La Crosse
3143 State Road Suite 100, La Crosse, WI 54601
Why choose us
Benefits of Dental Exam
Catch Problems Early
A careful look at your teeth and gums helps us find small issues before they become bigger ones.
Clear, Honest Explanations
We walk you through what we see in plain language, with no judgment about how long it has been.
Digital X-Rays
Digital X-rays help us see what the eye alone cannot during your exam.
Oral Cancer Screening
Your visit can include an oral cancer screening as part of caring for your whole mouth.
Comfort Built In
The Ascent Experience brings warm towelettes, blankets, headphones and essential oils to your visit.
If it has been a while since anyone took a close look at your teeth, or something just feels a little off when you chew, a dental exam is the simplest place to start. At Rivertown Dental, we see patients of every age, from children as young as 2 to retirees, at our offices in La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia and Viroqua across Wisconsin's Coulee Region. Whether you are new to the area, getting back on track after a few years away, or bringing your child in for one of their first visits, an exam gives you a clear picture of your oral health and a plan for what comes next. There is no judgment about how long it has been. We are simply glad you came in.
A dental exam is a careful check of your teeth, gums, bite and the soft tissues of your mouth. During the visit, one of our general dentists looks for early signs of decay, worn or cracked teeth, gum problems and anything else that may need attention. We often pair the exam with digital X-rays, which help us see between teeth and below the gumline, where problems can start long before you notice them. Many exams also include an oral cancer screening, a quick and noninvasive look at the tissues of your mouth and throat.
Exams help nearly everyone. A parent may want to know whether a toddler's teeth are coming in well. A busy professional may have a sensitive spot that comes and goes. An older adult may want to check on crowns, bridges or implants placed years ago. Because our team also provides cleanings, fillings, gum care, crowns and dental implants, what we find during your exam can lead straight into care from the same doctors, close to home.
There is no special preparation for a routine exam, and you do not need a referral to see us. Before your visit, it helps to gather a list of your medications, any recent changes in your health, and questions you would like answered. If a tooth has been bothering you, tell us where and when you notice it. Details like "it hurts when I drink something cold" give us useful clues.
Some patients feel anxious about dental visits, and that is completely understandable. Our approach is called The Ascent Experience: advanced care, genuine comfort, and a better experience from start to finish. That includes small touches like a warm towelette, a blanket, a support pillow, headphones and essential oils, along with plain explanations of what we see and why it matters.
What happens after my dental exam?
After your exam, we walk you through what we found and talk over any recommended next steps. If everything looks healthy, the plan may simply be to keep up with regular cleanings and checkups. If we spot something, such as a cavity, early gum disease or a worn filling, we explain your options and help you decide on timing that works for you.
Depending on your needs, your follow-up might include:
- A professional dental cleaning or fluoride treatment
- Dental sealants to help protect children's back teeth
- Fillings, crowns or same-day CEREC crowns for damaged teeth
- Gum disease treatment, such as scaling and root planing
- A night mouth guard if we see signs of grinding
Catching small issues early often means simpler care. At home, keep brushing, flossing and following any specific advice we give you, and let us know if anything changes before your next visit.
How can I pay for a dental exam?
We work with many dental insurance plans, and we recommend calling your Rivertown office to confirm your coverage before your visit. Our team files claims as a general practitioner and is happy to help you understand your benefits.
If you do not have insurance, our Rivertown Membership Plans, also called the VIP Program, are designed for you. The Classic, Deluxe and Kids plans include cleanings, exams, X-rays and fluoride, plus a discount on treatment. Membership plans cannot be combined with insurance. We also welcome self-pay patients, and third-party financing through Cherry, CareCredit and Proceed Finance is available to those who qualify. Approval depends on each lender's terms.
How do I schedule a dental exam near me?
Call the Rivertown Dental office that is most convenient for you, whether that is La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia or Viroqua, and our team will find a time that fits your schedule. Many families like being able to schedule several members on the same day.
If you have a dental emergency, call the office closest to you for the earliest opening. We work to see emergencies the same day when our schedule allows, and we will do everything we can to accommodate same-day, next-day or walk-in care at any of our four offices.
We would love to welcome you, answer your questions and help you feel confident about your smile. Reach out today to book your exam. Dentistry, Done Differently.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Talk With Us
We start by listening to your questions, concerns and dental history.
- 2
Thorough Exam
Your dentist checks your teeth, gums and mouth, using digital X-rays as needed.
- 3
Your Care Plan
We explain what we found and work with you on clear next steps.
Questions
Dental Exam FAQs
Does insurance cover a dental exam at Rivertown Dental?
We work with many dental insurance plans at our La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia and Viroqua offices, so the best way to confirm your coverage is to call the office you plan to visit. If you do not have insurance, our Rivertown Membership Plans (the VIP Program) include exams, cleanings, X-rays and fluoride, along with a discount on treatment. Membership plans cannot be combined with insurance, and we also accept self-pay patients.
Will a dental exam hurt?
A dental exam is a gentle, hands-on look at your teeth, gums and mouth, and most patients find it comfortable. Through the Ascent Experience, we offer small comforts like a warm towelette, a blanket, a support pillow, headphones and essential oils. If you feel nervous, let us know. We will explain each step and never judge you for how long it has been since your last visit.
How long does a dental exam take?
The exam itself is usually one part of your regular visit, and the total time depends on whether you also need a cleaning, X-rays or a longer conversation about treatment. If this is your first visit with us in the Coulee Region, plan on a little extra time so we can get to know you and your dental history. Our team can give you a better idea of timing when you call to schedule.
Who should get a dental exam, and how often?
Regular dental exams are a good idea for the whole family, and we see patients of all ages, starting with children as young as 2. Your dentist will recommend how often to come back based on the health of your teeth and gums. Families across La Crosse, Holmen, Arcadia, Viroqua and nearby towns can see the same doctors for exams, cleanings and any care that follows.
What happens if my dentist finds a problem during my exam?
Your dentist will walk you through what we found and explain your options in plain language, so you can decide on next steps with confidence. Depending on your needs, we may use digital X-rays for a closer look or recommend care such as a cleaning, a filling, gum treatment or a same-day CEREC crown. Because we offer a wide range of care in-house, many patients can stay with the same team close to home.