Frequently Asked Questions

Your first visit is a comprehensive 1.5-hour appointment that includes a visual exam, periodontal probing, TMJ screening, oral cancer screening, and a full set of X-rays. We’ll also complete a cleaning if time allows and walk you through any findings.

A regular cleaning focuses on the surface of your teeth and just above and below the gumline. A deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) goes further below the gumline to remove buildup from the root surfaces and treat active gum disease.

Most patients should come in every six months. If you have gum disease or a history of cavities, we may recommend more frequent visits.

We recommend screenings every six months as part of your regular checkup. If you have specific risk factors, your dentist may advise more frequent screenings.

Yes. Our digital X-rays use up to 90% less radiation than traditional film X-rays. We also follow guidelines on frequency—you won’t be X-rayed more than necessary.

It depends on your individual risk. Adults with a history of cavities, dry mouth, gum recession, or certain medications can benefit from fluoride treatments. At Waukee Dental, we evaluate your needs at every visit and recommend it when it makes sense for you.

It's common to grind or clench your teeth while you sleep without even realizing it. If you wake up with jaw soreness, headaches, or sensitive teeth, or notice your teeth wearing down or chipping, a night guard may be a good option. We look for signs of grinding during your exam and will create a custom-fit guard if one is recommended.

Most dental insurance plans cover preventative services—like exams, cleanings, and X-rays—at 100%. We recommend confirming with your insurance provider, and we’re happy to help answer questions about your coverage.

Composite fillings usually last many years. While dental crowns can last 10-15 years or longer.  Factors like the oral hygiene, material used, and the amount of wear from chewing and grinding can affect their longevity. Regular dental visits help ensure your composite fillings and crowns remain in excellent condition.  

In most cases, yes.  Tooth-colored fillings also known as composite resin fillings are strong, durable, and an excellent choice for treating most cavities.  Composite resin bonds directly to the tooth structure, which helps improve the tooth's overall strength, prevent fractures, and provide outstanding long-term results when placed properly. 

It depends on the tooth and your treating dentist, but plan for about two hours total. The first hour covers tooth preparation and digital design. While your crown is being fabricated in-office, you're welcome to relax in the treatment room, unwind in our spa-like lobby, or run a quick errand. We'll see you back about an hour later for a 30-minute appointment to permanently seat your new crown.

Absolutely. At the start of your appointment, we carefully match the shade, shape, and contours of your surrounding teeth so your crown blends seamlessly with your natural smile.

Yes. Once your permanent bridge is in place and you've had a short time to adjust, you should be able to enjoy most of your favorite foods again. We recommend avoiding extremely hard items like ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy to help protect your bridge and keep it lasting for years to come.

With proper oral hygiene and care, dental bridges can last 10+ years.  Regular dental checkups, good oral hygiene and avoiding habits like chewing on hard objects can extend their lifespan.  

Caring for a bridge is similar to caring for your natural teeth — brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with routine cleanings. Because the bridge is attached to neighboring teeth, use a water flosser, floss threader, or super floss to clean underneath the replacement tooth.

At your regular dental examination or at a consultation, your Waukee Dental dentist and your implant specialist (oral surgeon or periodontist, dependent on situation)  for your dental implant will evaluate your oral health, bone support, and overall goals to determine if an implant is the best option for you. 

Dental implants are designed to last a lifetime; however, they do require ongoing maintenance and upkeep.

Your comfort is a top priority at Waukee Dental. Before beginning root canal treatment, we thoroughly anesthetize the tooth and surrounding area to help you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Your provider will review your individual needs and treatment options with you, including comfort measures such as nitrous oxide sedation. For more complex cases, we may partner with a trusted local specialist who offers advanced treatment techniques.

Depending on whether we're replacing an existing denture or fabricating a new one, the process typically takes several weeks and requires a few appointments to ensure proper fit, function, and appearance. Your provider will create a personalized timeline based on your individual needs.

Depending on your individual needs, your Waukee Dental provider may use traditional impressions, digital scanning technology, or a combination of both to create your dentures. We’ll choose the method that provides the most accurate fit and comfortable experience for you.

Dentures typically last five to ten years depending on daily care, wear, and your overall oral health. Over time, changes to your gums and jawbone can affect fit, so regular checkups are important. Adjustments and relines may occasionally be recommended.

At first, speaking with dentures may feel a bit unusual, especially if you’re not used to them. However, most people quickly adjust, and speaking becomes more natural over time. The Waukee Dental team will provide your with tips and tricks to assist in the adjustment period.

Brush your dentures daily with a soft-bristled brush and mild soap or denture cleaner — avoid regular toothpaste as it can damage the surface. Rinse after eating and soak overnight in water or a denture-cleaning solution.

Preserving your natural teeth is always our goal, but an extraction may sometimes be the best option for protecting your oral health. Common reasons include severe decay, infection, advanced gum disease, significant damage, or overcrowding. We'll thoroughly numb the area before treatment and nitrous oxide sedation is available for anxious patients.

Many plans cover restorative treatments like fillings, crowns, and bridges, but coverage varies by plan. Our team is happy to review your insurance and provide an estimate of your benefits before treatment so there are no surprises.

The best cosmetic treatment depends on your oral health, daily habits, and personal smile goals. During a consultation, your Waukee Dental provider will evaluate your teeth and gums, listen to your concerns, and discuss the results you hope to achieve.

Porcelain veneers are one of the most natural-looking cosmetic treatments available. High-quality porcelain reflects light similarly to natural enamel, and each veneer is custom-designed to complement your features and blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.

The process starts with a smile consultation and detailed records to design your personalized smile. At your next visit, teeth are carefully prepared and impressions or digital scans are taken — you'll leave with temporary veneers. Once your final veneers are handcrafted by a skilled ceramist, they're precisely placed and bonded for a strong, comfortable, natural-looking fit.

Porcelain veneers look and feel like real teeth but do require some care. They're durable and stain-resistant, but habits like nail-biting or chewing ice can cause damage. For patients who grind, we recommend a night guard to protect your investment. With proper care, veneers can last 10–15 years or longer.

The best way to find out is with a consultation. Call us at (515) 777-7568 to schedule a conversation with your Waukee Dental provider.

Dental bonding can last 5-10 years depending on placement and habits.  Regular checks up and avoiding nail-biting or chewing hard objects can extend its lifespan.

Yes. Bonding can be easily repaired in a single visit.  The resin can be reshaped to restore both appearance and function.

SureSmile clear aligner therapy uses advanced technology to gradually shift your teeth into their position.  The process begins with a digital scan of your mouth, creating a custom treatment plan that maps out your movement throughout treatment.

Treatment time varies depending on the complexity of your case and your individual smile goals. Most patients complete SureSmile clear aligner therapy within 6 to 18 months. At your consultation, Dr. Kaisha will evaluate your needs and provide an estimated treatment timeline.

SureSmile aligners are typically worn for 20 to 22 hours each day and changed every one to two weeks, as directed by Dr. Kaisha. Aligners should only be removed for eating, drinking anything other than water, brushing, and flossing. Consistent wear is important for keeping your treatment on track.

Yes. Wearing a retainer is essential for maintaining your new smile and helping prevent your teeth from shifting over time. At the completion of treatment, you will receive a custom retainer. Your Waukee Dental team will provide personalized instructions on how often and how long to wear it.

BOTOX results typically last 3-6 months, depending on the area treated and individual factors like metabolism.

Common side effects, such as redness, swelling, or bruishing at the inection site, are typically mild and temporary. In rare cases, patients may experience headaches, eyelid drooping, or temporary muscle weakness.  These effects usually resolve within a few days.

Yes, BOTOX requires minimal downtime.  Most patients can resume normal activities after treatment.  However, it's best to avoid strenuous exercise and lying down for a few hours post-treatment to prevent the product from migrating to unintended areas.

The results from BOTOX treatment typically appears within 3-5 days after treatment, with the full effects visible within 1-2 weeks.  The treatment gradually softens muscle activity, resulting in a smoother appearance.

Most cosmetic dental services are not covered by dental insurance because they are considered elective. However, coverage may vary depending on your plan and whether the treatment also provides a restorative benefit. Following your consultation, our administrative team will review your estimated costs and discuss available payment options with you.

Keep the conversation positive, simple, and relaxed. Let your child know that the dentist will count and brush their teeth to help keep their smile healthy. Reading a book or watching an age-appropriate video about visiting the dentist can also help them know what to expect.

Your child's first visit is focused on a positive, comfortable introduction to dental care. We'll gently brush their teeth, complete an exam, and discuss any findings. Much of the appointment is spent getting to know you and your child — learning about their diet and brushing habits and sharing tips to keep their smile healthy. It's completely normal for young children to squirm or cry, and our team will remain patient and gentle throughout.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommended children have their first dental bitewing X-rays only when the teeth in the back begin to touch each other and the surfaces between teeth cannot be seen visually during an examination.  This typically occurs around 3 years old, but can occur earlier or later depending on the child.

Keep your explanation simple, positive, and reassuring — let your child know their provider will help make their tooth strong and healthy. Avoid anxiety-inducing words like 'shot,' 'needle,' or 'hurt.' Make sure they're well-rested and follow any eating or drinking instructions, especially if nitrous oxide will be used. You're welcome to bring a comfort item, and try to stay calm yourself — kids take cues from their parents. After treatment, help your child avoid biting or chewing their lip or cheek while the area is still numb.

Absolutely. We care for patients from infancy through their teen years and beyond. Our whole-family approach means your child can grow up with the same trusted dental team.

If you’re in pain or something doesn’t feel right, give us a call. We’d rather talk to you and rule out something serious than have you wait. Tooth pain that goes untreated can escalate quickly.

Call Waukee Dental for tooth pain, chipped or broken teeth, a knocked-out tooth, a lost filling or crown, or localized swelling. Go to the emergency room or call 911 for severe or rapidly spreading facial or neck swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or serious facial trauma. Once urgent medical needs are addressed, contact us for follow-up care.

Call or text (515) 777-7568. Our emergency messaging system is active after hours so our team is always reachable for established patients.

Our after-hours emergency care is primarily for established patients. If you’re a new patient experiencing a dental emergency, call us at (515) 777-7568 and we’ll do our best to help.

Our on-call Waukee Dental provider will gather information about your symptoms and evaluate the urgency of your situation. Based on your individual needs, they will determine whether you should be seen over the weekend, schedule an appointment during regular business hours, or seek immediate medical care.

You can pay your balance online through our payment portal, by text-to-pay, or by calling the office. We also accept CareCredit and offer payment plans for larger treatment costs.

Call or text us at (515) 777-7568 right away. After hours, our emergency messaging system is active and a doctor is always reachable for established patients.

Our Waukee Dental QDP Savings Plan is an affordable alternative designed for uninsured patients and families. It includes two exams, cleanings, X-rays, and discounts on treatment—with no waiting periods, no maximums, and no deductibles.

New patients need to call or text us at (515) 777-7568 to schedule their first visit. This lets us gather your insurance information, answer any questions, and find the right appointment time for you.

No. The QDP Savings Plan is designed for patients without dental insurance and cannot be combined with traditional coverage.

Pricing varies by plan tier. Call us at (515) 777-7568 for current rates—we’ll help you find the right plan for your needs and budget.

Yes. Family members can be added to the Adult Standard Plan. Call us for details on family pricing.

Call or text (515) 777-7568. Our emergency messaging system is active after hours and ensures our team is always reachable for established patients. Don’t wait—tooth pain can escalate quickly.

Not for your first visit. New patients should call or text us at (515) 777-7568 so we can gather your information, answer your questions, and find the right time for your comprehensive new patient exam.

Give us a call or send us a text at (515) 777-7568 and we’ll take care of it.

Call or text for anything time-sensitive—appointments, emergencies, billing questions. Email at waukeedental@securepracticemail.com is available for general inquiries, but for a faster response, the phone is always your best bet.