Microscopes
are no longer new to dentistry. They have been in common use by dentists for over a dozen years now and though for some endodontics may be the first aspect of our profession that comes to mind when microscopes are mentioned, many other dental procedures can be greatly assisted by this type of magnification.1
While many restorative dentists are currently using loupes
(which are the ultimate in portability between operatories) for their magnification, stereo microscopes sales to general practitioners are actually larger than those to specialists and those generalists employing operating microscopes are not limiting their use to endodontic treatment.2
Conventional stereo microscopes can have their drawbacks, however, for the dental practitioner. Their intrusion into the physical space between the doctor and patient can present a psychological as well as a material barrier that either or both parties may be uncomfortable with. Some dentists also have a postural issue with the arrangements of a typical operating microscope setup and lower back problems are more prevalent among dentists than they are in the general population.3 Obviously, the treating dentist is the only one privy to an image generated by traditional stereo microscopes. These impediments might be the reason that microscopes have not become more popular than they already are in the profession.
A new alternative in stereo microscopes has recently been introduced onto the market by StereoImaging Corporation of Tyngsboro, MA. Their dental microscope, the DentiMag3D, is a revolutionary concept in stereomicroscopy. This device delivers all the attributes dental microscope users are accustomed to (assessing depth of field, adjusting degree of enlargement, greater magnification than loupes) while having several additional advantages. These include sharing the focused image with more than one viewer (whether the patient, a colleague watching over your shoulder or a group), using your normal body position when rendering treatment using this device, orienting the lens at any bearing towards your patient that you desire and eliminating any invasion of the area between you and your patient.
The DentiMag3D realizes these benefits through the use of StereoImaging’s patent pending stereoscopic digital camera technology. The unit has no eyepieces and instead utilizes a digital video monitor with more resolution than any of the analog systems currently available. The monitor can be placed anywhere in the operatory that a computer’s monitor would be located. It can even take the place of one with the correct switching and adaptor connections between the DentiMag3D and your computer output, if do have one in your treatment room. You also have the option of head mounted (as a visor) or projection display (best for larger groups). This microscope has a 3.6X continuous motorized optical zoom range (roughly from 9X to 32X in magnification) that is controlled with a foot pedal as well as an enhanced 2X digital zoom that is activated with the touch of a button. The device uses a high power, coaxial white LED for its illumination that eliminates the need for ever changing a light bulb!
Its working distance between the lens and your patient is 18 inches, leaving it relatively unobtrusive to the doctor patient interaction. It has the highest magnification of any of its major competitors (64X in stereo with the digital zoom at 5mm width of field) and its entire assembly weighs only 4 pounds, making chairside mounting a breeze with their proprietary deployment (support arm) systems.
StereoImaging Corporation was founded in 2000 and its initial products were industrial stereo video cameras. The company had done extensive surveys of healthcare applications based on this experience before setting the parameters for the final camera design. Its thorough testing and evaluation by dentists has led the system to be in regular use at many dental offices today. StereoImaging designs and manufactures the DentiMag3D stereo video microscope system in its entirety, except for display equipment, and optimize their product to work with what the major display manufacturers currently market. They also offer complete hardware and software integration the DentiMag3D system.
If you are not satisfied with your current means of magnification or are thinking about introducing magnification into your practice for the first time, the DentiMag3D should be at the top of your list of systems to consider. Its combination of higher power, flexibility, simple integration and ease of use in one attractive package make it a must see. Think of it as a hands-free intraoral camera on steroids.
1 Michaelides PL. Use of the operating microscope in dentistry. J Calif Dent Assoc. 1996 Jun;24(6):45-50. Erratum in: J Calif Dent Assoc 1996 Oct;24(10):9.
2 Friedman M, Mora AF, Schmidt R. Microscope-assisted precision dentistry. Compend Contin Educ Dent. 1999 Aug;20(8):723-8, 730-1, 735-6; quiz 737.
3 Fish DR, Morris-Allen DM. Musculoskeletal disorders in dentists. NY State Dent J. 1998 Apr;64(4):44-8. | 
