It seems dentists are turning to the microscope in an effort to improve their patients’ oral health. While operating microscopes are a normal part of general health care in areas such as neurosurgery and vascular surgery, they are now becoming part of the dentist’s armoury.

Rather than shining a light in a patient’s mouth, a microscope is used which can then be linked to a computer or video screen, which in turn can enhance the picture viewed of the person’s mouth. What’s more it allows the patient to see exactly what the dentist is seeing.

Over the last few years general dentistry has seen an upsurge in technological developments including implants, new ways of filling teeth, crowns, dentures and sealants. X-rays are also a common means of diagnosing oral problems, so it is no surprise that dentists are opting to use as much technology as possible for the benefit of their patients.

Currently in the US (there are no figures for British dentists), microscope use is still rather rare at just 1%, but internationally and in the US this is set to rise.

Speaking with reporters, one dentist who is using the new technology said: “People thought the use of magnification was a sign of ageing.”

He added: “[Now] I decided to use it for everything. There are plenty of fine dentists around who don’t use microscopes. But I know for me, it makes me better that I was before.”

It even opened the eyes of one patient who remarked: “I had no idea how much precision is needed in dentistry.