Dr. Joseph Ferraro, DDS, FICD

Dentist

5/5(1)

200 East Bridge Street Wausau Wisconsin, 54403 Show map

Write A Review

Rating

5/5

About
Contacts & Locations

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

Taylor University BA Biology 1974

Marquette University of Dentistry DDS 1984

Creighton University Graduate School Studies 1980

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

Are dental crown procedures still occurring at this time?
Dental crowns or "caps" can protect a tooth that has a large restoration better than replacing it with a larger filling. The remaining tooth structure around the filling is often weaker and more prone to fracture and recurrent decay which can lead to tooth loss. Current dental materials allow us to make crowns of ceramic material which looks just like your tooth in shape and color, and does not easily fracture giving you years of protection for your tooth. We also are able to scan the tooth for a crown, no more messy impressions! The digital file is sent to a dental lab that will mill your crown and design the proper shape and color. READ MORE
How many implants are needed for a full mouth?
Hi, Great question! A popular method is all on four, meaning four implants are placed to support a fixed hybrid prosthesis. We often add one or two more to provide additional support depending on your bite. Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
Should there be a gap between my crown and gum?
Sometimes crown margins are prepared slightly above the gum line to allow for crown margins that are easy to clean. While in posterior areas this is more ideal, in areas we call the aesthetic zone it may be unsightly especially if the tooth below the crown is the not the same color. If this is an esthetic concern the crown would need to be remade to lower the crown margin at or slightly below the gum level. If crown margin is short of the preparation model, we call this an open margin, the crown should be remade to protect from future tooth decay and tooth sensitivity. READ MORE
How do you know if a bite is still healing after a filling?
Your bite may feel slightly different after a new filling is placed; this will normally go away within a few days. If you feel like you're hitting a speed bump when chewing your food or are experiencing pain after a day or two of the procedure, call your dentist to have the filling adjusted and checked. Sometimes we will also take another radiograph of the tooth to check the root and ligament around the tooth as well as the filling itself. Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
Can missing teeth affect a person's speech?
This is a great question and the answer is yes. Missing teeth can affect how you position your tongue also anterior missing teeth will make it difficult to get lip seal and make it harder for your tongue to position correctly, causing speech concerns. Tooth replacement is often easy to do and can protect your remaining teeth from further damage. Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
Are crowns better than veneers?
Great question. Veneers can help repair cosmetic concerns on teeth without having to do as much tooth reduction as a crown would require. Crowns are needed when there are large fillings, root canals, fractures, multi-surface decay areas, severe attrition (wear) and certain bite problems. Veneers can correct mis-shaped or mis-aligned teeth that are otherwise healthy, lengthen teeth and improve color. Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
Does hydrogen peroxide kill cavities?
Great Question! While hydrogen peroxide can help control bacteria, it will not stop progression of dental decay in your tooth as there is damaged tooth structure in the cavity which has to be removed in order to protect your tooth from further damage. Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
Can you get teeth implants after a root canal?
If you have a tooth with failing endodontics and it has been deemed "not restorable", implant therapy is a great option to replace the tooth. I would not recommend an implant as a replacement for root canal therapy. It is usually best to restore and retain your natural teeth. READ MORE
How long do composite fillings last?
This is a commonly asked question, it can vary, your dental health, oral hygiene, and the treatment itself are all factors of longevity. I have seen composites that are ten years old that look great and others that need replacement. In my opinion it is the material of choice for smaller dental restorations as I can be very conservative with tooth removal to place a composite. I personally do not use amalgam anymore. Well placed composites can give many years of service, however if there is a larger filling or weak tooth structure around the filling a crown would be the better choice for longevity and tooth protection. Schedule an evaluation today- See you at the office Dr Joe Ferraro READ MORE
Will I need anesthesia during root canal?
A local anesthetic is normally used to allow for a comfortable root canal procedure. Most patients experience no discomfort during the procedure. If you feel any pain occurring, placing additional local anesthetic will immediately alleviate the discomfort. Always best to discuss your concerns about a procedure with your dentist prior scheduling the appointment which often eliminates most concerns or fears about treatment. Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
After my braces were taken off, my teeth became very sensitive.
Your discomfort should be temporary, but best to see your dentist for an examination and possible palliative care to alleviate your sensitivity. A professional tooth cleaning followed by a fluoride varnish application with a prescription of an Acidulated Calcium Phosphate toothpaste can help remineralize your teeth and reduce sensitivity. Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
Why does only one tooth area bleed when I floss?
Great question! You may have an open contact or irregular shaped contact that is allowing food to get trapped between your teeth. Recession or bone loss around teeth can also cause spaces for food to collect. Often, the tissue is inflamed in these areas. There are also other causes and an examination by your dentist is advisable to help you maintain normal oral health. Gingival bleeding is a sign of inflammation, and should never be ignored. Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
Can I do teeth whitening with a front half fake incisor?
A commonly asked question. Unfortunately, whitening will not lighten the restored part of your tooth. From your description, it sounds like a ceramic crown will solve your problem. Schedule a visit with your dentist to discuss treatment and provide a long-term solution to protect your tooth. Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
What's a root canal for the front teeth like?
Well done on maintaining your dental health and seeking needed care! Root canals on front teeth are the same procedure as back teeth. Front teeth are usually a bit easier to access and often have less canals than your molar teeth. Your dentist will access the pulpal chamber from the back side of your tooth or lingual surface. Once the pulp chamber has been accessed the root canal is shaped and cleansed with files and rotary instruments. I liken this part of a root canal to cleaning a swimming pool, then a sealer is used to keep bacteria and foreign particles out of the canal to help you maintain a healthy tooth. If your front tooth does not have any decay or filling a small filling is placed on the back of your tooth to seal the access. If there is decay or previous fillings present, a ceramic crown, which will match the shade of your other teeth is recommended to prevent your tooth from further damage. In some cases where there has been deterioration to the enamel and coronal portion of your tooth the part (the visible portion of the tooth, a fiber post may be also placed in the root canal after the sealer has been placed to provide additional retention for your crown. (A fiber post is a tooth colored fiber resin material that gives additional support inside your tooth.) Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
What are the best ways to get rid of cankersores?
Recurrent canker sores may be an indication that your immune system or nutrition is lacking. I recommend a vitamin B supplement and probiotic. Also, over-the-counter treatments like Kanka can help comfort pain associated with canker sores. Best to see your dentist for more professional remedies, laser treatment and steroid oral rinses will often more quickly improve symptoms. Also, annual oral cancer examinations will rule out other concerns than can look like canker sores. Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
What medications are prescribed after a root canal?
Very good question! There may be times antibiotics are indicated especially if there is purulence (pus) present when opening up an infected tooth. This is not the situation for the majority of root canals we treat. In the past, antibiotics were routinely prescribed, you may have noticed over the past few years we are not recommending antibiotics for many procedures where it was used in the past. Examples of this are joint replacement after one year, (unless there was complications, uncontrolled diabetes, or patients have a compromised immune system, prophylactic medication for heart murmur. For most endo a full course of antibiotics or any is not required. Best to talk with your dentist for their recommendation as each situation is customized to the health history of the patient. Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
Is a baking soda rinse safe for my teeth?
Great question! Baking soda will not damage your teeth, however, it is best to use a fluoridated toothpaste to clean your teeth for the best protection. There are baking soda toothpastes sold over-the-counter. Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
Is it okay to swallow the gel applied for a mouth ulcer?
The ingredients in oral ulcer mouth gels contain benzocaine to numb, an antiseptic and an ointment to cover the sore area, swallowing a small amount is of no concern and not harmful. Best to have oral sores checked by your dentist for professional care and treatment options. Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
What should be done for a chipped "baby tooth"?
Sorry your son fell and chipped his tooth, very disheartening for a parent, especially your first child. Most small chips are more concerning to the parent because of esthetics and not for the child. As your child can be managed in a dental setting. there is plenty of time to fix the problem if required. I find most very young children need a little time to warm up to the office, so we decide when to fix or if it needs to be fixed on an individual patient basis, as each child is so different when they will allow us to do simple procedures. Have your dentist perform an oral exam on your child best to bring in at age one for a dental exam, we may only take a look at such a young age, but examine for growth and development concerns, tongue tied, and other oral function. It also allows your child to get use to the dental office so if they need work at ages 3 or 4 we have a better chance of creating a nice experience for your child. Dr. Joe Ferraro READ MORE
How can I stop my husband from grinding his teeth in his sleep?
This is a very good question, and one that is related to an important topic of sleep apnea and sleep deprivation. Usually, grinding teeth at night indicates airway concerns and I would suggest seeing your dentist and a possible referral for a sleep study. These can now be done at home for most patients, but must be diagnosed by a sleep specialist. In some cases, an oral appliance can be fabricated, and for others a C-PaP or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure device is used to aid in providing adequate breathing to maintain oxygen levels in the brain while sleeping. Another concern during sleep apneic episodes, the person will waken and while this is occurring acid reflux occurs and stomach acid can go into the oral cavity. This can also irritate the esophagus, trachea, and cause upper respiratory irritation. Chronic acid reflux leads to increased dental disease. There are many that have compromised airways, and when in deep sleep, the muscles are very relaxed, closing the airway. Bruxism is one way the body responds, much like a reflex to open airways during sleep. Please seek professional care from your dentist as chronic nightly bruxism is highly correlated with sleep disturbances. Again great question and a very important topic related to dental health! Dr. Joe Ferraro 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

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

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

Inducted Fellow International College of Dentists September 2024
Past President - Menasha Business Association
Otto Grunski Planning Committee

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

(1)

Write Review

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

Get to know Dentist Dr. Joseph C. Ferraro, who serves patients in Madison, Wisconsin.

Creating beautiful smiles that last a lifetime, Dr. Ferraro is the lead dentist at Four Lakes Family Dental in Madison, Wisconsin.

“I am committed to working collaboratively with my patients to provide effective and affordable options for their individualized dental care. I love to see each and every patient enjoy the many benefits of a beautiful, healthy smile” he stated.

A native of Hartford, Connecticut, Dr. Ferraro graduated with his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Taylor University in 1978, and his Master of Clinical Sciences degree from Creighton University in 1980. He then went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Marquette University School of Dentistry in 1984.

That same year, he purchased a practice in Menasha, Wisconsin. Dr. Ferraro owned and operated the private practice for 25 years before partnering with a larger group. He served as the clinical director for the Fond du Lac and then Oshkosh offices with Aspen Dental from 2009-2012, at which time he joined Heartland Dental and then served as a lead clinical mentor and practiced in the Wausau office 2012-2016. Concurrently, he has been with Four Lakes Family Dentistry since 2016.

A lead mentor, Dr. Ferraro hosts a variety of dental workshops, training dentists in root canal therapy, surgical extractions, esthetics, and pediatric dentistry. He has extensive advanced training in laser dentistry, conscious sedation, Invisalign, interceptive orthodontics, implants, advanced restorative care, and comprehensive rehabilitative dentistry.

Active in numerous organizations, Dr. Ferraro belongs to the American Dental Association, the Wisconsin Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Physiological Medicine and Dentistry, and the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He is also an Associate Fellow of the World Clinical Laser Institute.

Dentistry, also known as Dental and Oral Medicine, is a branch of medicine that consists of the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity. Dentists diagnose and treat dental issues and help patients develop better oral hygiene regimens. They clean teeth, correct bite issues, perform surgeries, create beautiful smiles, and perform other duties to ensure that the teeth and mouth are healthy.

Happily married, Dr. Ferraro and his wife, Cynthia, live in the Madison area. They have four adult children – Joe, Aubrey, Ashley, and Lydia – and a grandson, Zygi.

Outside of practicing dentistry, Dr. Ferraro enjoys biking, hiking, reading, gardening, and spending time with his family.