What type of dental procedure is typically performed using a drill?

Tooth restoration is the procedure typically performed using a drill because it involves the removal of decayed or damaged tooth structure. The drill is used to prepare the tooth for receiving a filling, crown, or other restorative material. This preparation is essential to ensure that the restoration bonds properly and provides a functional and aesthetic result.

In contrast, oral examinations primarily involve visual inspections and possibly radiographs without the need for invasive tools like drills. Gum surgery focuses on soft tissue manipulation or removal, and teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that usually involves bleaching agents rather than mechanical equipment. Thus, using a drill is specifically associated with tooth restoration due to the nature of the work involved.