The Dental Operating Microscope

Endodontic therapy is performed in a naturally dark and confined working space. Operating microscopes were introduced into Endodontics in the early 1990s, and then into endodontic specialty programs in the United States. Since then, operating microscopes have become widely accepted by endodontists and are also increasingly being used by other specialists. The American Association of Endodontists made teaching the operating microscope a required standard for postgraduate endodontic education in 1998. The standard now requires the instruction in using magnification devices “beyond the scope of head worn magnification devices”, at an in-depth level, which is the highest of the levels of knowledge described by CODA. Higher magnification was demonstrated to significantly increase the successful outcome of endodontic surgery. Both the operating microscope and endoscope provide appropriate magnification and illumination that is required to perform surgical and non-surgical endodontic procedures with high success rates. Moreover, from an ergonomic perspective, a microscope can allow the clinician to maintain an upright position, which can help avoid long-term back and neck problems that may range from general discomfort to disability (see Chapter 22). . Benefits of the Operating Microscope