Influence of magnification tools on the recognition of simulated preparation and filling errors

: 37 mistakes or filling defects were mounted onto a phantom model. Three groups--each consisting of thirteen dentists--examined the jaws under clinical conditions using either no visual aid, magnifying glasses or a microscope. They were further asked if using magnifying tools had a positive effect on pains such as neck and back pain, headaches or sore eyes. The group using the microscope spent more time on examination and found significantly more defects than their colleagues using magnifying glasses. They also profited more from the ergonomical advantages. The main clinical use for microscopes is in endodontics. The group of dentists using magnifying glasses spent less time on examination but found more defects than their colleagues using no magnification tools at all. The positive effect on neck and back pain was less pronounced than in the group working with microscopes. Magnifying glasses are used in all kinds of clinical work.