CamSight--The New Era of Microscopic Dentistry By Leslie Boccadori, Copywriter, CamSight Co., Inc.

Like the advancement from black-and-white to color television, there have been innovative developments changing the practice of dentistry; for example, digital x-rays and the use of lasers. CamSight, an industry leader among digital dental equipment manufacturers and software developers, would like to establish its digital microscope, better known as the Digital Surgical Scope (DSS), among these dental practice innovations. Practicing dentists, such as Dr. Raminta Mastis, from St. Clair Shores, Mich., are taking notice.

Dr. Mastis prides her office on the latest in high-tech dental office devices. Needing to update her equipment before Y2K, she began by replacing her computers and adding digital radiography. “After we received such a wonderful patient response to technology, we continued to go gangbusters,” Dr. Mastis said. She added lasers, voice-activated charting systems, CEREC dentistry; and recently, she bought a DSS at the Chicago Midwinter meeting. When asked how dentists in her community would describe her practice, Dr. Mastis said, “Probably, they would say I have an extremely high-tech practice, but maintain the approachability of the ‘neighborhood’ dentist.”

Working with lasers, Dr. Mastis realized the importance of magnification. “Laser techniques do not rely on proprioception,” she said. “The ability to visualize the appropriate focal distance is important for maximizing laser efficiency. Hard-tissue laser tips are as small as 400 microns in diameter and with the DSS; you can truly perform micro dentistry in a safe and effective way.”

Dr. Mastis tried other methods of magnification before finding the DSS. She has 4.5x loupes, but has used them less and less since beginning with the DSS. “With loupes,” Dr. Mastis quipped, “patients were beginning to wonder if I was losing my eyesight.” Now, using the DSS, patients understand she is using magnification. “Magnification is essential to complement today’s technological advancements in dentistry,” Dr. Mastis continues. “The ability to inspect the margins of my CEREC restorations for an accurate fit is a critical step in ensuring successful results.”

Several years before Dr. Mastis discovered the polished and shined DSS at the Chicago Midwinter, CamSight’s President and CEO, Ben Yoo, formulated the rough idea for the DSS at a dental show he was attending.

From Concept to Creation

Mr. Yoo came to the conclusion that microscopes were uncomfortable, inconvenient, and difficult to use. He thought there had to be a better, more practical way for dentists to perform procedures; for instance working off a monitor, rather than viewing procedures through an eyepiece. CamSight had already developed image processing software, lens technology, machined parts, and worked with a charged-coupled device (CCD – basically, an electronic memory for digital image capture) for the intraoral camera, so he was confident that he could develop this new product for dentists.

Originally, the prototype for the DSS had manual focus and zoom, which added difficulty to performing even the most basic procedures. The articulating arm supporting the camera was slender and weak, hindering the stability of the camera and the images shown on the monitor. The halogen light wasn’t bright enough to see the details of teeth; and with a low resolution CCD, the DSS could not produce adequate image quality. Based on the feedback from the prototype, CamSight redesigned the product from scratch raising the bar to create a product with high-resolution CCD, a brighter light source, a stronger articulating arm support and a motorized lens system.

Since the initial lens had manual focus for zoom and light control, the lens system was the first to change. CamSight worked on a motorized lens system that could change focus, magnification, and brightness mechanically, not manually, by using a foot pedal.

CamSight decided to design an articulating arm and base, where each joint of the arm has its own force. The articulating arm needed to be light and maneuverable, yet strong and sturdy to support the weight of the camera head, all the controls and still maintain balance.

The DSS needed a bright, white light; such as the 300 watt Xenon light; strong enough to accentuate the details of teeth and show true-color quality images.

After spending many years and a great deal of research and development, CamSight finally launched the revolutionary product for dentistry. CamSight was the first to introduce a digital surgical microscope that allows dentists to work off a monitor with hands-free operation.

Dentists who should consider DSS are those specialists or general practitioners who:
• Are in need of a microscope or loupe
• Have back/neck pain
• Have vision problems
• Are looking to replace microscopes or loupes
• Use laser technology
• Use CAD/CAM
• Frequently perform endodontics or implant procedures
• Lecture or teach
• Are devoted to quality care, and committed to improving their performance
• Need documentation
• Want a paperless office

The New Era of Microscopic Dentistry

“Well-Being” Dentistry

One of CamSight’s goals is to improve the ergonomic well-being of the dentist. DSS is the solution to bad posture, including back pain, stiff neck and eye strain because it provides dentists with better ergonomics by viewing images on a large LCD monitor, which allows them to sit in an upright, comfortable position.

“The ergonomics of the DSS allow for better posture and less back pain,” said Dr. Mastis. “There is less strain on your eyes because it forces you to work off a monitor where the working area is magnified. I’ve always been dissatisfied with an optical microscope because of the need to be tethered to the oculars and thus, absolute dependency on an assistant for procedures.”

With the DSS dentists are able to treat patients in a far more relaxed, non-stressful environment for longer periods of time, preventing serious health problems from occurring in the future. This translates to better spinal health, a longer career and a healthy retirement.

See More for Quality Care

The DSS uses a high-resolution CCD camera; combining a large field of view and advanced magnification to make it easy to see the details of a root canal, for example. The DSS has magnification up to 150x zoom: 15 times optical zoom and 10 times digital zoom. The field of view stays large during any magnification; meaning that you can easily relocate the area of interest without refocusing. Plus, with a camera head that moves in any direction, dentists are able to see the fourth canal!

Hands-Free Operation

Hands-free operation is a necessity whether performing surgery or a routine procedure and the DSS fulfills this need. With the DSS, all of the controls can be accessed by using a foot pedal, allowing dentists to zoom, focus, change brightness, record entire procedures, capture still digital images, and replay video.

“I’m impressed by…the ability to adjust the focus, the zoom, and the light with foot controls,” Dr. Mastis said.

The Latest in Digital Imaging

Dentists can save still digital images or record live streaming video directly to the patient’s electronic file on the built-in hard drive without interrupting the procedure. This information can be used for documentation or for a case presentation to the patient. The DSS easily integrates with digital x-ray systems to view microscopic images and digital x-ray images side-by-side on the same screen.

“Taking snapshots and video recording seamlessly integrates into the software for amazingly simple, yet high-quality recording,” Dr. Mastis said. “This is essential in today’s need for documentation and it’s all digitally stored. Truly the most powerful and easiest system I’ve ever seen.”

Teaching and Learning

Additionally, the DSS could be used to broadcast a lecture or live streaming video of a procedure to a classroom of students or colleagues worldwide. It has multi-monitor support, network capability and can be connected to any large TV screen or the Internet.

All-In-One System

The DSS is an all-inclusive system that needs no further configuration by the dentist. The system includes a special lens designed for the high-resolution CCD camera, a high performance computer, a hard drive for image storage, a 17-inch digital LCD monitor, control panel, a built-in motorized lens assembly with in-line illumination technology, a direct Xenon light, a wireless mouse and keyboard, and signature image processing software.

Dr. Mastis said, “The software is a tremendous benefit, allowing you to flip and reverse images, which is critical when working with mirrors. The learning curve is primarily to overcome the security of direct visualization and to trust what you see on the monitor. Gaining proficiency is much quicker than with a microscope.”

The DSS comes in different configurations to fit most any office space requirements. The main unit could be wall mounted, ceiling mounted or floor mounted; saving space.

More Innovative Products

Whether you’re starting up a new practice or if you’re looking for a digital upgrade, CamSight delivers fully integrated, real-time network total solutions. With its Total Solution Elite, Premium and Enterprise series, CamSight provides solutions that can help dentists accommodate many operatories where they can access patient management software, intraoral cameras, and digital x-rays. For convenience, the DSS also may be used as a station to view other software programs.

One of the most important features, according to Dr. Mastis, is the way the DSS software saves images and recordings, seamlessly integrating with the practice management system. Dentists also are able to record pertinent patient information with the DSS software only, if they so desire.

Going Global

CamSight’s ambitions are anything but small. The company’s products are highly regarded for quality, convenience and value. CamSight is growing more and more every year; and now, CamSight is opening its products to the global marketplace. Although CamSight develops, designs, and manufactures its own products, it continues to be active with alliances and partnerships, including Sullivan-Schein Dental, a preferred vendor of CamSight’s DSS.

The Big Picture

Providing the latest digital technology, excellent customer service, and being a sole-source provider are all things that uniquely position CamSight to deliver solutions that create infinite possibilities for a practice’ success. The CamSight team is dedicated to bringing customers the very latest in digital dental technology and is striving to make CamSight a household name among dentists.

In addition to manufacturing and developing its products, CamSight also services and supports them. “They have made a digital surgical scope that is very user-friendly and are sincere in supporting their product with technical advice and improvements,” Dr. Mastis said. CamSight believes in strong customer service, always there to provide its customers with the most information necessary to help them make the right decisions about their dental practice needs. Its employees’ attention to detail and friendly demeanor show that they value the dentists’ time by offering them a positive experience. When dentists choose to bring CamSight products into their practice, it’s like gaining a new family.

Conclusion

“Magnification will make you more critical of your own dentistry and this will lead you to a better technical result,” Dr. Mastis concluded. “CamSight has been a leader in intraoral imaging for quite some time and now has taken this imaging to yet another level, and is instrumental in helping take my practice to the next level.”

To find out more about the Digital Surgical Scope, check out the Calendar of Events at www.CamSight.com. While visiting the Web site, fill out a “travel request form” to be considered for a free trip to CamSight’s Los Angeles headquarters for a hands-on demonstration of the DSS.

How is the DSS different than loupes and microscopes?
• No more constrictive, stressful posture
• Far better viewing
• Larger magnified viewing area
• Hands-free operation
• Motorized lens system
• Software features
• Digital documentation
• Integration with digital x-ray

Contact CamSight at 877.477.2580 Ext. 500
Headquarters, 3380 N San Fernando Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90065
Visit CamSight online at www.camsight.com