Periodontal Microsurgery

Periodontal Microsurgery is an important part of our practice. While use of surgical loops is common in dentistry, the surgical microscope (outside of endodontics) is not. The surgical microscope has a number of advantages:

• You can achieve higher magnification than with loops; up to 16x.
• The lens is steadied by the microscope arm which results in less movement at high magnification so you experience less eye fatigue.
• With the microscope you assume a better (upright) work posture.
• High intensity, through the lens lighting provides better visability.
• Photographs and video are possible directly through the lens.
• Higher magnification allows for more conservative flap designs and better suturing. The result is better healing with less post-operative pain.
• Smaller surgical access leading to faster healing
• Better visibility allowing for a more meticulous technique and better results

Dr. Alvarenga always used magnification loops to perform surgery but occasionally a very high magnification is required. In these cases he may use the surgical microscope.

Bad Posture!	Good Posture!
Mag. 4x	Mag. 10x
Mag. 16x	Ludicrous!!
Dihiscence over an implant grafted	EPG!
Now you see it	Now you don’t!
Gummy	Not so gummy