THE FUTURE OF SURGICAL MICROSCOPES: A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The spread of microscopic dentistry in the past decade has been remarkable. It is because the usefulness of magnification by microscopes in dental treatment was recognized. Especially in Japan, the acceptance of microscopic dental treatment as part of the health insurance system had a significant influence. According to a report in June 2022, the number of facilities registered for additional medical fees for surgical microscopes doubled compared to five years ago. In addition, relatively inexpensive microscopes have been sold in recent years, creating an environment that makes it easier to introduce microscopes economically. However, the number of microscopes sold still accounts for only a few percent of dental clinics in Japan, and root canal treatment without a microscope is still common. In reality, we cannot say that it has yet become widespread. What about the medical field, the forerunner of microscopic treatment? In the 21st century, it is impossible to perform such surgeries as tympanoplasty, cataract surgery, and cerebral aneurysm clipping without a microscope. Microscopes have become widespread in the medical field. Why is dentistry so far behind in terms of the spread of microscopic treatment? One of the reasons is that the microscopes used in dentistry are unique. This article will review the present and future selection criteria for surgical microscopes in dentistry through the history of the evolution and development of surgical microscopes in the medical field, looking back at the history of surgical microscopes made by the world’s leading surgical microscope manufacturing company, Carl Zeiss.