by Dr Andrew Ziepe, Duncraig Village Dental, Duncraig, WA
I’ve been using this microscope for the past seven years. The reason I purchased it originally was that it makes you sit up straight and forces you to maintain good posture. If you suffer from a bad back or neck, it’s an excellent option. I’ve had much less back pain since I started using it.
What’s good about it
The magnification factor is far greater than what is possible with any loupes. It’s adjustable so it can have low magnification and a big field of view or—when looking at endodontics—the magnification can be cranked way up. The field of view decreases but that’s not a problem as long as it’s centred properly. I believe it’s almost impossible to do endodontics well without a microscope.
I also use it for general restorative work and examinations. It’s great for extractions when there is a broken root. I use a fine sucker tip, irrigate the area and the microscope allows me to see exactly what’s happening. Often I can use an elevator to just elevate around the root.
I have it connected to a monitor so my nurse can see what I’m seeing. For examinations I also let the patient watch the monitor.
What’s not so good
I find it difficult to do crown preps with a microscope, especially in the lower jaw. You need to look from one side, then the other side and then hold and rotate the mirror buccal palatal. I still use loupes quite frequently. I think it would be unwise to have a microscope and not have loupes.
Where did you get it
Dental Medical Technologies.
Bite Magazine and website is published by Engage Media. All material is protected by copyright and may not be reproduced in any form without prior written permission.
