Use of the microscope in endodontics: results of a questionnaire

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency and characteristics of operating microscope (OM) utilization among endodontists in the United States. The study also investigated how OM use has changed since a similar study was published nearly a decade ago. A web-based survey regarding OM usage was e-mailed to 2340 active members of the American Association of Endodontists (AAE) in the United States. Data from 1091 questionnaires indicated that 90% of the endodontists surveyed have access to and use the OM in their practice. The frequency of use as a function of years since completing endodontic training was as follows: <10 years, 95%; 10-15 years, 90%; 16-20 years, 82%; >21 years, 78%. Previous studies found that shorter operators needed to adopt a strained position to view mandibular molars. Our results indicated with strong correlation (r = 0.90) that shorter endodontists used the microscope more often than taller endodontists. The OM was used most frequently for root-end inspection, locating canal orifices, and root-end filling, respectively. Of the practitioners who used the OM, 59% used it without limitation, 86% used it equally between the maxillary and mandibular arch, and 84% used it as often as anticipated. The most common limitations to OM use were positional difficulty, limited field of view, and inconvenience, respectfully. The use of the OM by endodontists increased from 52% in 1999 to 90% in 2007.