Microscopic dentistry

Dentistry with a microscope: precision in modern dental medicine
Use of the Microscope in Dentistry
The microscope has revolutionized dentistry by enabling the highest level of precision. If your teeth are severely damaged, the goal is to restore and maintain both the gums and teeth in a healthy state.
If your teeth are already healthy, microscopic dentistry can help preserve this condition for a lifetime. The microscope allows newly developed cavities to be detected and treated early, especially in their initial stages, when even minimal damage can be identified—much earlier than with the naked eye.
Tooth Repairs: Dentistry with a Microscope
The use of composite fillings offers a durable solution for tooth repairs. Proper application is essential, including complete removal of cavities, isolation from moisture, and precise removal of excess material. Unlike amalgam, composite is an organic material, and bacteria are not inhibited in their growth unless the filling is properly applied. Correctly placed composite fillings, however, provide a long-lasting alternative to amalgam fillings.
Innovative Composite Filling Technique
After five years of research, I, DDr. Klaus Kotschy, developed a new technique for composite fillings specifically designed for microscopic dentistry. This method eliminates the need for matrices and allows teeth to be restored to their original shape. Known for its precision, this technique is demonstrated in the “ko-composite technique” video by DDr. Klaus Kotschy.
The VMK Crown or Veneered Metal Ceramic Crown
The VMK crown (veneered metal ceramic crown) was the most commonly used crown in the past. It consists of a metal core (often a gold alloy) for durability and strength, with ceramic fused to the exterior for a natural tooth color.
A VMK crown is cemented with zinc phosphate cement, which has been the gold standard for decades due to its antibacterial properties. The cement contains zinc, which acts as a disinfectant, and creates an alkaline environment where bacteria cannot survive.
If the gap between the crown and tooth is too large, the cement may wash out over time. Therefore, the crown’s edge design is crucial. VMK crowns with a pure gold edge or a gold-ceramic edge provide optimal durability. We recommend a mini gold edge to our patients for maximum longevity, as its precise fit prevents gaps and ensures the cement remains intact.
Ceramic Crown: The “New Crown”
The new crown is made entirely of ceramic, either from zirconium dioxide ceramic or with a zirconium dioxide ceramic core and a ceramic overlay.
Advantages:
- Better light transmission, offering superior aesthetics
- Metal-free construction
These crowns are cemented with composite resin, similar to composite fillings.
Tooth Color and Shape:
To ensure a crown is indistinguishable from a natural tooth, close collaboration between the dentist and dental technician is essential. With today’s advanced technology, crowns can almost always be crafted to not only resemble but match natural teeth perfectly.
Veneers
Veneers are ceramic shells bonded to the front surfaces of teeth. To create uniform tooth shapes, healthy tooth material must first be “sacrificed” (i.e., removed) to accommodate the veneers. The aesthetic result, however, is undoubtedly promising.
For complex aesthetic procedures like veneers, I have collaborated for many years with my colleague Dr. Al-Samarrae. This partnership allows us to offer specialized treatments at the highest level, ensuring that the results harmonize with the natural appearance of your teeth.
(Photo 1: Before and Photo 2: After the aesthetic correction with ceramic veneers)
Composite Fillings
Composite fillings provide a conservative alternative, as they are applied directly to the tooth, preserving tooth structure while delivering aesthetically pleasing results.
3 advantages of microscopic dentistry
1
Diagnosis and treatment with a microscope lead to lifelong oral health
2
10-year warranty on fillings, veneers, crowns, and bridges performed by me
3
Prevention and education minimize the need for further dental treatments

You can only treat properly what you can see. The microscope allows us to precisely examine and treat teeth and gums with up to 20x magnification. We therefore give our patients a 10-year guarantee on microscope-based treatments (except root canals).