The use of a dental microscope in dentistry is a new skill level in Dental Care, evolving over the past 25 years. Using the increased magnification to locate minor and hidden blemish and imperfection, cosmetic or general dentists achieve improved clinical outcomes. Unlike a magnifying glass or loupe glasses, which go about 2-6X magnification, a dental microscope has a magnification that goes up to 21X. Endodontists use this equipment because they need to see the small canals in the teeth’ roots. On the contrary, general dentists rarely use dental microscopes. It is not easy to use and takes time to treat without practice or proper training.
Dr. Shimizu uses a Microscope for almost all general dentistry purposes because he can see things that he is unable to see with the use of surgical eye loupes.
The microscope gives me a much better surface view
“I have been using a microscope for over ten years and noticed many great things other than for diagnostic purposes. Let’s say I finished a nice prep with the surgical eye loupes. Under the loupes, everything is smooth. However, when I check the prepped tooth with the microscope, I still see rough areas here and there. I can smooth all those little jagged areas under the microscope, then take an impression (mold or a copy of the tooth). Again I can check the impression with the microscope more precisely. Then, we sent the impression to the lab, and the lab technician will make the restoration. The prepped surface must be smooth and not jagged for the lab technician to make a precise fit restoration,” Dr. Shimizu said.
You, as a patient, can benefit from Microscopic Dentistry. For example, When Dr. Shimizu works on these restorations, the material fits flush to the edge of the tooth without any necessary adjustments. It also makes it easy for him to remove all excess cement areas after bonding thin porcelain veneers.
Removing excess cement over the margin area will ensure gum health after the veneers are applied to teeth. It prevents gum inflammation at the margins where the veneer surface meets your tooth.
Dental microscopes can significantly improve the quality of treatment. Therefore, it is your advantage. After all, if you can’t see it, you can’t fix it!