The Essence of Proper Lighting in Dentistry
There are so many challenges inside the dental clinical room that hinder the dentist and dental hygienist to have better visuality during dental operations. From furniture and fixture positioning to the type of illumination device and everything in between, all these can greatly affect the quality of light and the overall environment inside the clinical room. Because of these challenges, most of the time relying merely on the room's primary source of light, and even on the dental overhead lamp is not enough for you to have a better view of your operating field.
But why do you really have to ensure proper lighting inside the clinical room especially when doing dental procedures? Here are a few reasons why...
Proper lighting enhances visual acuity
The oral cavity itself is located in such a dark and secluded area. Because of this, dentists are finding it difficult to see the operating field most especially without enough illumination. The operator's inability to have a better view of the oral cavity is associated with poor performance and bad posture.
Having a good quality light, on the other end, help makes it easier for the operator to see the work field, allowing more accurate diagnosis, precise treatment, and better performance.
Proper lighting promotes more precise color identification
The right type of light is essential in teeth color identification and identification of gum diseases. For best results and diagnosis, you need to use an illumination device like a dental headlight that produces a natural daylight and pure white light as this enables you to see the real color of the teeth and gums of your patients without any distortion.
Proper lighting fosters proper posture
Proper lighting encourages better posture by allowing the operator to work in an upright and ergonomic position. Normally, when you are unable to see the operating field clearly within your working distance, you will have to lean closer to your patient's mouth and stay in a hunchback position for a certain period of time in order for you to have a better view of the oral cavity. This can lead to poor posture and musculoskeletal pains.
With the help of a magnification optical aid like the dental loupes and of dental headlights, the need for you to maintain such an awkward position is eliminated, allowing you to work with better posture.
Proper lighting eliminates risks to eyestrain
Without proper illumination, your eyes will have to work harder to stay in focus and to see what you are working on. This can lead to eyestrain and headache. In order to reduce eyestrain and headache, you will need a portable dental headlight that offers enough quality, quantity, shadow-free and stable illumination.
Proper lighting allows pain-free practice
A high-quality dental headlight paired with the right dental loupes make it possible for you to enjoy a pain-free practice. Because you can be able to clearly see the oral cavity within your working distance and to work in an ergonomic posture, your chances of experiencing work-related musculoskeletal pains and strains are greatly reduced.
The best thing about a portable headlight is that it allows more freedom of movement, more focus, and higher comfort levels. It likewise provides a stable and shadow free light which you can hardly get when using a traditional overhead dental lamp. Dental headlights are also more cost-effective and easier to use, maintain, and adjust.