SARASOTA, Fla. — Dr. Jill Morris, an accredited cosmetic dentist and co-owner of World Class Dentistry in Sarasota, has taken the guesswork out of bite rehabilitation with the introduction of the T-Scan digital occlusal analysis system.
Dr. Morris attended a seminar titled “Mastering the Computerized Occlusal Analysis System” at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies. The seminar, which was held Dec. 15-16, was designed to give clinicians a better understanding of T-Scan software data and its features to better diagnose and treat occlusion problems.
A handheld dental instrument with a computerized wafer, the T-Scan allows Dr. Morris to see exactly what is occurring with a patient’s bite. When a patient bites down on the sensory wafer, the data is sent directly to Dr. Morris’ computer.
The computerized technology can pinpoint high spots in the mouth as well as where and how hard the teeth are hitting. Dr. Morris also is able to see the exact order the teeth are hitting in and adjust the patient’s bite accordingly.
“It’s extremely sensitive material,” said Dr. Morris. “It’s much more accurate, and it’s a reliable and easy-to-use tool that senses what is and isn’t functioning properly with the bite.”
When a patient’s bite is off, it can cause migraines and lead to additional problems, including cracked and broken teeth, tooth and bone loss and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. In those instances, the patient’s brain triggers to avoid the spot that is off.
“The problem could be in a completely different place than what you think because your body is avoiding the point of contact,” said Dr. Morris. “The computer gets rid of all of the bad habits your body is doing and gets down to the truth of the problem.”
Within a matter of minutes of analyzing the computer data, which provides a three-dimensional view of the mouth, Dr. Morris can balance a bite.
The T-Scan can also be used in conjunction with BioPAK scanning, which uses electromyography (EMG) on the muscles to see how the muscles in and around the jaw are firing. The computerized technology can be used anywhere from a single tooth to full mouth rehabilitation or construction.
“Patients really like it because it’s hard for some people to tell where the problem is,” said Dr. Morris. “They get this visual, and it gives them a feeling of confidence in the way this is used because we are really addressing the problem correctly. It’s just so accurate and easy. There’s no guesswork.”
About World Class Dentistry
Dr. Jill Morris opened the doors to World Class Dentistry in 1987. She and her husband, Dr. Burr Bakke, have 60 years of combined talent and expertise. With advanced training and the latest equipment, the doctors are leaders in the field and teach many pioneering techniques. The team at World Class Dentistry can comprehensively treat a patient with a multitude of issues at the Sarasota facility, which maintains the quality control and streamlines treatment. With a focus on individualized patient care and connection, the doctors and their on-site dental laboratory technician offer implant surgery, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, biological dentistry and more.
Located at 3951 Swift Road in Sarasota, World Class Dentistry is one of only a small number of area practices that have a Chairside Economical Restorations of Esthetic Ceramic (CEREC)®, which is a machine that enables the doctors to fabricate and place exceptional restorations right in their Sarasota office. For more information, visit www.SarasotaDentist.com or call 941-451-5543.