Dental Operating Microscope
 The dental operating microscope (DOM) has rapidly become an everyday tool in every aspect of endodontics. Treatment that was once dictated by "feel", can now be visualized. The operating microscope aids in the location of hidden canals, negotiation of calcified canals, diagnosis and treatment of cracks/fractures, repair of iatrogenic damage, removal of separated instruments, post removal, removal of caries, documentation, patient education and in the placement of restorative materials. Every aspect of endodontics is improved with microscopy. Until you have seen a tooth through the microscope, you don't know what you are missing!
The follow cases show the show some of the many uses of the dental operating microscope in endodontics.
Finding Canals
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The microscope allows you to see the color differences between the pulpal ceiling, walls and floor. You also can distinguish between primary dentin and secondary dentin by the color. This aids in finding calcified canals.
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The microscope will allow you to see minute amounts of dentinal debris which tend to stick to remnant pulpal tissue.
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Removing Obstructions
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The microscope allows you to see the color difference between the pulpal floor and pulpal stones.
> see examples
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Notice the yellowish color of the reparative dentin (pulp stone) This color distinction can only be seen under the magnification and direct light of a microscope.
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Finding the MB#2 Canal
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PreOp radiograph of #14. Previous RCT with inadequate obturation and missed 4th canal.
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2nd Example of Finding MB#2 Canal
Finding Calcified Canals
Evaluating Fractures
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#2 with occlusal amalgam. Cracks in the MMR & DMR noted
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Crack can be seen along the pulpal floor connecting the mesial and distal – tooth is diagnosed as non-restorable
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Repair of Iatrogenic Damage
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Perforation of the root during post placement
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6 month recall shows continued healing
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