecessor, making it a no-brainer alternative.

While electric dental drills are the most commonly used tool in modern dentistry operations, the older foot treadle drill persists as an option in some clinics and educational institutions. The appeal of the treadle-powered device lies in its relative silence and low-vibration use.

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