“I’ve had horrible dental experiences in the past and was very apprehensive in seeing any dentist. Dr. Connell was recommended because of his gentle manner and expertise. He gave me all my options and his recommendation. I chose to be asleep during my procedure (IV sedation) to have all my work completed at one appointment, including placing an implant. Thanks to Dr. Connell and his wonderful staff!”
–Connie Stevens
“I have been a patient of Dr. Ellison for several years. I have had fillings, crowns, a root canal, and an emergency or two. They have fit me in the schedule on short notice. Dr. Ellison, and his staff, are very professional and good at what they do. What I also appreciate is that his prices are more reasonable than other dentists (we do talk with our friends). I have no problems recommending people to see him for dental services.”
–Dick Moen
“I have received excellent dental care under Rod’s watchful eye. I have several crowns including three over implants that demanded his meticulous attention and skill. He allows enough time to discuss procedures so I can walk out of his office an informed patient. All of my questions have been welcomed and I usually have plenty. I have enjoyed our discussions about movies and travel. He even laughs at my silly jokes.”
–Jane Schwab
“When I came to Yakima 8 years ago, I knew I would be in search of a good dentist – which, by this time in my life, I believed to be nearly impossible. After trying a few different Dentists’ offices, I found Dr. Ellison. The staff is caring and kind. The office is clean, neat, and professional. Dr. Ellison’s compassion toward his patients is sincere and calming. My teeth are well cared for and my smile tells everyone how completely happy I am to be one of his patients! I feel great about recommending Dr. Ellison and his staff to everyone I can. Thank you, Dr. Ellison and staff for making my dental nightmare a fairytale come true.”
–Molly Callahan
“Dr. Ellison and his staff are fantastic! They are gentle and thorough and I always feel at ease, even during an intense procedure. They are more than willing to work with my family’s schedule and are accommodating if we need to reschedule – an important thing with kids away at college! I never feel pushed to have work done and feel that Dr. Ellison is more concerned with with my dental health than his bottom line. I would recommend him to anyone!”
–Kathi Hanses
Q: Are you accepting new patients?
A: Yes! Dr. Connell is accepting new patients. Please give us a call today and we will set up your first appointment!
Q: Are you a preferred provider with my insurance company?
A: We are a contracted provider for several insurance companies. Please call our office for the most up to date list. If you are free to choose your dentist, we would be happy to bill your insurance company directly for you.
Q: What types of payment do you accept?
A: We understand dental financing and the challenges associated with creating a new smile. Our staff may be able to offer you several options for payment. Our goal is to help you select the right option for your needs. We currently accept cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, and CareCredit.
Q: How much is a crown going to cost?
A: We are very proud of our fees because they represent the quality of care that you will receive. We use the highest quality materials, a great lab, and our staff is very highly trained. Each person’s needs are so individual that in order to give you a an accurate estimate, we would need to see you for a new patient exam.
Q: How long does a crown last?
A: There are many things that determine how long a crown lasts: diet, home care and the kind of bacteria in your mouth. You will get a lot more life from a crown when you commit to routine recalls and exams. If you are able to do your recall and get regular checkups every 6 months, we can detect problems early on.
Q: What causes old silver fillings to start breaking down?
A: Fillings wear out because of the force of your jaw, the kinds of foods you eat and the temperature of your foods. As an example, chewing on ice is extremely bad for fillings. Ice is very cold as well as intensely hard. Another problem is that often times the silver filling doesn’t break, but the tooth does! Because silver fillings are so rigid, they will generally hold up but your tooth will not. There is not a lot of resilience to the amalgam material so it’s usually a part of your tooth that will break before the amalgam breaks.
Q: Are white fillings better than silver fillings?
A: Tooth colored filling material has really come a long way. In the past, they would last anywhere from 5-7 years before they would start to wear out. Now the tooth colored material is better and stronger than ever before. Because of the mercury in silver fillings, many patients are choosing tooth colored fillings. The tooth colored material is a more popular choice for aesthetic reasons also.
Q: Will I have pain after my new crown/filling?
A: A new filling can have some sensitivity to cold and sometimes to bite pressure. We do place a desensitizing solution that will help cut any sensitivity. We check your bite carefully. If you do have sensitivity to cold, this should gradually go away over time. Be sure to call us with any concerns.
Q: How much will my insurance cover?
A: We would be happy to check on that for you. First we would need to get a little more information and then we would call your insurance company. Once we get a complete breakdown of benefits, we would be able to give you more accurate information to help answer your question. Many insurance plans cover basic care yet most American adults have more than basic needs. The plan your employer has chosen for you may have limitations. We will let you know the details after we call to verify your benefits.
Q: Is it going to hurt?
A: You may have a little discomfort, but you’ve picked the right office! We have a lot of patients who feel just like you: They are concerned about pain and some also have dental fear or anxiety. The doctor and his team are very good at making patients feel at ease with their treatment. We strive to do everything we can to make you feel comfortable.
Q: Can I wait for my treatment until my insurance renews next year?
A: Insurance company benefits are for basic services and 95% of adults need more than basic services. It would be better to have your treatment done now. You might break the tooth or the decay can get much worse if you delay. Preventative treatment, such as exams and cleanings, is always less expensive than emergency treatment. You are lucky that you have insurance, but I would not recommend waiting until your insurance renews for a service that you need right now.
Q: So is this all I’ll have to pay?
A: With your insurance, our dental office is a third party in the relationship. The relationship really exists between the insurance company and yourself; the insurance companies won’t always give us accurate information. We’re happy to bill your insurance company for you. We cannot guarantee that this is the exact amount that they will pay and your will be responsible for any difference.
Q: Why has my insurance changed how they pay for my cleanings? They used to pay it at 100% and I didn’t have to pay a deductible and a percentage?
A: You were considered a routine adult prophy before and an adult prophy was paid at 100% by your insurance company. Your needs have changed and you now have signs of periodontal disease. This happens for a lot of adults. Sometimes it’s caused by aging; other times, the bacteria in your mouth can change. For some people, gum disease runs in their family. It’s really important that you have your teeth cleaned thoroughly; this will be the best way to prevent more bone loss. If you lose the bone around your teeth, your can lose your teeth. With your insurance company, you benefit plan will pay approximately 80% for any periodontal service. Your deductible will also apply. Because your needs have changed, your insurance coverage has changed as well.
Q: Is my filling going to be tooth colored an look like a tooth?
A: Yes. We have shade guides that help us pick the same color that your tooth enamel is now. Your filling should blend in well.