Photography and the operating microscope in dentistry

Operating microscopes have been used in various medical surgical procedures for many decades, but they have only significantly been in use in dentistry during the past 10 years. While microscope use in dentistry started mainly in endodontics and spread rapidly to periodontics and oral surgery, restorative dentists have recently been discovering the advantages of microscope. These advantages include tremendously increased visibility and lighting, much improved ergonomics and posture, enhanced ability to utilize assistants, and, because of these factors, a significant improvement in diagnosis and treatment results. The increased visibility has also prompted the adoption of various photographic devices to the operating microscope, from traditional 35 mm photography to video and digital media, both still and motion. The purpose of this article is to discuss and demonstrate some of the photographic options that can readily be adapted to this new instrument of modern dental practice.