What dental equipment is commonly used for cutting and preparing teeth during procedures?

The high-speed handpiece is commonly used for cutting and preparing teeth during dental procedures due to its precision and efficiency. This dental equipment operates at high rotational speeds, allowing dentists to remove decay, shape teeth, and prepare tooth surfaces for various restorative procedures like crowns or fillings. Its design enables it to handle different types of dental burs, which enhances its multifunctionality in various procedures.

In contrast, other tools such as the dental explorer, ultrasonic scaler, and dental mirror serve different purposes. The dental explorer is primarily used for examining and detecting tooth decay and surface irregularities. The ultrasonic scaler is employed for cleaning teeth by removing plaque and tartar build-up using high-frequency vibrations. The dental mirror is a diagnostic tool used to view areas of the mouth that are hard to see and to reflect light onto the work area. Each of these tools plays a critical role in dental care but does not possess the cutting capabilities necessary for preparing teeth in the same way that a high-speed handpiece does.