Microscopic dentistry means performing dental procedures including diagnosis and treatment with the help of dental operating microscope (magnification). Dental microscope is a device which allows dentist to visualize even the smallest details due to magnification and improved light source. Microscope provides us with better light and vision. The patient has many benefits of microscope such as:

1) Diagnosis:

By magnifying vision around 25 times it helps in both diagnosis and treatment. Even smallest decay or micro crack which is not visible to naked eye can be easily spotted with the use of dental operating microscope. Early and precise diagnosis in such cases prevents wrong treatment.

2) Improved standard of root canal treatment:

With the use of magnification dental procedures can be performed more precisely with better results. Use of microscope also decreases the chances of errors. Root canal procedure takes place in a very small area of tooth. Before the introduction of microscope in the field of endodontics, root canal was mostly tactile based procedure as we are unable to see deeper inside the root canal with naked eyes. Many times infected tissue is left during root canal which is not visible without magnification. This often leads to failure. With the use of magnification, chances of leaving behind infected pulp tissue decreases leading to higher success rates. Following is the image showing deep split in the root canal.

Many times root canal specialists receive cases of broken needle/ file inside the tooth. Removal of such file without compromising the tooth structure is impossible without microscope. Root canal cases with blocked canals can be easily managed with magnification.

3) Patient education :

A clear magnified image is worth more than a thousand words. Attached camera to the microscope allows patient to visualize the procedure live on the screen. This helps in documentation and patient education and awareness as well.

4) Conservative treatment :

Working under microscope also preserves the tooth structure. This increases the strength and life of the tooth.

5) Higher accuracy of treatment :

Many times even a small gap between the filling and tooth can lead to failure. Magnification allows us to detect these defects and avoid failure. Use of microscope during scaling (tooth cleaning) improves calculus removal ability leading to better periodontal prognosis.

The use of microscope in dental surgery has a wide range of applications, since it allows an enhanced visualization of fine anatomical details and tissue structures. By using higher magnification and seeing more, dental professionals can apply their skills more precisely and optimize their workflow. Some of the most common applications of microdentistry include the following :

I. Root canal treatment  ,repeat root canal and endodontic surgery

II. Scaling , root planning and periodontal surgeries

III. Implantology

IV. Aesthetic dentistry

V. Restorative dentistry

VI. Oral surgery

As precisely said “You cannot treat what you cannot see”, dental microscope has become an essential part of dental armamentarium to provide precise and quality treatment.