Frequently Asked Questions

Bring a photo ID, your dental insurance card, a list of any medications you take, and any dental records or X-rays from your previous dentist. Not sure about something? Give us a call before your visit and we'll walk you through it.

At River Street Dental we bill all insurances. We have many patients with Delta Dental, United Health Care, MetLife, Health Partners, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Freedom, Liberty, Cigna, Humana, Anthem, Aetna, Ameritas, Physicians Mutual, United Concordia, Principal, Guardian, Sun Life, Medica, GEHA, DentaQuest, AARP, Mutual of Omaha, FEP Blue, Manhattan Life, Companion, Wilson McShane, Operating Engineers, and more.

No insurance? No problem. We offer Preventative and Savings plans, as well as flexible financing through CareCredit. We'll work with you to make dental care affordable.

Contact your previous dental office and ask for your current X-rays to be transferred via email — team@riverstreetdental.net.

We ask for at least 48 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations without 48 hours' notice may be subject to an $85 fee. See our full Appointment Policy for details on confirmation and what to do if we're running behind.

Absolutely! We love treating kids and recommend their first dental visit by age one. Our gentle approach helps children feel comfortable and builds positive dental habits. Check out our Kids' Info page to learn about your kid's teeth and what to expect.

Both River Street Dental and the Academy of General Dentistry recommend bringing your child in for their first visit by age one. It's early, but that's the point — the first visit sets the tone for every visit after.

Short, gentle, and mostly about getting acquainted. We'll check the teeth that have come in, look at the gums, and talk with you about brushing, fluoride, pacifier and thumb habits, and what to expect next. No drills, no needles, no pressure.

Baby teeth aren't just placeholders. They help your child learn to chew properly, develop clear speech, and guide the permanent teeth into the right positions underneath. They also help give the face its shape and form — which is why early dental care has effects well beyond the mouth.

Age 7. By then, enough permanent teeth have come in and enough jaw growth has happened for us to see how things are developing. Most 7-year-olds who get an ortho check won't need treatment right away — it's about timing, not action.

Keep it casual and positive. Avoid words like 'hurt,' 'needles,' or 'drill' — even saying 'it won't hurt' plants the idea. Let your child see you going every six months. When visiting the dentist looks normal and easy to you, it becomes normal and easy for them too.

At River Street Dental we are able to bill all insurances.

We ask that all patients pay in full for their dental services the same day that they are seen. We will then bill your insurance and the insurance payment will come directly to your address in 2–3 weeks. We also offer payment plans, just ask us.

Medicare and some Medicare supplemental plans such as Security Health, will not reimburse you, even if River Street Dental bills them.

We are not in-network with any insurance companies.

Dental insurance is NOT like medical or auto insurance. It is not meant to cover a majority of your dental care. We wish it did! You can think of dental insurance as a coupon that may give you a discount for your services. Dental insurance has also become more and more restrictive in dictating your dental treatment. At River Street Dental we firmly believe that YOU, along with Dr. Carroll, are the best decision makers for your oral health.

If you are paying for dental insurance yourself, in most cases you will be "money ahead" if you do not purchase dental insurance, but instead set up a dental saving account for yourself. If your employer offers dental insurance, you can use it at River Street Dental, to receive a discount on your services.

Yes — we are currently accepting new patients of all ages, from kids to seniors. You can book your first visit online in under a minute, or call us at (715) 635-8282.

We'll review your health history, take any X-rays we need, do a comprehensive exam, perform a cleaning when appropriate, and talk through anything we find. We explain everything before we do it — no pressure, no surprises.

We bill all insurances as a courtesy, including Delta Dental, United Health Care, MetLife, Health Partners, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Freedom, Liberty, Cigna, Humana, Anthem, Aetna, Ameritas, Physicians Mutual, United Concordia, Principal, Guardian, Sun Life, Medica, GEHA, DentaQuest, AARP, Mutual of Omaha, FEP Blue, Manhattan Life, Companion, Wilson McShane, Operating Engineers, and more. If you don't have insurance, ask about our in-house River Street Savings Plan or CareCredit financing.

Book online or give us a call and we'll find the soonest time that works. If you're in pain or have a dental emergency, tell us when you call — we accommodate emergency walk-ins and will get you seen as quickly as possible.

Photo ID, your insurance card (if applicable), and a list of any medications you take. You can also access our patient portal ahead of time to get paperwork out of the way before you arrive.

We're at 701 N River Street, Spooner, WI 54801. Free parking on-site. Our office serves Spooner and surrounding communities including Minong, Hayward, Trego, Shell Lake, Birchwood, Siren, Webster, and Rice Lake.

Most adults and kids do best on a six-month schedule — that's the rhythm that catches small problems before they get big and keeps tartar from getting a foothold. If you're being treated for gum disease, or your gums tend to inflame easily, we may move you to every three or four months for a stretch. We tailor the schedule to what your mouth is actually doing, not a one-size-fits-all rule.

A regular cleaning (called prophylaxis) handles plaque and tartar above the gum line and at the gumline itself. A deep cleaning — scaling and root planing — goes below the gum line, down the surface of the roots, where bacteria has been hiding and causing damage. Deep cleanings are a treatment for active gum disease, not a routine maintenance visit. We only recommend one when the screening shows you actually need it.

For most people, no. There's some pressure and the usual cleaning sounds, but it shouldn't be painful. If your gums are inflamed or you have sensitive teeth, you may feel some tenderness — tell your hygienist and they'll adjust how they work. We'd rather you flag it than tough it out.

No. We follow the American Dental Association's guidelines and only take X-rays when they'd actually help us see something we couldn't otherwise — usually about once a year for healthy adults, more often for kids whose teeth are still developing or for anyone with active dental issues. Our digital system uses up to 90% less radiation than the old film X-rays, but the principle is the same: only when needed.

A standard cleaning and exam runs about 45 minutes to an hour. New-patient visits and visits with X-rays take a little longer — usually 60 to 90 minutes. We respect your time and run on schedule; if we're running behind, we'll tell you.

Most plans cover two preventive visits per year. If we recommend a third or fourth visit because of periodontal maintenance, our front-desk team will help you understand what your plan covers and what it doesn't, so there are no surprises. We'd rather have an honest conversation up front than a confusing bill later.

The earliest signs are easy to miss: gums that bleed when you brush or floss, redness or swelling along the gumline, and bad breath that doesn't go away. As it progresses you may notice gums pulling away from your teeth, teeth feeling loose, or pus along the gumline. The trouble with gum disease is that it's often painless until it's already done damage. The reliable way to know is a periodontal screening at your regular cleaning.

Gingivitis — the earliest stage — is fully reversible with a thorough cleaning and consistent home care. Once it has progressed to periodontitis and bone has been lost, the damage is permanent. We can stop it from getting worse, get the gums healthy again, and save the teeth — but we can't grow back the lost bone. That's why early treatment matters so much.

After active treatment, we'll typically see you every three or four months instead of the usual six. The visits are similar to a regular cleaning but more thorough below the gum line. The shorter interval keeps bacteria from rebuilding to the levels that caused the original problem. Most patients stay on this schedule indefinitely.

Bleeding gums almost always mean inflammation, and inflammation almost always means bacteria. If you've recently started flossing, you may see bleeding for the first week or two — that's expected, and it should stop as your gums get healthier. If it doesn't, or if your gums also bleed when you brush, schedule a visit. Don't stop flossing — that makes it worse.

Yes. The bacteria from periodontal infection can enter your bloodstream and contribute to or worsen problems in other parts of the body — most strongly cardiovascular disease and diabetes complications. Treating gum disease isn't just about saving your teeth. It's part of taking care of the rest of you.

Most cases don't require it. Scaling and root planing — a deep, non-surgical cleaning below the gum line — handles most early-to-moderate periodontal disease. Surgery (flap surgery) is reserved for advanced cases where the pockets are too deep to clean closed. Dr. Carroll performs flap surgery in-house, so if it ever does come to that, we don't have to send you to a specialist.

We numb the area before we start, so you shouldn't feel anything during the procedure. Some patients have mild tenderness or sensitivity for a few days afterward, but it goes away on its own. Most people say it's much easier than they expected.

A regular cleaning removes plaque and tartar from above and slightly below the gumline. Scaling and root planing goes deeper — we clean below the gum line, all the way down to the roots, where bacteria has been hiding and causing damage to the supporting jaw bone. It's a treatment for gum disease, not just a cleaning.

Usually two visits — one for each side of the mouth. Splitting it up makes the appointments more comfortable and lets your gums start healing on one side while we work on the other.

Once your gums are healthy, regular cleanings every 3 to 4 months (instead of every 6) are usually enough to keep things from getting bad again. Dr. Carroll will set up a maintenance schedule that works for you.

Sealants typically last 5 to 10 years. Dr. Carroll checks them at every cleaning and reapplies them if any have worn off. They're durable, but they don't last forever — and that's normal.

No. Most people think of sealants as a kid thing because they're often applied to permanent molars right after they come in. But adults can absolutely benefit too — especially if you have deep grooves on your back teeth or a history of cavities in those spots.

Not at all. There's no drilling, no numbing, no anesthesia. Dr. Carroll cleans the tooth, applies the sealant, and cures it with a light. Most kids don't even realize anything is happening.

Yes. Modern dental sealants have been used safely for decades. They're considered one of the most effective preventive treatments available — the Centers for Disease Control even recommends them for children's permanent molars.

It depends on your oral health, age, and risk factors. Most adults get bitewing x-rays once a year and a full set every 3 to 5 years. Kids typically need them more often as their teeth are still developing. Dr. Carroll will recommend a schedule that fits your specific situation.

Yes. Digital x-rays use up to 90% less radiation than the old film x-rays. The amount of radiation from a routine dental x-ray is about the same as what you'd get from a few hours in the sun. We also use protective lead aprons.

A lot of dental problems start without any pain or visible signs. X-rays let us see what's happening below the gum line, between teeth, and inside the tooth itself — places we can't see with a visual exam alone. Catching things early means smaller, easier, and less expensive treatment.

The veneers themselves last 10 to 20 years with good care, but the process is considered permanent because we have to remove a small amount of enamel to make room for the veneer. That enamel doesn't grow back. When the veneers eventually need replacement, you'll need new veneers — not a return to the original tooth surface. It's worth understanding that before you start.

When designed and placed well, yes — even people who know you usually can't tell. Modern porcelain mimics the way real enamel reflects light, including the subtle translucency at the edges. We work with you on shade, shape, and proportion, and most patients also do a mock-up so they can see the look before we commit to the final design.

It depends entirely on your goals. Some patients want to fix one chipped tooth — that's one veneer. Others want a full smile makeover and we do six to ten across the front teeth. We don't push for more than what addresses what bothers you. Dr. Carroll will help you think through the math, including how the veneered teeth will look next to your unveneered ones.

Not really. We numb the area before any prep work, so you shouldn't feel anything during the appointment. After the prep visit, you may have some sensitivity to cold and pressure for a few days while you wear the temporaries — that's normal and goes away once the final veneers are bonded.

If your concern is purely color and your teeth are otherwise the right shape and properly aligned, professional whitening is usually the right first step — it's faster, cheaper, and reversible. Veneers make sense when you're dealing with chips, cracks, worn edges, gaps, slightly crooked teeth, or stains that don't respond to bleaching. We'll give you our honest opinion at the consultation.

The same way you care for your natural teeth: brush twice a day, floss daily, come in for cleanings every six months. Avoid using your front teeth as tools (no opening packages with them, no chewing on pens) and consider a nightguard if you grind. Porcelain is stain-resistant, but the natural tooth root behind the veneer isn't, so good home care still matters.

With professional whitening, results typically last 1 to 3 years — sometimes longer with good habits. Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco will shorten it. Touch-up whitening every year or so can keep your smile bright.

No. Professional whitening is safe when done correctly. Some patients experience temporary sensitivity for a day or two, but it doesn't damage enamel or hurt your teeth.

Over-the-counter strips work for very mild staining, but the bleaching agent is much weaker than what we use professionally. Strips also don't fit your teeth well, which means they often miss spots or leave you with uneven results. Professional whitening is faster, more effective, and more even.

No. Whitening only affects natural tooth enamel. If you have crowns, veneers, or composite fillings on your front teeth, they won't change color — which can leave you with mismatched teeth. We'll talk you through this before you whiten so there are no surprises.

Most patients finish in less than a year — some in as little as six months. Mild cases can be even faster. More complex cases may take 12 to 18 months. Dr. Carroll will give you a personalized timeline at your consultation.

Almost never. The aligners are clear, custom-fitted to your teeth, and practically invisible. Most people don't realize you're wearing them unless you point it out.

About 20 to 22 hours a day. You take them out to eat, drink anything other than water, and brush your teeth. The more consistent you are with wearing them, the faster you'll see results.

It's not painful, but you may feel some pressure or mild discomfort for a day or two when you switch to a new set of aligners. That's normal — it means the aligners are doing their job. Most patients find it much more comfortable than traditional braces.

With proper care, dental bonding typically lasts 5 to 10 years before it may need to be touched up or replaced. Avoiding habits like biting your nails or chewing on ice can help it last longer.

In most cases, no. Bonding rarely requires anesthesia unless the tooth being treated has decay. The process is gentle and straightforward.

Most bonding procedures take 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. It's one of the quickest cosmetic treatments available — you can walk in with a chipped tooth and walk out with a complete smile.

No. Contouring only removes a tiny bit of surface enamel — there are no nerves involved at that level. Most patients don't need any anesthesia at all.

The results are permanent. Once a tooth is reshaped, it stays that way. The only thing that can change is normal wear over many years.

Only a very small amount — usually a fraction of a millimeter. Dr. Carroll is conservative with contouring and only removes what's needed to achieve the look you want, while keeping your teeth strong.

They're related but different. Contouring removes a small amount of enamel to reshape a tooth. Bonding adds tooth-colored material to build up or repair a tooth. The two are often combined — contour to even out the shape, then bond to fill in any gaps.

No. Dr. Carroll uses local anesthesia to numb the area, and the laser-based approach is much gentler than traditional gum surgery. Most patients are surprised at how easy it is. Some mild tenderness afterward is normal but goes away within a few days.

Most patients feel back to normal within a week. The gum tissue heals quickly when treated with a laser, with much less swelling and discomfort than traditional surgery.

Yes. Once the gum line is reshaped, it stays that way. The new contour is permanent.

Most cosmetic gum contouring is not covered by insurance because it's elective. However, if there's a functional reason (like exposing more tooth structure for a crown), it may be partially covered. We're happy to help you check.

Early intervention is typically done using an expander that gently widens the mouth to make room for permanent teeth.

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. By that point, your child has enough permanent teeth coming in for us to see how things are developing and whether any early intervention would be helpful.

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Early interceptive treatment doesn't always replace later braces — but it often makes that later treatment shorter, simpler, and less invasive. In some cases, it can avoid the need for braces entirely.

Extracting permanent teeth to make room for orthodontic treatment was common in the past, but we now know it's often unnecessary. By guiding jaw development while a child is still growing, we can usually create the space needed without removing healthy teeth. Keeping all natural teeth is better for long-term oral health, facial development, and even airway function.

Early interceptive treatment typically takes 6 to 18 months, depending on what's being addressed. It's usually shorter and less involved than full braces because the goal is to guide development, not move every tooth into place.

No. Dr. Carroll numbs the tooth fully before doing any work — most patients feel pressure and vibration, but no pain. If you're particularly anxious about needles or numbing, tell us before we start. There are gentle techniques (like topical numbing first, slow injection, and warmed anesthetic) that make the whole process easier.

A well-placed composite filling typically lasts 7 to 12 years, sometimes longer with good home care and regular cleanings. Lifespan depends on the size and location of the filling, your bite, and habits like grinding. We check the condition of every filling at every cleaning visit so we can catch wear or chipping before it becomes a bigger problem.

Three reasons. First, composite matches your natural tooth color — silver fillings stand out, especially when you smile or laugh. Second, composite bonds to the tooth, which means we can preserve more healthy tooth structure when we prepare the cavity. Third, composite contains no mercury. We've used composite as our default for years and the results speak for themselves.

Some sensitivity to cold or pressure for a few days is normal, especially for larger fillings. It usually settles within a week. If sensitivity gets worse instead of better, or if it lasts more than a couple of weeks, give us a call — sometimes a tiny bite adjustment is all it takes to settle things down.

Yes, and we do it regularly. There's no urgent medical reason to remove a silver filling that's still functioning, but if you're unhappy with how they look or one is showing wear, we can replace them with composite. We'll talk through the timing and cost so you can decide what makes sense.

Most fillings take 30 to 60 minutes, depending on size and how many we're doing. Larger or more complex restorations can take longer. We'll give you a time estimate when we schedule, so you know what to plan for.

With good oral hygiene and regular checkups, a dental crown typically lasts 10 to 15 years — often longer. The lifespan depends on the material, your bite, and how well you take care of it.

No. Dr. Carroll numbs the area before any preparation, so you shouldn't feel anything during the procedure. Some patients have mild sensitivity for a day or two afterward, but it goes away quickly.

Typically two visits. The first appointment is for prep and impressions — you'll leave with a temporary crown. The second is when your permanent crown is placed, usually about two weeks later.

With proper care, a dental bridge typically lasts 10 to 15 years, sometimes longer. Daily brushing, flossing under the bridge, and regular checkups all help extend its lifespan.

Both replace missing teeth, but they work differently. A bridge uses the teeth on either side of the gap as anchors, while an implant is a standalone artificial root placed into the jawbone. Implants don't affect neighboring teeth, but bridges can be a faster, less invasive option.

Yes. Modern bridges use porcelain or zirconia that's color-matched to your existing teeth. Once it's in, most people can't tell which tooth is the replacement.

Usually two visits over about two to three weeks. The first appointment is for prep and impressions, and the second is for placing the permanent bridge.

Modern root canals are virtually painless. We use effective anesthesia, and most patients report feeling much better afterward because the source of their pain is removed.

The process typically takes several weeks, including impressions, fittings, and adjustments to ensure a perfect fit. If you need immediate dentures (placed the same day as extractions), those can be arranged with some advance planning.

Modern dentures look much more natural than they used to. We carefully match the size, shape, and shade of the teeth to your face and any remaining teeth. Most people can't tell the difference.

Remove them at night and soak them in a cleaning solution. Brush them daily with a soft brush (not toothpaste — it's too abrasive). Rinse after eating. And come in for regular checkups so we can make sure the fit is still good.

Yes. Many patients start with traditional dentures and later upgrade to implant-supported options for a more secure fit. We can talk through that path anytime.

Regular (or 'conventional') dentures are made after your gums have fully healed from extractions — usually a process that takes several months without teeth. Immediate dentures are made ahead of time, so they can be placed the same day your teeth are extracted. You never go a day without a smile.

They fit well, but they're not perfect. Your gums and jaw will change shape as they heal over the next few months, which is normal. We make adjustments along the way to keep your dentures comfortable, and we make a permanent set after healing is complete.

Immediate dentures are usually treated as a long-term temporary. Most patients use them for about 3 to 6 months while their gums heal, then we make a permanent set that fits the new shape of their mouth perfectly. The immediate denture can sometimes be relined and used longer if you prefer.

There's some discomfort the first few days as your mouth heals from the extractions, but most patients are surprised at how manageable it is. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually do the trick. Wearing the denture immediately actually helps protect the extraction sites and reduces bleeding.

Regular dentures rest on your gums and rely on suction or adhesive to stay in place. Specialty dentures — like implant-supported or overdentures — use dental implants or other anchors for a much more secure, comfortable fit. They don't slip, click, or require messy adhesives.

Some are, some aren't. Implant-supported overdentures snap onto the implants and can be removed for cleaning. Fixed implant dentures are permanently attached and only removed by Dr. Carroll. We'll talk through which option fits you best.

It varies. Immediate dentures can be placed the same day teeth are extracted. Implant-supported dentures take longer — typically 3 to 6 months while the implants integrate with your jawbone. Dr. Carroll will give you a personalized timeline.

Yes — and that's one of the biggest reasons people upgrade to specialty dentures. Because they're anchored securely, you can chew foods that traditional dentures struggle with, like apples, steak, and corn on the cob.

From start to finish, most implant cases take 3 to 6 months. The implant itself is placed in a single appointment, but the bone needs time to heal and integrate with the implant before the final crown is placed. Dr. Carroll will give you a detailed timeline based on your specific case.

Most patients are surprised at how comfortable it is. Dr. Carroll uses local anesthesia to numb the area, and the procedure itself is quicker than people expect. Some mild soreness for a few days afterward is normal, but most patients only need over-the-counter pain relievers.

Most dental offices send patients to a specialist for the surgery, then handle the crown afterward. That means two offices, two opinions, and a lot of back-and-forth. We do the whole thing here. It means better continuity of care, fewer appointments, and a single point of contact for your treatment.

Implant costs vary based on the case, the materials, and how many implants you need. We're upfront about pricing and we'll give you a clear estimate before any work begins. We also offer payment plans.

We numb the area thoroughly before we start, so you won't feel anything during the procedure. Some swelling and tenderness for a few days afterward is normal — over-the-counter pain medication is usually enough to manage it. Most patients find it more manageable than they expected.

Most patients feel mostly back to normal within a week. Full healing takes a few weeks. We'll give you detailed aftercare instructions and check in to make sure you're healing well.

The whole point of flap surgery is to save your teeth — by treating the gum disease that would otherwise cause them to be lost. In most cases, we can save teeth that would have been lost without treatment.

Sometimes. If your gum disease is caught early, scaling and root planing alone may be enough. Flap surgery is usually recommended when gum disease has progressed to the point where deep cleaning isn't enough on its own.

The American Dental Association recommends a first dental visit by age one, or within six months of the first tooth coming in — and that's our recommendation too. These early visits are a great chance to chat about teething, brushing, and bottle habits, and to let your child get familiar with the office in a no-pressure way.

That's normal — and we're set up for it. We go slow, we let your child watch and ask questions, we use kid-friendly language for everything, and we don't push when they're not ready. We'd rather have a short, positive first visit and build from there than try to do everything at once and make the dentist feel scary. You're welcome to be in the room the whole time.

Yes, both. Fluoride varnish strengthens enamel and helps reverse very early decay — it goes on at the end of a cleaning and takes seconds. Sealants are a thin coating we paint into the deep grooves of the back teeth as the molars come in. They're one of the most effective things we do to prevent cavities in kids, and they don't require any drilling or numbing.

Twice a year for most kids, just like adults. The six-month rhythm catches small problems early, lets us watch how the adult teeth are coming in, and reinforces the routine that builds lifelong habits. If your child is at higher risk for cavities, we may recommend more frequent visits for a stretch.

There's no fixed age — it depends on what we can see clinically and what the developing teeth need. We follow the ADA's guidelines and only take X-rays when they'd actually help us see something. Our digital system uses up to 90% less radiation than the old film systems, but the principle is the same: only when needed.

Yes. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends a first orthodontic evaluation by age seven. That's not when most kids need treatment — it's when we can spot whether their bite is developing in a way that might benefit from early intervention. See our early interceptive orthodontics page for what that looks like.

There's usually no single cause. Common contributors include teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw injury, stress and clenching, arthritis, and bite alignment issues. Sometimes it's a combination of several factors. Dr. Carroll will evaluate your specific situation to figure out what's driving your symptoms.

Almost never. The vast majority of TMJ cases respond well to conservative treatments — things like custom night guards, bite adjustments, and stress management. Surgery is a last resort and rarely necessary.

It depends on what's causing the pain. With a custom night guard, many patients feel relief within a few weeks. More complex cases can take longer. We'll set up a treatment plan and follow up to make sure things are improving.

Coverage varies. Some plans cover night guards under dental insurance, while medical insurance may cover other aspects of TMJ treatment. We'll help you figure out what's covered and what's not before we get started.

It's much more comfortable than traditional methods. The laser is precise enough that many soft tissue procedures don't require any anesthesia at all. For procedures that do, it's just a small amount of local numbing. There's no drilling sound, no vibration, and far less discomfort than the alternatives.

Much faster than traditional methods. Because the laser seals tissue as it works, there's less bleeding and far less swelling. Most patients are back to normal within a few days, compared to a week or more with conventional surgery.

Yes. Dental lasers have been used safely for decades. Dr. Carroll is trained in laser dentistry and uses the Biolase laser specifically for soft tissue procedures where it offers a real advantage over traditional tools.

Insurance typically covers the underlying procedure (like a frenectomy or gum contouring), not the specific tool used to perform it. Whether the laser is involved doesn't usually affect coverage. We're happy to help you check your benefits.

Yes. We bill Delta Dental, United Health Care, MetLife, Health Partners, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Freedom, Liberty, Cigna, Humana, Anthem, Aetna, Ameritas, Physicians Mutual, United Concordia, Principal, Guardian, Sun Life, Medica, GEHA, DentaQuest, AARP, Mutual of Omaha, FEP Blue, Manhattan Life, Companion, Wilson McShane, Operating Engineers, and more. If you don't see yours, call us — we probably still accept it. We also offer our own River Street Savings Plan for patients without coverage.

Yes — from first tooth through teens. Our Kids' Info page walks through what to expect at a first visit, tooth-eruption timelines, and how to talk to your child about the dentist.

Almost everything is done here. Dr. Carroll places and restores implants, does orthodontics, oral surgery, cosmetic work, and emergency care. Fewer referrals means fewer trips — especially helpful when you're driving in from Shell Lake.

Yes. If you split time between Hayward and somewhere else, we're happy to share records and coordinate care.

Yes. See our Patient Info page for new-patient forms and what to bring to your first visit.

Dr. Carroll handles implant placement and restoration in-house and is internationally recognized by Nobel Biocare for his implant work. You won't be referred to a specialist in Duluth or the Cities.

Yes. Call us immediately at (715) 635-8282 — we respond to emergencies quickly during the week.