Microscopes in Endodontics

The operating microscope greatly enhances a clinician’s ability to view the tiniest details inside a patient’s tooth. By magnifying vision up to 25 times that of the naked eye, the dental microscope is useful in both diagnosis and endodontic treatment. Research demonstrates better outcomes with vision enhancement as compared to treatment performed without magnification. Microscopes aid in:

• Finding hidden and accessory canals
• Locating and removing separated instruments
• Preserving more tooth structure
• Improving ergonomics for the clinician

Images courtesy of Dr. Viraj Vora: endodonticcentre.ca.

The AAE was an early proponent for endodontic residents to be trained in using microscopes and advocated for their incorporation into endodontic education. Successfully in 1998, the Commission on Dental Accreditation included a microscope proficiency standard for postgraduate endodontic programs.

To learn more about dental microscopes or share information with patients or colleagues, please review the following AAE resources:

• Use of Microscopes and Other Magnification Techniques, AAE Position Statement
• The Dental Operating Microscope in Endodontics, ENDODONTICS: Colleagues for Excellence newsletter, Winter 2016
• The Standard of Practice in Contemporary Endodontics, ENDODONTICS: Colleagues for Excellence, Fall 2014