Frequently Asked Questions

Our patients have many questions and concerns about their dental care. This section is devoted to answering those questions publicly, so everyone can benefit from the answers. If you have a question you'd like answered, please use the Ask a Question form located at the bottom of this page.

1. What types of Insurances do you accept?
2. Do you accept the Ohio Medicaid Card?
3. Are you accepting new patients?
4. What is the difference between traditional insurance and PPO insurance?
5. What does the New Patient Exam entail?
6. Can I bring x-rays from my previous dentist?
7. Why does my filling need to be replaced if my tooth doesn't hurt?

1. What types of Insurances do you accept?

We accept all types of dental insurances. However, we are a Preferred Provider in four PPO networks: Delta Dental, United Concordia, Superior Dental and Guardian.

2. Do you accept the Ohio Medicaid Card?

No.

3. Are you accepting new patients?

Yes.

4. What is the difference between traditional insurance and PPO insurance?

Traditional insurance plans allow you to choose any dental office without a change in coverage. PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) Plans give you the option of going to an in-network dentist or out-of network dentist. By choosing an in-network dentist your benefits will recieve higher coverage for certain procedures than an out-of-network dentist. Although the maximum amount paid by your insurance company is the same in or out of network. For a cost comparison, check with your human resources coordinator or insurance company.

5. What does the New Patient Exam entail?

• Full series of dental x-rays
• Routine Cleaning
• Comprehensive Exam
• Forensic charting
• Periodontal charting and screening
• Oral Cancer screening

6. Can I bring x-rays from my previous dentist?

Yes, however you must contact your previous dentist's office to find out the date of your most recent films. For diagnostic purposes we need current radiographs that have been taken within the last year. If the x-rays that you bring with you are older than a year Dr. Donnelly may require new or additional films to make an accurate diagnosis of your current dental health.

7. Why does my filling need to be replaced if my tooth doesn't hurt?

Even though a tooth may not be causing pain there are many reasons why a filling would need to be replaced. With time, fillings, especially silver ones will erode or wear away creating gaps between the tooth and the filling. These gaps create an ideal environment for bacteria to cause tooth decay. When not treated promptly tooth decay can progress and lead to an infection of the nerve and/or an abscess.

Also, silver fillings expand and contract with temperature changes much more than natural tooth structure. Over time this can lead to tooth fracture. Most of the time this is undetectable to the patient until a catastrophic fracture occurs which can lead to the loss of the tooth. During your exam Dr. Donnelly will closely examine each tooth. With x-rays and an intraoral camera she can detect weaknesses in your tooth or restoration and recommend appropriate treatment before the problem becomes extensive. If an insufficient amount of healthy tooth structure remains a crown or partial crown might be indicated instead of replacing the filling.

Do you have a question for Dr. Donnelly? Please post it here, and we will review it for possible inclusion on this page.