Microscope-enhanced periodontal therapy: a review and report of four cases.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this report is to review the status of the use of surgical microscopes and microsurgery and their clinical application in the field of periodontics.


BACKGROUND
The use of magnification systems and periodontal microsurgery are part of a broad movement in dentistry toward the use of minimally invasive procedures to replace the need for more extensive surgical procedures. While magnification systems are widely used in endodontics, their application in periodontics is still in its nascent phase. However, clinicians have reported that use of magnification facilitates the use of minimal invasive periodontal surgery.


METHODS
The surgical microscope is an invaluable aid for periodontists in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease. Magnified vision used in conjunction with microsurgical instruments and techniques can lead to a higher quality of care and an improved surgical outcome.


CONCLUSIONS
Surgical operating microscopes have shown promising results in the hands of periodontists who are properly trained in their use. Despite the apparent advantages, there is still a lack of "high level of evidence" in the form of controlled clinical trials to estimate the magnitude of the real benefits of the microsurgical approach over the conventional approach.


CONCLUSIONS
The scientific community understands the need for more investigations to completely understand the conditions that would best favor the creation of a tooth substitute. Recent gains in the understanding of the molecular regulation of tooth morphogenesis, stem cell biology, and biotechnology offers the opportunity to realize this goal.


CONCLUSIONS
Even though all the procedures shown in this review can be performed using normal vision, performing these procedures using a surgical microscope and microsurgical instruments offers definite advantages in terms of improved visual acuity, superior approximation of wounds, rapid wound healing, decreased post-operative morbidity, and increased acceptance by the patients.
Hegde
Rashmi
R
Department of Periodontology, M.A. Rangoonwala College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Pune, Maharashtra, India. rashmidr21@yahoo.com
Sumanth
S
S
Padhye
Ashvini
A
D016556:Crown Lengthening / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D012534:Dental Scaling / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008866:Microsurgery / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D010517:Periodontics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome