SARASOTA, Fla. — World Class Dentistry, a patient-centered cosmetic dental practice in Sarasota that specializes in cutting-edge technology, recently purchased cold laser equipment to launch its use in aiding treatment of pain associated with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the hinge used to open and close the jaw.
This piece of new equipment will bring much-needed pain relief to its patients in as little as 10 minutes.
“I love innovation,” said Dr. Jill Morris, an accredited cosmetic dentist and co-owner of World Class Dentistry. “This approach allows us to help alleviate patients’ pain non-invasively. Cold laser equipment has been used now for years in other practices, such as orthopedics and physical therapy, so it’s very natural to do.”
When the TMJ and the muscles surrounding it become inflamed, it can cause headaches and other problems for patients. With the use of the cold laser equipment, Dr. Morris can non-invasively treat the muscles of the face and neck to help relieve muscle pain.
A light laser beam is placed on the skin in the areas that are being worked on for a few minutes. As the muscle inflammation decreases, there’s an increase in blood flow and oxygen to the ligaments and joint area, which promotes healing.
“Cold laser is really good for our patients with head and neck and TMJ pain,” said Dr. Morris. “This complements some of the other work that we do as well.”
The cold laser equipment can also be used on patients with significant gag reflexes by placing it on acupuncture points and temporarily removing the reflex as well as patients with mouth ulcers, which can be really painful and debilitating for some people.
“The cold laser equipment helps improve nerve function and promotes faster healing by accelerating tissue repair and cell growth,” said Dr. Morris. “To me, it is well worth it because you’re helping relieve patients’ pain faster and more effectively while promoting healing. That’s what I want to do.”
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 SarasotaDentist.com or call 941-451-5543.
About Dr. Jill Morris
Dr. Jill Morris has been in private practice for over 30 years in the Sarasota area. She is the only accredited cosmetic dentist with the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry® in Sarasota. Dr. Morris achieved the accreditation, a privilege shared by only 450 dentists worldwide, in 1999. She is a fellow of the International Academy of Dental Facial Esthetics and a past scientific editor of dental journals. She has been a test consultant on dental products for most of the major dental manufacturing companies.
She has trained internationally in facial plastics with Botox® and dermal fillers. Dr. Morris helped pioneer the dental facelift and is one of the few practitioners trained in the use of the facial cannula for dermal fillers. Her practice was featured in the book “How to Create an Exceptional Aesthetic Practice” written by Dr. Nate Booth and Dr. Bill Dickerson. She has taught at the prestigious Las Vegas Institute’s post doctorate teaching facility and lectured nationally on topics of cosmetics and adhesive dentistry. Dr. Morris earned a degree in naturopathic medicine from the American College of Integrative Medicine and Dentistry. As an integrative dentist, she is a member of the Holistic Dental Association. Trained by pioneer Hal Huggins, her practice follows safe mercury removal as a member of the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology.