Precision Treatment with the Dental Operating Microscope: Analysis of Microleakage and Marginal Adaptation Using Mta Cement

scope (DOM) was introduced to endodontics, offering significantly improved magnification and illumination. Bellizzi and Loushine advocated the benefits of optical magnification for posterior surgery.1 Carr stated that surgical and nonsurgical applications for the DOM have revolutionized the practice of endodontics.2 The advantage of the combined use of the DOM and visual guidance has been reported clinically in endodontics, but there are few evidence-based studies confirming this advantage. The advantages of using the DOM include identification of cracks and hidden canals (particularly the MB-2 canal); removal of broken instruments; and superior root cleaning, shaping, and perforation repair. Combined with the current generation of dental materials, the DOM provides excellent and consistent clinical outcomes. Further, the microscopic images or video can be shared with patients and referring dentists or used to help train students and residents. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been demonstrated to have applications in all fields of dentistry and appears to satisfy most characteristics of an ideal cement due to its biocompatibility, excellent sealing ability, marginal adaptation, and hydrophilic properties. MTA can be used for pulp capping, perforation repair, apexification, and retrofilling. Pitt Ford et al3 recommended the use of MTA for perforation repair. In a canine in vitro study, they showed