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Board CertifiedAccepting new patients
Northern Oral & Maxillofacial
Northern Oral & Maxillofacial in Duluth, Minnesota, provides orthodontic and oral surgery services for patients requiring comprehensive treatment.
3617 W Arrowhead Rd, Duluth, MN 55811
4.8(495 reviews)
About Northern Oral & Maxillofacial
Extractions and surgery anxiety come up again and again, with reviews describing calm handling and minimal discomfort at this Duluth practice.
Reviews here focus heavily on surgical procedures like extractions, implants, and wisdom teeth removal, with many describing little to no discomfort afterward. Anxious and first-time surgery patients come up often, with staff credited for keeping them calm through laughing gas, distraction, or steady reassurance during the procedure itself. Several reviews also mention that surgical steps, costs, and timelines are laid out clearly before treatment begins, and that procedures like wisdom tooth removal are often scheduled and completed within about a week.
Summary of 200 patient reviews, August 2023–September 2026, updated September 2026
Northern Oral & Maxillofacial in Duluth, Minnesota, provides orthodontic and oral surgery services for patients requiring comprehensive treatment.
The practice offers surgical orthodontics and TMJ treatment, addressing conditions that often require coordination between orthodontic and surgical approaches. The clinical team includes Dr. Duncan R. Puffer, Dr. Timothy L. Morse, Dr. Peter J. Mayer, Dr. Benjamin T. Heggestad, Dr. Marty J. Espe, and Dr. Mark T. Ash. The practice is board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Northern Oral & Maxillofacial operates three locations to serve patients throughout the region. Patients can schedule appointments through the practice's online booking system. The practice accepts insurance and offers payment plans for treatment costs. CareCredit financing is also available for those who qualify. Northern Oral & Maxillofacial has received a 4.8 Google rating based on 495 reviews. The practice serves patients in Duluth and surrounding areas in Minnesota. Treatment planning is individualized based on clinical examination and diagnostic records to determine appropriate care.
Treatments offered
Surgical OrthodonticsTMJ Treatment
Orthodontists at this office
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Dr. Duncan R. Puffer, DDS
NPI verified · no bio or photo on file
Lead OrthodontistNPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients
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Dr. Benjamin T. Heggestad, DDS, MD
NPI verified · no bio or photo on file
NPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients
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Dr. Mark T. Ash
NPI verified · no bio or photo on file
Accepting New Patients
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Dr. Peter J. Mayer
NPI verified · no bio or photo on file
Accepting New Patients
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Dr. Timothy L. Morse
NPI verified · no bio or photo on file
Accepting New Patients
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Dr. KIRSTIN M CARLSON --
NPI verified · no bio or photo on file
NPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients16 yrs experience
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Dr. Marty J. Espe, DDS, MD
NPI verified · no bio or photo on file
NPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients
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Dr. LUKE D CARLSON --
NPI verified · no bio or photo on file
NPI VERIFIEDAccepting New Patients16 yrs experience
Insurance accepted
We accept most insurance plans; however, we may not be in-network with all plans we accept. We will submit claims on behalf of patients as a courtesy. We can submit predeterminations to dental insurance only.
What patients say
Latest review 2 months ago
What patients praise
- Anxious and first-time surgery patients frequently describe feeling calm throughout procedures, with some noting laughing gas or in-the-moment reassurance.
- Extractions and implants are often described as involving little pain, with good healing outcomes reported afterward.
- Wisdom tooth removal and other procedures are often scheduled quickly, sometimes completed within about a week of the first visit.
Things to know
- A number of reviews describe long waits past the scheduled appointment time or delays getting callbacks about insurance estimates.
- A few reviews mention unexpected bills or confusion over what insurance would cover.
Who it suits
- Anxious or nervous patients
Doctors patients mention
- Dr. Benjamin T. Heggestad · 18 reviews
- Dr. Peter J. Mayer · 14 reviews
- Dr. Duncan R. Puffer · 13 reviews
- Dr. Marty J. Espe · 8 reviews
- Dr. Timothy L. Morse · 7 reviews
- Last 90 days
- 6 reviews
- averaging 4.3★
- Last 12 months
- 74 reviews
- averaging 4.9★
- Owner replies
- 58% of reviews
16
Oct 2023Sep 2026
| Oct 2023 | 0 |
|---|---|
| Nov 2023 | 7 |
| Dec 2023 | 10 |
| Jan 2024 | 9 |
| Feb 2024 | 7 |
| Mar 2024 | 7 |
| Apr 2024 | 16 |
| May 2024 | 8 |
| Jun 2024 | 9 |
| Jul 2024 | 10 |
| Aug 2024 | 6 |
| Sep 2024 | 10 |
| Oct 2024 | 8 |
| Nov 2024 | 9 |
| Dec 2024 | 9 |
| Jan 2025 | 7 |
| Feb 2025 | 2 |
| Mar 2025 | 11 |
| Apr 2025 | 10 |
| May 2025 | 9 |
| Jun 2025 | 2 |
| Jul 2025 | 1 |
| Aug 2025 | 11 |
| Sep 2025 | 3 |
| Oct 2025 | 4 |
| Nov 2025 | 7 |
| Dec 2025 | 9 |
| Jan 2026 | 4 |
| Feb 2026 | 4 |
| Mar 2026 | 11 |
| Apr 2026 | 10 |
| May 2026 | 11 |
| Jun 2026 | 7 |
| Jul 2026 | 3 |
| Aug 2026 | 1 |
| Sep 2026 | 2 |
- 5★453
- 4★22
- 3★8
- 2★3
- 1★14
- 20184.7
- 20194.8
- 20204.7
- 20214.7
- 20224.8
- 20234.7
- 20244.8
- 20254.8
- 20264.9
1★5★
PraiseCriticism
- Friendly staff87 / 4
- The orthodontist66 / 4
- Gentle, comfortable care41 / 1
- Clear explanations32 / 1
- Scheduling & wait times12 / 10
- Cost, insurance & financing8 / 6
- Responsiveness11 / 3
- Treatment results11 / 1
| Theme | Praise | Criticism |
|---|---|---|
| Friendly staff | 87 | 4 |
| The orthodontist | 66 | 4 |
| Gentle, comfortable care | 41 | 1 |
| Clear explanations | 32 | 1 |
| Scheduling & wait times | 12 | 10 |
| Cost, insurance & financing | 8 | 6 |
| Responsiveness | 11 | 3 |
| Treatment results | 11 | 1 |
Recent reviews from Google
4.8
495 reviews
cassi gillespie
2 weeks ago
Really impressed with Northern Oral Surgery’s whole team. Front desk ladies were very sweet. Dr. Erickson and his RN Kelsey and surg tech were all very nice and answered any and all questions I had. Highly recommend!
William Huntley
3 months ago
I have had 2 teeth pulled here by 2 different Oral Surgeons. Both did amazing jobs. Their pain and discomfort management is above and beyond. The Surgeons assistants are all so very kind and helpful. I am 1 day post wisdom tooth(1) removal and I have no swelling or discomfort.. I am truly amazed. Thank you Northern Oral!
Jeanne Pearson
3 months ago
Lack of tooth is excellent. No bleeding, swelling, pain, discoloration. John, Leah, Dr Mayer all were pleasant, efficient and properly appreciative of my cartoons!
John Krengel
3 months ago
Great experience! Office staff was friendly, it was nice to hear them laughing as they worked, they enjoy their jobs. Dr Ash was awesome, and out me at ease immediately. I highly recommend them!
Robert Kosuth
3 months ago
As was the case with my own oral surgery and implant several years ago, the consult with Dr. Morse for my wife was very helpful and satisfying. We look forward to continuing the process.
Questions about this practice
What orthodontic treatments does Northern Oral & Maxillofacial offer?
Northern Oral & Maxillofacial offers: Surgical Orthodontics, TMJ Treatment.
Is Northern Oral & Maxillofacial accepting new patients?
Northern Oral & Maxillofacial is currently welcoming new patients in Duluth, MN. Call (218) 722-8377 to schedule.
Where is Northern Oral & Maxillofacial located?
Northern Oral & Maxillofacial is located at 3617 W Arrowhead Rd. Get directions: https://maps.google.com/?cid=2759095335561977446&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA
What are the office hours for Northern Oral & Maxillofacial?
Northern Oral & Maxillofacial office hours: Mon 7:30 AM–4:30 PM, Tue 7:30 AM–4:00 PM, Wed 7:30 AM–4:30 PM, Thu 7:30 AM–4:30 PM, Fri 7:30 AM–4:30 PM, Sat Closed–Closed, Sun Closed–Closed.
Does Northern Oral & Maxillofacial offer payment plans?
Yes, Northern Oral & Maxillofacial offers flexible payment plans to make orthodontic treatment affordable.
Who are the orthodontists at Northern Oral & Maxillofacial?
Northern Oral & Maxillofacial is staffed by Dr. Duncan R. Puffer, Dr. Benjamin T. Heggestad, Dr. Mark T. Ash, Dr. Peter J. Mayer, Dr. Timothy L. Morse, Dr. KIRSTIN M CARLSON --, Dr. Marty J. Espe, Dr. LUKE D CARLSON --. The practice is board-certified.
What is the patient rating for Northern Oral & Maxillofacial?
Northern Oral & Maxillofacial has a 4.8-star rating based on 495 patient reviews on Google.
Research with AI
Accepting new patients
Payment Plans Available
Online Booking Available
Accessibility & Parking
Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
Wheelchair Accessible Parking
Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
CashCredit CardsDebit CardsContactless / NFCCareCredit
Mon7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Tue7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Wed7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Thu7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Fri7:30 AM – 4:30 PM
SatClosed
SunClosed
- Google reviews synced
- SOURCED
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