During the nineties, surgical microscope or in other words dental operating microscope has strongly invaded the field of Endodontics. It opened new frontiers in the field of Endodontics. It provided more advanced and sophisticated applications never thought to be used before. Higher magnification range (4-32X) and strong illumination (Halogen and Xenon) have brought the mystery of the root canal system into the vision of operators. A whole new line of instruments has been developed to be used with add of microscope. Access openings especially in molar teeth with recessed pulps, identification of extra canals, judging cleaning and shaping, obturation with vertical compaction and thermo plasticized techniques are examples of uses of microscope in conventional root canal treatment. Endodontic retreatment is another major category including coronal disassembly, removal of posts and defective root canal fillings, perforation repair, removal of broken instruments, management of open canals etc. Endodontic microsurgery is where the role of surgical microscope is strongly noticed. It is the leading branch of endodontics in using the surgical microscope since the beginning of nineties. New approaches, techniques, and armamentarium have accompanied the use of surgical microscope in microsurgery.
Objectives
Realize the importance of surgical microscope in endodontic microsurgery.
Judge the different problems needing microsurgery.
Identify the different anatomic landmarks involved with endodontic microsurgery.