USE OF THE SURGICAL OPERATING MICROSCOPE, OR HIGH MAGNIFICATION LOUPES, COMBINED WITH CO-AXIAL ILLUMINATION, AS AIDS IN PERFORMING TOOTH EXTRACTIONS IN DENTISTRY

Abstract

This article describes the clinical techniques of extracting teeth when using microscopes or highly magnifying loupes (6x–8x or greater magnification) combined with head-mounted or co-axial illumination. Microscope-level magnification facilitates identification and utilization of purchase points to use for luxating teeth with straight elevators. In addition, magnification facilitates distinguishing between the perimeters of tooth particles and the surrounding alveolar bone, and permits identification and removal of intra-socket alveolar bone that hinders tooth extraction. Magnification facilitates sectioning of roots along furcations and sectioning them such that the bur is oriented parallel to the long axis of the tooth. After extraction, Magnification provides visual information that aids in debridement of the extraction socket. In general, magnification improves a dentist’s ability to use information within the perimeter of the tooth socket, and also inside the tooth socket, to identify and remove obstructions to tooth extraction. This may reduce the need to lay a full thickness flap to improve visibility of tooth particles, or to remove buccal or lingual bone to enable tooth particle removal. This may result in more systematic, less traumatic extractions that leave a more structured extraction socket for healing.