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The direct operating microscope has completely revolutionized the field of endodontics, leading to increased success in both non-surgical and surgical cases. In low- and middle-income countries, microsurgical endodontics is still a developing field and procedures that fall within this category employ higher magnification. Currently, less than 25% of dentists in developing countries employ any sort of magnification in their practice. Basic concepts, such as microscope positioning and operator's ergonomics, are still confusing to many dentists, novice or experienced alike. This article introduces the benefits and general principles of direct operating microscope use in endodontic microsurgeries.
CPD/Clinical Relevance: A better understanding of the use of dental operating microscopes in endodontic microsurgical techniques may facilitate a more efficient workflow.
Article
Endodontic practice has always been an art of precision and attention to detail, thereby making every millimetre count. With minute inconsistencies in root-canal filling resulting in failures, it was only natural that endodontists would employ magnification for their day-to-day cases. Dental operating microscopes (DOM) were introduced in endodontics in the early 1990s,1,2 but saw routine use after being mandated in postgraduate endodontic programmes by the American Association of Endodontics in 1998. This use led to a significant increase in successful clinical outcomes in both non-surgical and surgical endodontics.3,4
For dentists who were trained without magnification, the introduction of any sort of magnifying device/magnification was met with reservation.5 Clinicians had to weigh the benefits of a new technique against the cost and time involved in making it an effective investment. In a 2017 review of endodontic re-treatment practices, Nagi et al6 reported that less than 25% of dentists in a developing country employed any sort of magnification. In contrast, the use of microscopes by endodontists in the US was 90% in 2008.7
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