This course discusses the background and benefits of using surgical operating microscopes in endodontic surgery.

Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to do the following:

1. Describe the evolution and current status of magnification and light amplification in endodontic surgery.
2. Discuss the advantages of using a surgical operating microscope.
3. Describe essential equipment that is used in endodontic microsurgery.
4. Explain what can be accomplished with microsurgical techniques.

Many clinicians have benefited from using surgical telescopes and headlamps to enhance the visual access of clinical procedures. Historically, the surgical operating microscope has provided opportunities for the medical community in the development of new treatment strategies. Recently, the operating microscope was introduced into the endodontic community and its benefits in surgical endodontics have become widely known. Cases that once seemed impossible could now be treated with a high degree of confidence and clinical success. This article describes the advantages of the surgical operating microscope.

COURSE OUTLINE

1. Introduction
   
   
2. The Need to See Better
   
   
   1. Advantages of the SOM
      
   
   
3. Microsurgical Technique
   
   
4. Other Advantages of the SOM
   
   
5. Summary

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