FAQs

Do you offer payment plans?
At Waterloo Dental Associates, we believe that finances should not be the determining factor when it comes to planning your dental care. Dental care should be affordable for everyone, and we have taken steps to help our patients work their care into their budgets.

If you don’t have dental insurance or your insurance is only partially covering your treatment, please talk to us. We offer payment options so that you can receive the dental care you need and deserve.

Complete and partial dentures, crowns and bridges, extractions, fillings, implant placement and restoration, root canals, veneers… will these hurt?

We know that you may have a fear or phobia of the dentist. That’s okay! We cater to people who have dental anxiety and may be apprehensive coming to the dentist! We will ensure that you are comfortable throughout whatever procedure you are undergoing. We also offer anxiety controlling aids such as laughing gas. Call our office at 319-233-3506 if you have any questions!

Why doesn’t my insurance cover a certain procedure?
Every insurance policy is unique in the benefits they provide. If you have a question about your particular insurance policy, contacting your insurance provider is a good first step.

At Waterloo Dental Associates, we also offer pre-treatment insurance estimates for certain procedures. It’s important to recognize that these are estimates only and that your insurance company may pay a different amount after we bill and that you will still be responsible for the portion not covered by your insurance company.

If you are concerned about the costs of your dental care, please speak to us. We offer payment plans and other options to help make your dental care more affordable.

Are you accepting new patients?
Yes! We are always happy to welcome new patients to our practice. Give us a call to schedule your appointment and we’ll help you get settled in and feel right at home.
What type of Insurance does Dr. Aldrich accept?
Dr. Aldrich is a preferred provider for Delta Dental. We can also file claims for other insurance companies, including United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, MetLife, and more!

If you have a question about your insurance coverage, just give us a call. We’ll be happy to review your policy and discuss your benefits with you.

Why are my teeth sensitive?
Tooth sensitivity may occur for a variety of reasons. Gum recession, which causes exposure of your root surface, is a common cause, and this may be the result of either over-zealous brushing or gum disease.

Teeth may also be sensitive due to other dental-related factors, such as cavities, cracked teeth, an infected pulp (the tissue- and nerve-containing portion of a tooth), as well as recent fillings and crowns.

Sensitivity should be checked out so that we can rule out disease or damage to your teeth. In many cases, simply changing the way you brush or even the style of your toothbrush can help.

How do I care for my implants?

The wonderful thing about implants is you can care for them the same way you do regular teeth – brush and floss! Another positive is they cannot get decay or cavities.

How long does it take to get a dental implant?

Generally, tooth out to tooth back in it takes eight months. We take your tooth out, wait four months, place the implant, then four months later place the new tooth. The waiting period gives the body time to strengthen the bone and surrounding tissue area.

What is the difference between a bridge and an implant?
A bridge is where you crown two teeth that are adjacent to the missing tooth, bridging the space with a new attached tooth to both crowns. An implant is a specialized titanium screw that functions similar to a tooth root. You then attach the new tooth to the screw.
What do I do if I have a dental problem after business hours?

We know that dental emergencies can happen at the most inconvenient times. Call our office and you’ll be directed to our emergency care line. Dr. Aldrich will return your call as soon as possible.

Are you unsure whether you are having a dental emergency? If you are in pain, the answer is probably yes. Pain is never normal and is your body’s way of telling you that something is wrong. Other common dental emergencies include:

  • A pimple-like lesion on the gums, which can indicate an abscess (a serious dental infection)
  • A cracked or fractured tooth
  • A lost restoration, like a crown or a filling
  • A tooth that has been knocked loose or out
  • Injury to the soft tissue (gums, tongue, palate)

If you have experienced an injury to your head that resulted in a broken bone, loss of consciousness, or nausea and vomiting, please visit your emergency department right away.