Dr. Joseph Ferraro, DDS, FICD

Dentist

5/5(1)

200 East Bridge Street Wausau Wisconsin, 54403 Show map

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Rating

5/5

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About

Dr. Joseph Ferraro is a Dentist practicing in Wausau, Wisconsin. Dr. Ferraro specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.

Education and Training

Marquette University of Dentistry DDS 1984

Creighton University Graduate School Studies 1980

Taylor University Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology 1978

Board Certification

IV certified Class 2 Permit

Provider Details

MaleEnglish

Dr. Joseph Ferraro, DDS, FICD

Dr. Joseph Ferraro, DDS, FICD's Expert Contributions

My Answers

I suddenly have a gap in between my front teeth. Why?
There a several reasons a gap could be increasing between your teeth. The main reason I see if from a misaligned bite. This can be corrected with orthodontic care; we treat many patient with Invisalign, a type of clear aligner therapy that is truly amazing! Another reason gaps occur is due to periodontal disease and bone loss. See your dentist to determine the cause of your problem and treatment to correct the misaligned movement of your teeth. Non-treatment of this type of problem can lead to early tooth loss. Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
How often should my daughter get her braces tightened?
Regular monthly visits especially with fixed orthodontic appliances are important to the success of your treatment. Follow the recommended visits that your dentist has prescribed for your orthodontic care. Modern bracket systems and wires require less frequent maintenance, but 4-6 weeks is usually the time to change elastics on your brackets. Or as some refer to tighten your braces. The reason it feels tighter is the orthodontic wire is more fully engaged in the bracket. There are also self ligating brackets now that do not require elastics. This would mean possibly less frequent visits during treatment. In my opinion, Invisalign works extremely well for many orthodontic treatments and much easier than traditional brackets and bands. No more braces to "tighten." We dispense several aligners between visits, and they can be removed when eating and cleaning your teeth. If you have not started treatment, see your dentist for an Invisalign consult today. We are also able to scan your teeth creating a virtual 3D computer model from which aligners can be fabricated. No more impressions for orthodontic treatment! Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
How can I stop my child from thumbsucking?
Think of the thumb as an orthodontic appliance, chronic thumb-sucking will create deviant jaw and tooth growth patterns that will require orthodontic intervention. While most children out grow thumb sucking at an early age without a major concern some continue. For some positive reinforcement and prizes such as placing a star on the calendar for each day your child does not suck their thumb leading to prizes. There are fingernail polishes, such as Mavala, that give a bad taste, which may deter thumb sucking. We also use myobrace appliances which have been effective, they're an infant trainer appliance for young children. Check our Myobrace.com for more information and talk with your dentist about treatments for thumb-sucking cessation. Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
Is it possible to floss too often?
There is nothing wrong with flossing several times a day. Use good flossing technique, check out oralb.com for how to floss. If done properly, no harm will come to your gums or teeth. Well done on flossing! Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
Why do I have a thick white coating on my tongue?
Coating on your tongue can be caused from several concerns. Bacteria, post nasal drip, mucous secretions, plaque from food that builds in the fissures of the tongue, immunity concerns, medications, smoking, and lack of healthy saliva. A thorough dental exam can help identify the cause, most of the time a tongue scraper which is found in the toothbrush aisle, is effective to clean the coating on your teeth. Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
What happens if I don't go for my root canal?
When a tooth has previous extensive dentistry from decay, fracture or injury, the inside of the tooth which houses the pulp chamber and pulpal canals can become inflamed or die from chronic inflammation. This allows bacteria to grow inside your tooth resulting in tooth pain, bone loss around the tooth, and sometimes, unfortunately, tooth loss. We have a procedure to restore your tooth to good health, it is called tooth nerve therapy, or a root canal. The proper term is endodontic therapy. Today, modern methods of treatment allow for most root canal procedures to be completed in one visit. There are a few exceptions when chronic infection is present and additional medications are required before the root canal can be completed. Delaying needed treatment will only cause more damage to your tooth and the surrounding tissue and resulting in extreme pain. Not what you want to happen during a busy work week, that long-planned vacation, or on a weekend when access to care is limited. Most times patients experience very little or no discomfort after endodontic therapy or when there is discomfort after treatment. Most of the time we can treat it with a light steroid, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen for fast relief. I do hundreds of endodontic therapies each year helping patients keep their natural teeth and avoid more costly implant procedures. For most teeth that require endodontic therapy, it is important to protect the top (coronal) portion of your tooth and the root from fracture. We do this by placing a crown on your tooth. At our office, we are able to complete root canal therapy, place a filling to seal the root canal access, and prepare the tooth for a crown all in one appointment. This method allows for a good seal of the root canal and protecting the tooth from fracture. A temporary crown is placed while the dental lab fabricates your ceramic crown. New technology allows us to make crowns using a scanner, no more impressions. Newer ceramic materials appear very natural to the color of your teeth and are very strong, giving you a comfortable, healthy smile. Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
A huge gap in dental treatment. What should I expect?
Regular dental check-ups not only protect your teeth from serious dental problems, but are also beneficial to your overall health. Today's dental exams are more thorough than in the past. One big difference you will notice is the use of digital radiographs, 3D scanners that can create a 3D virtual picture of your teeth, and the use of other software programs to diagnose cavities from those digital images. One program is called logicon, which can help see decay between your teeth before it becomes a major problem. Another tool called diagnodent uses a laser to see decay in the pits and fissures of your back teeth. No more sticking with an explorer on your teeth. Overall modern equipment and our increased focus on prevention will help you avoid major dental problems. Today, more than in the past, oral cancer screenings are important for early detection of tissue changes. We use a device called a Velscope, which can detect tissue dysplasias. A tissue dysplasia is an area were to the eye the tissue can look normal, while abnormal cellular changes are present. These areas appear different in color than other normal tissue when viewed through the velscope. Areas of dysplasia that remain chronically may become cancerous so early detection allows for minimally invasive treatment. One other area of importance is periodontal health, that is the supporting tissue of your teeth; gums, bone around the teeth, and the periodontal ligament that holds your tooth in place. When plaque from food builds up around our teeth it creates a sticky substance called biofilm, which can harbor destructive bacteria and decrease your body's immunity to disease such as adult onset diabetes. There are many other systemic diseases that correlate to periodontal disease or as some of our patients say gum disease. Many people lose their teeth each year to periodontal infection. A thorough periodontal evaluation and charting of periodontal pockets is an essential part of a comprehensive oral examination. Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
How can I close the gap between my frontal teeth?
Gaps can be caused from a tooth arch discrepancy . This means the size of your teeth may be small for the size and shape of your dental arch. As soon as spaces are orthodontically closed they open again. Cosmetic bonding or veneers may help solve your problem. I would need pictures of your teeth to more accurately diagnose your concern. -Sincerely Dr Joe Ferraro READ MORE
Why do some dentists hurt during cleanings more than others?
It is possible you may have an undiagnosed periodontal condition called gingivitis. This is caused from plaque buildup along the gums resulting in a bacterial infection making your gums appear more red in color rather than pink. Normal healthy gum tissue should appear pink and stippled and not bleed easily. Keep your cleaning intervals closer together, for some 3-4 month intervals may be needed to maintain healthy gum tissue and less traumatic dental visits. -Dr Joe Ferraro READ MORE
Is it bad if a piece of an old filling falls out?
When a filling comes out either the tooth is weakened, there can be decay under the filling making the tooth structure softer, or the filling itself fractured. Left unrepaired this can result in more of your tooth fracturing, dental decay or even tooth loss. You should have your tooth examined by a dentist immediately to determine what is required to restore your tooth back to good function and form. -Dr Joe Ferraro READ MORE
Is the fluoride treatment at the dentist really worth it?
Yes Fluoride is our best protection for enamel dimineralization as we consume so many acidic foods- Did you know many brands of bottle water have a ph of 4 or even less very acidic for our enamel. The fluoride at the dentist office is a varnish applied more concentrated than your home products and when applied right after a cleaning is most effective to help prevent tooth decay. Also using daily fluoridated toothpaste and if you are at high risk of dental decay, prescription strength Fluoride tooth paste at 5000ppm is recommended. READ MORE
Is a root canal during pregnancy safe?
It is best to complete mandatory dental treatment while pregnant, infection may worsen along with pain. Local anesthetic is safe to the baby and dental radiographs, with the use of a lead apron is also safe and will not harm your developing child. It is harder after birth to have dental treatment especially if you are nursing, as many drugs will pass to the mother's milk and also you have a newborn who will require much attention. We have treated many expecting women over the years; root canals, crowns, extractions doing those mandatory procedures to prevent infection, pain and preserve your teeth. It is important to receive routine check-ups while expecting as periodontal disease has been a contributing factor to low newborn baby weight, as well as other bacterial infections in utero. READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

Interceptive DentistryPediatricsReconstructiveProvide implant servicesClear aligner therapyEndodontic TreatmentComprehensive Dental CareThird Molar Removal

Faculty Titles & Positions

Local and Regional Teaching and Mentoring, and on Radio -
Lead Mentor -
Lead Dentist Four Lakes Family Dental 2016 - Present
Lead Dentist Regional Lead Mentor Heartland Dental 2012 - Present
Clinical Dentist Quirt Family Dentistry 2012 - 2016
Practice Clinical Director Aspen Dental 2009 - 2012
Clinical Dentist/ Owner Private Practice Apple Valley Dental Center 1984 - 2009

Awards

Who's Who of Madison
Endodontic Achievement award Dentsply 2019
Find a Top Doc 2024

Treatments

Restorative Dentistry:dental Crowns
Restorative Dentistry:dental Bridges
Restorative Dentistry:dental Implants (restoration)
Restorative Dentistry:dentures (upper And Lower)
Periodontics:gum Surgery
Periodontics:root Planing
Periodontics:scaling
Endodontics:root Canal Therapy
Oral Surgery:simple Tooth Extractions
Oral Surgery:impacted Wisdom Teeth
Oral Surgery:dental Implants (surgical Placement)
Oral Surgery:non-impacted Wisdom Teeth
Dental Brands Our Office Can Provide:invisalign
Dental Brands Our Office Can Provide:zoom!
Cosmetic Dentistry:teeth Whitening
Cosmetic Dentistry:porcelain Dental Veneers
Cosmetic Dentistry:zoom! (1 Hour In-office Teeth Whitening Process)
Orthodontics:invisalign
Technology:digital Xray (cdr)
Sedation:nitrous Oxide (laughing Gas)
Sedation:oral Sedation
Sedation:local Anesthesia

Professional Memberships

Past President - Menasha Business Association
Otto Grunski Planning Committee
Inducted Fellow International College of Dentists September 2024
American Dental Association
Wisconsin Dental Association
Academy of General Dentistry
American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry
Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists

Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors

Fox Valley River Festival Committee
Governmental Affairs Commitee Appleton Chamber of Commerce
ATT merchant advisory Committee
Lead Doctor Mentor Doctor Facilitate new doctor orientation, Leadership training
Contributor Heartland Dental Foundation

Dr. Joseph Ferraro, DDS, FICD's Practice location

200 East Bridge Street -
Wausau, Wisconsin 54403

Get Direction

New patients: 715-843-9800

quirtdentistry.com

Mon:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Tue:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Wed:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Thu:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Fri:09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Sat:Closed
Sun:Closed

4 Lakes Family Dental

6038 Gemini Dr -
Madison, WI 53718

Get Direction

New patients: 608-819-8344

https://fourlakesfamilydental.com/

1037-B TRUMAN ST. -
KIMBERLY, WI 54136

Get Direction

New patients: 920-993-1008

Fax: 920-993-0861

Dr. Joseph Ferraro, DDS, FICD's reviews

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Patient Experience with Dr. Ferraro

5.0

Based on 1 reviews

Dr. Joseph Ferraro, DDS, FICD has a rating of 5 out of 5 stars based on the reviews from 1 patient. FindaTopDoc has aggregated the experiences from real patients to help give you more insights and information on how to choose the best Dentist in your area. These reviews do not reflect a providers level of clinical care, but are a compilation of quality indicators such as bedside manner, wait time, staff friendliness, ease of appointment, and knowledge of conditions and treatments.

Media Releases

Bringing Decades of Expertise and a Passion for Personalized Care to Enhance Smiles and Promote Dental Health in the Madison Community

Four Lakes Family Dental is proud to introduce Dr. Joseph Ferraro, DDS, FICD, as the lead dentist dedicated to providing exceptional dental care and personalized treatment plans for the Madison community. With decades of experience in the field, Dr. Ferraro is committed to creating beautiful smiles that enhance the lives of his patients.

“I use my experience to provide patients with suitable options for their personalized dental treatment and excellent dental care. I love seeing that care creates great smiles and excellent dental health,” Dr. Ferraro stated. His passion for dentistry is evident in his approach, where patient comfort and satisfaction are paramount.

Dr. Ferraro, a native of Hartford, Connecticut, has an impressive academic background. He earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Biology from Taylor University in 1978, followed by a Master of Clinical Sciences Degree from Creighton University in 1980. He further advanced his expertise by obtaining his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree from the Marquette University School of Dentistry in 1984.

In the same year, Dr. Ferraro purchased a dental practice in Menasha, Wisconsin, where he served the community for 25 years. His journey continued as he took on roles with Aspen Dental and Heartland Dental, where he mentored fellow dentists and honed his skills in various advanced dental techniques. Since 2016, Dr. Ferraro has been a vital part of Four Lakes Family Dental, where he continues to make a significant impact.

Dr. Ferraro has extensive training in conscious sedation, Invisalign, interceptive orthodontics, implants, advanced restorative and comprehensive rehabilitative restorative dentistry, and laser dentistry. He is a lead mentor, conducting workshops and training sessions on critical procedures such as root canal therapy, surgical extractions, esthetics, and pediatric dentistry.

Dr. Ferraro is actively involved in several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association, the Wisconsin Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry. He is also a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the International College of Dentists, as well as an Associate Fellow of the World Clinical Laser Institute.

Outside of his professional life, Dr. Ferraro enjoys biking, hiking, reading, and gardening. He and his wife, Cynthia, reside in the Madison area and cherish time spent with their four adult children – Joe, Aubrey, Ashley, and Lydia – and adorable grandson, Zygi.