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The use of the operating microscope in general dental practice part 1: magnification in general Stephen J Bonsor Dental Update 2024 41:10, 707-709.
Authors
Stephen JBonsor
BDS(Hons) MSc FHEA FDS RCPS(Glasg) FDFTEd FCGDent GDP
The Dental Practice, 21 Rubislaw Terrace, Aberdeen; Hon Senior Clinical Lecturer, Institute of Dentistry, University of Aberdeen; Online Tutor/Clinical Lecturer, University of Edinburgh, UK.
An increasing number of clinicians are using magnification to facilitate their vision when carrying out dental examinations and treatments. The use of an operating microscope in some dental specialties (such as endodontics) is now commonplace and there is also a role for this equipment in branches of general dentistry. This paper, the first of two, reviews the many advantages of using an operating microscope and offers practical advice on how the interested clinician may embark on using such an instrument by discussing the equipment required. The second paper will focus on the potential uses for the operating microscope in general dental as well as specialist practice.
Clinical Relevance: The operating microscope enhances the dental surgeon's vision, potentially improving treatment outcomes not only in specialist fields, such as endodontics, but also in many of the disciplines that general dental practice encompasses.
Article
The benefits of using magnification for clinical diagnosis and during operative procedures has been recognized for many years, both in dentistry and in other surgical disciplines.1 Whilst the use of magnification by dental clinicians has become more commonplace in the last 20 years or so, there is one report in the literature on the subject which dates back to 1947,2 illustrating that an appreciation of the benefits that enhanced vision affords is not a recent development. Magnification aids commonly used by dentists are loupes or an operating microscope.
There are many advantages of utilizing magnification in clinical dentistry. First, and most obviously, the clinician enjoys improved vision with respect to clarity (detail) and definition of the image as the image is larger and therefore easier to see. This reduces operator eye fatigue and so eye strain is minimized. Furthermore, as the eyes are covered they are protected from airborne foreign bodies and aerosols which may be created during operative procedures. Secondly, owing to their design, most optical aids force the clinician to sit in a more comfortable and ergonomic position, otherwise the object will be out of focus. This has the effect of reducing neck and back strain of both the dentist and dental nurse due to their improved posture. Thirdly, there is evidence that magnification gives the clinician the ability to perform more precise work,3 both in diagnosis and operative interventions. Better treatment outcomes with respect to quality, predictability and longevity can therefore result, with a commensurate increase in job interest and satisfaction for all members of the dental team.
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