The distinctive KAPS microscope systems are fully customizable to meet the dentists individual needs.

New KARL KAPS dental microscope model 900 with integrted LED illumination.

The distinctive KAPS microscope systems are fully customizable to meet the dentists individual needs.

Balancing system
This coupling offers ultra-smooth, fluid and perfect balance during repositioning of the microscope.

Free Motion magnetic locking clutches
By pushing a button the microscope will float weightlessly and can be locked in any desired
working position.

Manual and motorized zoom
The magnification is continuously adjustable. From overview to details.

Vario
Without moving the microscope or changing the working position the area of treatment stays in focus.

LED inside
This innovative illumination module provides a homogenous illuminated field of view with excellent
color rendition and high contrast. It can be combined with any KAPS microscope system.

Upgrade from basic to master
Our design philosophy allows us to upgrade the features of any KAPS microscope system
to one of an even higher standard. Right in your office.

SPECIFICATION:

· Mobile stand H-base with column.

· Suspension arm, short.

· Swivel arm.

· microscope carrier.

· Integrated LED illumination with fiber optic cable(life time approx. 50,000 hours).

· 45° inclined coupling for easy positioning.

· 5 step magnification changer.

· LED illumination integrated in swivel arm.

· cold light adaption with diaphragm and orange filter.

· Light cable high power.

· 0-210° inclined binocular tube, f=182mm.

· Eyepieces WF 12,5 x V.

· Objective with integrated fine focusing (f=250 mm)

· Dust cover.

· Handle double sided.

Scientist using a stereo microscope outfitted with a digital imaging pick-up and fibre-optic illumination
Great working distance and depth of field here are important qualities for this type of microscope. Both qualities are inversely correlated with resolution: the higher the resolution (i.e. the shorter the distance at which two adjacent points can be distinguished as separate), the smaller the depth of field and working distance. A stereo microscope has a useful magnification up to 100×, comparable to a 10× objective and 10× eyepiece in a normal compound microscope, and is often much lower. This is around one tenth the useful resolution of a normal compound optical microscope.
The large working distance at low magnification is useful in examining large solid objects such as fracture surfaces, especially using fibre-optic illumination. Such samples can also be manipulated easily so as to determine the points of interest. There are severe limitations on sample size in scanning electron microscopy, as well as ease of manipulation in the specimen chamber.Magnification

There are two major types of magnification systems in stereo microscopes. One is fixed magnification in which primary magnification is achieved by a paired set of objective lenses with a set degree of magnification. The other is zoom or pancratic magnification, which are capable of a continuously variable degree of magnification across a set range. Zoom systems can achieve further magnification through the use of auxiliary objectives that increase total magnification by a set factor. Also, total magnification in both fixed and zoom systems can be varied by changing eyepieces.[1]
Intermediate between fixed magnification and zoom magnification systems is a system attributed to Galileo as the "Galilean optical system" ; here an arrangement of fixed-focus convex lenses is used to provide a fixed magnification, but with the crucial distinction that the same optical components in the same spacing will, if physically inverted, result in a different, though still fixed, magnification. This allows one set of lenses to provide two different magnifications ; two sets of lenses to provide four magnifications on one turret ; three sets of lenses provide six magnifications and will still fit into one turret. Practical experience shows that such Galilean optics systems are as useful as a considerably more expensive zoom system, with the advantage of knowing the magnification in use as a set value without having to read analogue scales. (In remote locations, the robustness of the systems is also a non-trivial advantage.)
[edit]Illumination

Small specimens necessarily require intense illumination, especially at high magnifictions and this is usually provided by a fibre-optic light source. It utilises halogen lamps which provide high light output for a given power input. They are small enough to be fitted easily near the microscope, although often need cooling to ameliorate high temperatures from the bulb. The fibre-optic stalk gives the operator a high degree of freedom in choosing appropriate lighting conditions for the sample. The stalk is encased in a sheath which is easy to move and manipulate to any desired position. It is normally unobtrusive when the lit end is near the specimen, so usually does not interfere with the image in the microscope. Examination of fracture surfaces frequently need oblique lighting so as to highlight surface features during fractography, and fibre-optic lights are ideal for this purpose. Several such light stalks can be used for the same specimen, so increasing the illumination yet further.
[edit]Digital display with stereo microscopes
Recently various video dual CCD camera pickups have been fitted to stereo microscopes, allowing the images to be displayed on a high resolution LCD monitor. Software converts the two images to an integrated anaglyph 3D image, for viewing with plastic red/cyan glasses, or to the cross converged process for clear glasses and somewhat better color accuracy. The results are viewable by a group wearing the glasses. More usually a camera attached to one of the eyepieces will record conventional images.

The dental microscope is unparalleled in its ability to provide an intensely illuminated, magnified image of the operating site. Despite the fact that Surgical Operating Microscopes [SOM] have been used by medical specialties since the sixties; the SOM has not been so readily accepted into dentistry.

Whilst general dental practitioners have predominantly seen dental microscopes as specialist equipment, typically endodontists have recognised and readily acknowledged the benefits of operating at higher magnification with powerful illumination. More recently however, it is becoming an increasingly held belief that the dental microscope offers considerable advantages over direct visualisation and loupe magnification.

Improved Magnification and Lighting

The higher magnifications achieved with a dental microscope improves the end result by not only enlarging the operating site, but also by providing intense homogenous co-axial lighting. Both these factors allow the clinician to visualise features not otherwise perceptible to the naked eye or even with loupes. Such improved visual acuity improves precision and the range of treatment options available. Microscopic examination methods and microsurgical techniques have transformed the way that the modern clinician operates.

Improved ergonomics and reduced musculoskeletal strain.

Other than the obvious advantage of higher magnification, the microscope offers distinct ergonomic advantages over loupes and the naked eye. Dentists work in conditions that frequently produce musculoskeletal disorders. Physical load, repetitiveness and poor body posture when seeking visual approaches to poorly illuminated areas of the mouth all contribute towards the high risk of developing shoulder, neck and back complaints. The more upright posture of the clinician when using a dental microscope may contribute to less neck and back strain.

Improved Patient Communication and Acceptance of Treatment

One of the great benefits of capturing digital images is improving the patient’s dental awareness and their recognition for the necessity of a particular treatment. In the absence of symptoms, the majority of patients are unaware of the conditions of their mouths. Communication between the clinician and patient is improved infinitely by the clinician being able to demonstrate to the patient the condition of their teeth before, during and after treatment.

With a digital video or stills camera attached via a beam splitter to a surgical microscope, patients are clearly able to observe the enlarged image of their teeth. Cracks, failing restorations, defective crown margins and periodontal pathologies can all be easily identified by the clinician and shown to the patient as a high quality digital image. What is more, the patient can clearly see the improvement in the quality of care they have received by the use of a microscope.

Disadvantages of Dental Microscopes?

Some dental practitioners have concerns that the use of the microscope may unjustifiably slow down treatment; and feel that patient and staff resistance to this new technology may prove to be an insurmountable problem. Whilst it is true that the learning experience for the whole dental team is steep; a new approach to treatment fully integrating the microscope will gradually reduce the longer appointment times initially required.

Support staff will require time to learn the new methods of working, with fourhanded dentistry offering a considerable advantage. Besides, time wasted attempting to locate root canals, or refining crown or cavity margins, will be significantly reduced when compared to using loupes or the naked eye.

“There is no question that the introduction of the microscope into the delivery of dental care is profoundly significant…”

Types of microscopes
Microscopes are broadly classified as simple microscopes and compound microscopes.
1) Simple microscope
It has a single lens system through which the upturned image of the object is seen.
2) Compound microscopes
These are again classified into 2 types
• Light microscope
• Electron microscope
Light microscopes
They are of the following types
i)Bright field microscope
ii)Dark field microscope
iii)Phase contrast microscope
iv)Flourescence microscope
v)Interference microscope
Electron microscope
They are of 2 types
i)Transmission electron microscope(TEM)
ii)Scanning electron microscope(SEM)

Despite their higher price tags, however, when the dental operating microscope is fully integrated into a practice and used to its fullest potential, a return on investment can be realized rather quickly. The three key factors which contribute to a microscope’s income-generating ability is increased visualization, digital documentation capabilities, and improved ergonomics.

Abstract

Background
After the introduction of microsurgical principles in endodontics, involving new techniques for root canal treatment, there has been a continuous search for enhancing the visualisation of the surgical field. It would be interesting to know if the technical advantages for the operator brought in by magnification devices like surgical microscope, endoscope and magnifying loupes, are also associated with advantages for the patient, in terms of improvement of clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Objectives
The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate and compare the effects of endodontic treatment performed with the aid of magnification devices versus endodontic treatment without magnification devices. We also aimed at comparing among them the different magnification devices used in endodontics (microscope, endoscope, magnifying loupes).

Search strategy
The Cochrane Oral Health Group Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched with appropriate search strategies. Handsearching included nine dental journals. The bibliographies of relevant clinical trials and relevant articles were checked for identifying studies outside the handsearched journals. Seven manufacturers of instruments in the field of endodontics and/or endodontic surgery, as well as the authors of the identified randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were contacted in order to identify unpublished or ongoing RCTs. There were no language restrictions. The last electronic search was conducted on 2nd April 2009, and the last handsearching was undertaken on 31st January 2009.

Selection criteria
All randomised and quasi-randomised trials comparing endodontic therapy performed with or without using one or more types of magnification device, as well as randomised and quasi-randomised trials comparing two or more magnification devices used as an adjunct to endodontic therapy were considered.

Data collection and analysis
Screening of studies and data extraction were conducted independently and in duplicate. The Cochrane Collaboration statistical guidelines were to be followed for data synthesis.

Main results
No trial could be included in the present review. All of the prospective trials that were identified, all dealing with endodontic surgery, had to be excluded for various reasons. Only one RCT was identified comparing three magnificators (magnifying loupes, surgical microscope, endoscope) in endodontic surgery. No RCT was found that compared the outcome of endodontic therapy using or without using a given magnification device.

Authors’ conclusions
No objective conclusion can be drawn from the results of this review as no article was identified in the current literature that satisfied the criteria for inclusion. It is unknown if and how the type of magnification device affects the treatment outcome, considering the high number of factors that may have a significant impact on the success of endodontic surgical procedure. This should be investigated by further long-term RCTs with large sample size.
Technical advantages of magnificators have been widely reported in low evidence level studies, but they should be systematically addressed to know if there can be the clinical indication for using a given magnification device for specific clinical situations, such as for molar teeth, or if they can all be used interchangeably.
Well-designed RCTs should also be performed to determine the true difference in terms of treatment success rates between using or not using a magnification device in both conventional and surgical endodontic treatment, if any exist.

Among the most important investments a dentist should make are in the area of vision:
1. Improved vision for the dentist, including loupes, dental microscopes, intraoral cameras, digital cameras, and digital X-rays, and

2. Improved vision for the patient, which can be achieved with intraoral cameras, television monitors, digital cameras, digital X-rays, imaging software that displays these images.

When dentists use intraoral photographs to explain their diagnostic findings, patient understanding improves dramatically. The same investment that will improve your ability to diagnose a case can give your patient the ability to see the same thing you see.

Moving to other diagnostic aids, magnifying loupes are an undeniable asset for the dentist in diagnosing and treating cases. I believe that most dentists now use loupes. They have a short learning curve. When you try them, you will find yourself wanting more magnification. Unfortunately, there is a practical limit to the amount of magnification that loupes can provide.
For more magnification, a dentist would turn to a dental microscope. With a dental microscope, you can adjust the level of magnification or zoom. It will provide coaxial lighting (light in the same direction as the line of view) and allow for ideal posture for the dentist. S-video or digital camera attachments are great enhancements, and will allow you to manipulate or display the image in many formats. This dental microscope is the ultimate instrument for intraoral examination, diagnosis, and treatment. I believe that the dental microscope is an essential piece of equipment for the restorative dentist.
Color photographs also help improve patient communication dramatically. There may be no better way to demonstrate a patient’s condition and your proposed treatment than by using color photographs and digital X-rays. And with photographs, the bigger the better.

Dentist may use intraoral camera photographs, digital X-rays, and extraoral face and smile photographs in his consultations. He may uses a 42-inch plasma screen in his consultation room to make the “truth” as big and bold as possible.

Enhanced visualization leads to enhanced communication, but it all starts with the dentist. When dentists make the commitment to enhance their vision, they are making a commitment to excellence, both in their diagnostic and treatment skills and in patient communication.