Which dental instrument is known as a low-speed handpiece used for removing caries?

The instrument recognized as a low-speed handpiece used for removing caries is indeed the conventional-speed handpiece. This tool is designed to provide the necessary power and control to effectively remove decayed portions of a tooth while minimizing damage to the surrounding healthy structure. Low-speed handpieces operate at a slower rotational speed compared to high-speed counterparts, allowing for precision during procedures such as caries removal, polishing, and finishing.

The design of the low-speed handpiece makes it particularly suitable for working within the delicate confines of a tooth, where careful handling is crucial. It is typically used in conjunction with various types of abrasive tips or dental burs tailored for different procedures, which further enhances its effectiveness in conservative dentistry.

In contrast, high-speed handpieces operate at much greater speeds and are generally utilized for different purposes, such as cutting through tooth structure quickly or performing a full cavity preparation. Other options like the laser handpiece and air rotor handpiece have specific applications that do not focus solely on caries removal as their primary function. Therefore, the conventional-speed handpiece stands out as the appropriate choice for this particular task in dental practice.