Advanced Technology

Precision Dentistry

By utilizing the most advanced technology available, Ryan McKenna, DDS and Kenneth Tjeerdsma, DDS can ensure that each patient achieves optimal treatment results. Some of the state of the art technology we have implemented in the North Sioux Dental Clinic includes: digital x-rays, intra-oral digital photography, soft tissue lasers, and CEREC one-visit ceramic crowns.

Digital X-Rays

Digital radiography (digital x-ray) is the latest technology used to take dental x-rays. This technique uses an electronic sensor (instead of x-ray film) that captures and stores the digital image on a computer. This image can be instantly viewed and enlarged helping the dentist and dental hygienist detect problems easier. Digital x-rays reduce radiation 80-90% compared to the already low exposure of traditional dental x-rays.

Intra-Oral Camera

The intra-oral camera broadcasts images for both you and the doctor to see. Instantaneously the images of your teeth are sent to a computer screen so that both you and the doctor can review your oral health together. This wonderful new technology allows you to relax in your chair while simultaneously observing a real-time movie of the inside of your mouth magnified beyond normal size on an adjacent computer monitor. Not only does this make it simple to see and understand what is happening in your mouth, but it makes it simple for us to keep incredibly accurate records from one visit to the next.

Soft Tissue Laser

The North Sioux Dental Clinic now uses the latest in dental laser technology to perform a wide range of dental procedures on oral tissues and gums more comfortably. When using a laser, the dentist gives fewer shots and less anesthesia thereby reducing patient anxiety and providing a more relaxing dental experience.

Using Laser Dentistry for gum procedures reduces bleeding, post-operative pain, swelling and the need for pain medication in many cases. The energy from this laser light kills the bacteria that can cause gum disease and selectively removes just the diseased tissue, leaving behind the healthy gum tissue. Then an ultrasonic cleaning instrument is used to remove the tartar from the root and tooth surfaces, washing away the debris with a steady flow of medicated solution. Finally, the laser is again passed around the gum tissue to form a natural bandage around the necks of the teeth sealing them from reinfection.

DIAGNOdent Laser Cavity Detector

This technology painlessly and quickly detects and rates areas of decay that may otherwise be mistaken as stains. Early detection allows us to fill areas of decay (cavities) while they are small. This technology preserves more natural tooth structure for the patient.

CEREC One-Visit Ceramic Crowns

CEREC is an amazing technology system that combines digital imaging with CAD CAM milling of porcelain crowns, veneers, and bridges. The days of waiting two weeks for a crown to be made at an outside lab are long gone. No need to wear a temporary while an outside lab makes your tooth covering. CEREC also allows for less tooth structure to have to be removed. The process saves time and is much kinder to the tooth. Ask about CEREC technology. The future is now!