Magnification-enhanced contemporary dentistry: Getting started

Abstract

Contemporary dental practice is undergoing a sea change; wherein the approach is an interdisciplinary one aimed to impart minimally invasive, painless, and atraumatic treatments to patients. To enhance their vision for both clinical and laboratory procedures, an increasing number of practitioners are opting for magnification systems such as loupes and microscopes in their practice. Due to their benefits such as improved visual acuity due to coaxial lighting, unobstructed vision, illumination, smaller instruments, minimal trauma, and ergonomic benefits, microscope-assisted precision dentistry is becoming the order of the day. Many dental schools are also making the use of these systems mandatory in their teaching curriculi. Even though the use of microscope initially started in ophthalmology, it's benefits in endodontic therapy which can best be performed under magnifications up to ×10-20 remains unparalleled. These benefits also extend to all aspects of dentistry including periodontics, restorative, prosthetic dentistry, and implant dentistry. Barring the disadvantages of steep learning curve, cost, and maneuverability of the equipment, magnifications are definitely becoming an important aspect of modern-day dentistry, owing to their numerous other benefits. Clinical Relevance To Interdisciplinary Dentistry Microscope-enhanced dentistry is actually a part of a broader movement of minimally invasive and holistic approach in dentistry, aimed at development of newer techniques, and achieving esthetically superior outcomes , due to improved visual acuity. Magnified vision leads to improvised treatment, thus diagnosis, and management of multiple interdisciplinary problem areas can be achieved with utmost precision by incorporating magnification systems in day to day practice.