Dental News - ‘Trifles go to make perfection and perfection is no trifle’

Craig S. Kohler DDS, MBA, MAGD

Tue. 28 December 2010

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The mouth is a harsh environment to work in. Teeth are small and aligned next to one another in a dark, wet environment. The gum tissue, cheeks and tongue bleed readily on contact with any dental burr. The ever-present bacteria are constantly invading any weak link in the oral structures to destroy. A dentist’s work does not last.

When intraoral cameras were introduced in the 1980s, the dentist was able to impress the patient with pictures and videos on the condition of the patient’s mouth under high magnification.

With a microscope and a video camera, the dentist is not only able to show the patient the dental disasters, but is able to work under higher magnification to repair the cause.

The dentist is able to document the procedure so patients can see for themselves the painless but extensive decay. The patients can then own the problem. The dentist is more of a guide or navigator to the various types of treatment options. This reduces a tremendous amount of stress for the dentist.

The application of a surgical dental microscope increases the dentist’s sight more than loupes, and he or she is able to accomplish care that is more exacting. Decay is efficiently removed. Tooth structure removal is kept at a minimum. Clear retentive grooves hold fillings in place longer.

Smooth preparations allow for easier impressions and seating of restorations. Better preparations allow for restorations to go in the first time. Better gingival tissue management gives little to no bleeding, which allows for the best impressions.

This helps the dentist to make restorations that will last. Dentistry is made easier. Now dentists can do procedures that they were not able to do before. This increases dentists’ satisfaction in their work.

The ability to see clearly allows dentists to diagnose better as well.
Cracks can be seen and treated before there is tooth loss. Decay can be better removed and pulp treatments can be done sooner.

Occlusal discrepancies and mobility can be addressed easier. Preparations can be made parallel. Implant deficiencies can be seen. This helps dentists give care that is more comprehensive.

Patients want permanent work, dentists will never reach that perfection. The surgical microscope will make it easier and a joy to get the trifles right.

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