Midwest Periodontics & Implant Dentistry opens Dakota Dunes office

Midwest Periodontics & Implant Dentistry opened an office there last May at 150 Tower Road, No. 110. The practice has a primary office in Sioux Falls and two outreach clinics in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and Cottonwood, Minnesota.

"We basically treat gum diseases and we place dental implants," Terry said. "That would include services like gingival grafting (covering exposed roots) and treating periodontal disease. For the placement of implants we also provide what we call site preparation surgeries in an effort to create enough bone to actually place the implants."

Terry said there are a lot of patients who need dental implants, but they don't always get referred to a periodontist. He said Midwest Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is one of the few practices in the upper Midwest that performs laser periodontal surgery. So far, he said the response to the Dakota Dunes location has been positive.

"It's just been an endeavor of marketing and education of the dentists and hygienists," he said.

Terry and his associate, Mark Terry, commute from their practice in Sioux Falls to the 2,000-square-foot office in Dakota Dunes, which they are renting. The practice has 25 full-time and part-time employees.

The space has four operatories, equipped with new, modern equipment, where Mark and Scott Terry and their dental hygenists do their work. The operatories are located off of a long hallway. The space is decorated in hues of gray and yellow-beige and accented with framed nature photos that were taken in the area. The office also features a coffee bar in the cozy lobby and a consultation room.

"We like to keep the atmosphere as non-threatening as we can," Terry said of the decor. "Anything we can do to relax them a little bit is a good thing."

Laser surgery is minimally invasive compared to traditional periodontal surgery, according to Terry. He said patients experience less pain and fewer side effects, including cold sensitivity and cosmetic concerns.

"The laser minimizes those problems greatly compared to the traditional approach," he said.

Terry said he and his partner use Millennium and Fotona LightWalker lasers and are on the "cutting edge" of laser use techniques.

"Most patients are pleasantly surprised that it was much easier to go through than they had anticipated," he said.