Glenn-on- the road,

I work with a lot of laser users with the scope. As a matter of fact, next weekend, I’m teaching a course with Ron Kaminer in NY who runs a Biolase Taining Center. I’m going to be installing and teaching Ron Schalter the end of this month.

There is definitely a difference at the same mag with scope. Not saying that loupes are bad, but the optics are designed differently.

If you look at loupes closely, they depend on a principle called convergence where the angle of the lenses intersect someplace in the field called the working distance. At this intersection is where the ideal focus takes place.

A microscope on the other hand has its optics set for infinity and convergence is not a factor. The working distance is set by the objective lens, and in dentistry, ususally 250 mm (10 in) is recommended unless you are exceptionally tall or exceptionally short. In those cases we use a different objective lens.

Many loupe users experience a discomfort when they first start using loupes untill they acclimate to it. Often the new users complain of nausea or a seasick type of feeling. This usually doesn’t happen with a scope.

Beyond the wideer field of view, deeper depth of field (both signoficant). and superior through the lens lighting, the ability to switch back and forth between magnification settings is invaluable. I can’t say enough about that

Under 8x and 13x, and even 20x magnification, you are actually seeing the ablation of tissue. You are actually gently guiding the tip as you see see the interface of the action between the laser and the tissue. This precision that you are able to achieve is so far superior that its no less than astounding.

Just like Dave said, he didn’t know why he waited so long to try a scope. In my 12 years selling scopes and watching comments on Dental Town’s web site, Roots, and LDF, you never hear someone complaining that they regretted purchasing a scope. There are some people who have regretted other purchases, be it a laser, Cerec, Unit etc.. No complaints about a scope being bad.

The main thing that determines the effectiveness in microscopes is the user of the scope. Training is essential. One has to invest in themselves as well as investing in the machine.

I would heartily recommend you getting training at one of the microscope training centers in the country, or getting Glenn van As’s DVD or having me train you.

I am the only person in the country providing hands-on microscope training, in your office, on your own scope, with your assistant, with your patients. This is helpful because we can apply the techniques as they relate to your working envrionment.

You will find that using a microscope is not intuitive. It isn’t like using loupes. It’s not hard, but it’s different and has to be learned.

Make the decision to get a microscope, commit yourself to training, and you will never regret it.

Stefan M. Luger

GLENN,
LMAO

What an awesome tool for educating patients!

[img]https://www.laserdentistryforum.com/attachments/upload/jd1.JPG[/img]

[img]https://www.laserdentistryforum.com/attachments/upload/jd2.JPG[/img]

Ron,

I love the photos. They are as good as any I’ve seen.
I told you a Seiler Scope is good. And you using it completes the picture. Good Show.

Stefan Luger

Pam,
I’ve only had the scope a couple months. There are certain areas of the mouth where I still find it easier to use loupes. That being said, the scope is such an incredible asset to the practice. Your ability to communicate what you see to the patient makes it worth every penny.The typical exchange goes like this- Doc- “You see that fracture in your tooth. It will eventually work its way further into the tooth. When the tooth breaks it may or may not be fixable” Patient- “That looks like it could be painful. What do we have to do to fix it? Let’s get it scheduled”

While my hard tissue laser is fun and patients like the idea of lasers, I believe if I had to do it all over again, I’d probably add a scope to my practice before a hard tissue laser (notice I didn’t include my Periolase in this statement because it allows me to do things I couldn’t  do). Right now I’m trying to figure out how to afford a second one because there are so many times its being used in 1 op and I’ll want to get picture on a hygiene patient to show them something.

As far as the 6X loupes, they will surely help you with your lasing as the more you can see the better off you are.

Hang around LDF for awhile and your wish list will always be growing

BTW, welcome to the forum!

Dave,
Say the magic word, and I’ll have you set up with a scope that will blow your socks off. If you like the pictures that Ron took, I can get you to do the same.
It just so happens I’m here in Florida, so it would ne an easy thing to start the ball rolling.

Stefan Luger
410-977-2840

Hi Dave,

I feel for you. Beyond doing work scopeless on your patients, I hope you won’t have trouble looking after yourself in the washroom. I quite enjoyed your photo a while ago.

Regards,

Andrew