Teeth are considered to be among the hardest substances in the human body, its’ essential function is to aid the process of food digestion. Through chewing, teeth break down food materials in the mouth to smaller substances that can be swallowed for further digestion and absorption in the stomach. Besides being vital in digestion, teeth also play a significant role in providing structural support to the facial muscles that are responsible for different facial expressions such as smile and frown. Teeth are also an important component in speech, functioning together with the tongue and lips. The human tooth is made up of two main anatomical parts, the crown, and the root. The crown part is one that is covered with enamel and can be seen in the mouth while the root, which anchors the tooth is the invisible part implanted in the jaw.
Just like other human body parts, teeth are made to last a lifetime. However, damage to human teeth may sometimes occur due to cracking, cavity injuries and tooth infections. When this happens, seeking treatment from dentists becomes inevitable. Nowadays, patients have several treatments options for their teeth unlike before. Dentists, like other healthcare professionals also have a duty of advising their patients on the proposed treatment and other practical alternatives so that they can make informed decisions regarding their dental care. There are two primary treatments for bacteria infected teeth, one is by extracting or removing the whole teeth from the jaw, and the second method is to save the teeth through the removal of the bacteria that inflames the root canal system of the tooth. Endodontic treatment commonly known as the root canal therapy is the process of teeth treatment carried out by a dental specialist. This type of treatment involves mouth opening, removal of inflamed or damaged tooth pulp, clean-up, and disinfection, shaping, filling and finally sealing the tooth.
The patient may first need to be put on medication or local anesthesia before an endodontic treatment begins; however, the necessity of medication depends on the nature and stage of infection to the injured tooth. Endodontists are specialized dentists who are certified to carry out treatment of diseases and injuries of the dental pulp, the root, tissues, and nerves in the tooth. They perform specialized tooth treatment that cannot be carried out by general dentists. According to the American Association of Endodontists, under ideal circumstances and proper procedures, endodontic treatments of teeth have high chances of success of more than 90% (American Association of Endodontists). After a successful root canal treatment, the treated tooth enables the patient to eat their food regularly, maintain their natural smile and can survive for a lifetime as other natural teeth or for more than 10 years. This, therefore, saves the patient costs and time for ongoing dental care treatments.
Over time, patient care has evolved and experienced significant changes. Major transformations in healthcare are commonly triggered by many factors, one that stands out as the leading cause of changes in healthcare is technology. Technological advancements present new methods and equipment that improve the quality of healthcare. For many decades, microspores have always been used in labs and other medical disciplines to magnify and aid visualization of tiny and minute elements that cannot be seen with naked human eyes. However, the present day development of microscopes which have enhanced magnification power is shaping patient care provision. Endodontic treatment has not been left out in the utilization of these microscopes; this is due to the many benefits that come about as a result of using microscopes in dentistry and dental care process.
For many years, endodontic treatment has always been carried out using tactile sensitivity; thus, the only way through which the inside roots canal system could be seen was through radiographs taking. This method was however not very useful as endodontic therapy was carried out with limited visual information. The introduction and use of operating microscopes in various stages of endodontic care has revolutionized the entire endodontic treatment process. The use of microscopes has become more common in most endodontic offices because of several reasons. One of the reasons is that operating microscopes provide extreme magnification of all the tooth structures; this facilitates the possibility of identifying and treating all the minute components of the tooth (Perrin et al. 428). Microscope use also facilitates accurate visualization of inflamed areas of the tooth; such areas are usually not visible without the aid of a microscope. As a result of the detailed treatment due to the use of microscopes, long-term outcomes are achieved.
Secondly, root canal treatment is typically performed in a tiny area within the tooth. As such high precision is required so as efficiently to navigate the different and numerous roots and canals of the tooth. To reduce chances of missing a root canal that needs treatment, it’s advisable to use a microscope to locate that canal correctly. Besides its immense help in root canal treatment, dental microscopes are also used for diagnosis of dental problems that are non-surgical. For example, endodontists use dental microscopes to establish painful fractures in the teeth because microscopes have a better illumination at higher magnifications. Such fractures of the tooth are always difficult or impossible to detect through the traditional diagnostic techniques.
Conclusively, technology advancements in healthcare, more so in dentistry is critical to achieving best patient care results that improve the quality of life. Microscope use in endodontic treatment is therefore set to continue being one of the most efficient technologies in quality dental care. They enhance shadow-free visualization of internal and external tooth structure. Many successful endodontic treatments are mostly attributed to operating microscopes.
Works Cited
American Association of Endodontists. "Root Canal Treatment - Get the Facts About Root Canals | AAEorg." Endodontists: the Root Canal Specialists - AAE. N.p., 2016. Web. 21 May 2016.
Perrin, P., K. W. Neuhaus, and A. Lussi. "The impact of loupes and microscopes on vision in endodontics." International endodontic journal 47.5 (2014): 425-429.
