Dental Medical Microscopes: Functions and Uses in the Practice of Dentistry
There are different types of medical microscopes used in medical and scientific research and study. Dental microscopes are just one of them. Dental medical microscopes have a wide variety of uses in the field of orthodontics, dental laboratory and dental surgery. It is an invaluable tool in the magnification of areas in the mouth involving the teeth and gums for proper examination and diagnosis.
What are dental medical microscopes?
Dental microscopes are a type of medical microscopy that uses especially angled optics designed to see areas that are often difficult to access or view. Standard microscopes, for example, are units mounted on tables, allowing efficient viewing of samples that have been cut, stained or prepared on glass slides. In most dental works, this is not feasible, since viewing is usually performed on live individuals. This is why dental medical microscopes use objective lenses on movable and extendable arms for better manipulation.
A dental medical microscope uses the same type of magnification as standard microscopes. It is also equipped with optical lenses for magnification. However, dental medical microscopes use zoom lenses to allow more control over focusing and image enlargement. For most instruments of this type, the focusing mechanism is often motorized. The source of illumination is controlled to allow the dentist or dental staff to adjust lighting for close proximity work or distance work.
Unlike standard hand-held microscopes, dental medical microscopes are not table mounted. The base of the instrument rests on the floor next to the dentist, with the objective lens hovering over the patient. It is operated using foot brakes and foot controls.
Uses of dental medical microscopes
Dental medical microscopes are highly versatile. However, they are best used in the following areas:
Periodontal applications
Dental medical microscopes are invaluable tools for inspecting and diagnosing tissues in the gums, palate and other areas of the mouth. Their magnification and zoom focus controls allow dentists to perform precise microsurgical incisions and sutures on gum tissue. These instruments are also used in the evaluation and close inspection of the gums and teeth and on the quality of dental restoration work. They are excellent tools for the removal of dirt and caries and for laser surgery.
Endodontic applications
Dental medical microscopes are effective tools for the magnification and lighting of the mouth cavity during surgery. Magnification allows dental surgeons to perform accurate incisions on the gums, minimizing the size of the wound. This allows more comfort and faster healing time for the patient. Dental medical microscopes are also used during root canal operations.
The dental medical microscope may also be equipped with a digital camera or video camera for the documentation of dental work. This is often used for insurance purposes. Documenting dental work is also an excellent tool for training dentistry students and for educating patients.
Restorative dentistry
In restorative dentistry, dental medical microscopes are used to view tooth preparation and refinement. Because of its focusing and magnification features, it allows close inspection of any restorations performed in teeth or gum tissues. During inspection of restored teeth and roots, any abnormalities may be viewed and corrected immediately. Dental medical microscopes are also used for polishing and finishing teeth margins and for contouring teeth and teeth implants.
Dental laboratory
Dental technicians often use dental medical microscopes when making dies for dentures. They can create, trim and evaluate the master die and make corrective measures to ensure marginal integrity of the cast. Technicians can also ensure that imperfections are at a minimum and perform fine finishing on the final product.
Characteristics of dental medical microscopes
Aside from their design, dental medical microscopes differ from standard microscopes in many ways, primarily because of their main use. Some of the features found specifically in dental medical microscopes include:
The use of illumination
Most of the modern dental medical microscopes available today use fiber optic technology to allow illumination using cold light. This helps prevent any effects on the materials used during dental work that conventional lighting might produce. Heat from the light source, for example, can affect the integrity of the filling during restorative work. With fiber optic illumination, this is not a problem.
Filters
Dental medical microscopes use different filters depending on the dental work being performed. Green filters, for example, allow the operator to view the smallest veins and vessels in gum tissues during dental surgery while orange filters are used to prevent plastic fillings to harden prematurely.
Ergonomics
Long hours are often spent on dental medical microscopes, that is why a lot of thought have been placed on their design. Ergonomics plays a major part in the design of dental microscopes, allowing these instruments to be used for prolonged periods of time. They are designed to make the operator comfortable by ensuring proper position is maintained during use, eliminating discomfort such as neck and lower back pain.
