The role of the microscope in 21st century endodontics: visions of a new frontier.
In endodontics, the microscope is indispensable. Clinicians are discovering that every facet of endodontics is better, safer, and easier. Microscopic endodontics is a new technology that emphasizes visual information, rather than tactile information. The learning curve can be fairly steep, but it is one worth climbing. Future controlled studies should document an improvement of endodontic outcomes. This is becoming more true as dentistry becomes more extensive and expensive, and needs to last longer and longer. The days of "easy cases" are much fewer, even for the general practitioner. Lastly, there is a groundswell conversation, at least in the endodontic community, that the benefits of the microscope are beyond biology. Clinicians experience a greater sense of personal and professional fulfillment because they are not achieving what is "good enough," but aspiring to "what is possible."