Role of Microscope in Endodontics

Abstract

Microscope is used in medical field to run over the limitations of human vision. Over the years many magnification devices are invented to achieve the goal. Quote given by Prof Syngcuk Kim that states “You can only treat what you can see”. If the right tools are available many things can be visualized. They are endoscopes, intraoral camera, magnifying glass, surgical loupes, surgical microscope. Surgical loupes and Dental Operating Microscope are most convenient and practical to use in endodontics. By increasing the image size, fine details can be visualized. Hence to increase the image size, magnification is necessary. The invention of microscopes in modern endodontics helps in visually guided and sensory aided endodontic procedure. Magnification helps visualise finer details of the area to be treated. Dental microscope is used for diagnostic and clinical procedures (non-surgical ) as well as endodontic surgical procedures. The microscope as a diagnostic tool may be used in caries detection, fracture line and craze evaluation, crown margins or restorations that are deficient, in caries elimination, access preparation, calcifications removal. It is also helpful in orifice detection and treating internal resorptions. All procedure are performed under various magnification grades. They are flap surgery, cutting of bone, root apex identification, apicoectomy, removal of inflamed tissue, observe resected end of root, root end preparation, retrograde filling, and suturing, surgical correction of unsuccessful RCT. Also, Cervical resorption and External resorption and perforation repairs can be done using Microscope. The invention of microscopes in modern endodontics helps in visually guided and sensory aided endodontic procedure. Furthermore the role of microscopes in endodontics is reviewed.