Locations
Office
Muskegon, MI
Office
N Muskegon, MI
About
Bio
The philosophy of the American Society for Preventive Dentistry ingrained in me that one should treat the cause of disease before treating the signs symptoms. This was a factor in practicing dental disease prevention, early jaw expansion care as well as management of snoring sleep apnea.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry
Doctor Q&A
311 Answers
327 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 44-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Not likely.: Hydrogen peroxide is water with an extra molecule of oxygen. Therefore it is an oxygenating meaning it can whiten the teeth slightly. It would take a ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 59-year-old male asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Yes: 4240 is a surgical procedure allowing scaling and root planing on four or more teeth in one area of the mouth. 7210 is the extraction of one tooth. I... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Several: There are a number of causes of halitosis. The most common one (about 85% of the time) is periodontal disease. You need to see a dentist to determine ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old male asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Maybe: Snoring is one of the symptoms of sleep apnea. You do not get the deep, restful, refreshing sleep that everyone needs. Alcohol and smoking can be cont... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Varies with person: With a very mild fluorosis, a special type of mild polishing procedure may work. A remineralizing product called mi paste may help. Professional tooth... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Yes: It is possible for babies to get what is called baby bottle syndrome. All the teeth can get cavities from putting the baby to sleep with milk or any j... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Yes: Dr. Charles mayo of the famous mayo clinic is reported to have said over 90 years ago, that "if you keep your own teeth you can expect to live 10 year... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
See physician: Snoring is a symptom of obstructive sleep apnea. You need to have a sleep study to see if it is just snoring. A dentist can then make an oral applianc... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Sleep on your side: If you are a mild snorer, sleeping on your side may be all you need to do. A bumper belt can help. If your snoring is more vigorous, you may have slee... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Yes: Having a bmi over 30 indicates higher risk of obstructive sleep apnea. At 40+ extremely high risk. Snoring is found in at least 80% of people with sle... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Oral/systemic link: This is an excellent book on the connection between oral health and general health. The mouth is not separate from the rest of the body. Get it and re... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Very: Cpap's are very effective if used. The gold standard of treatment. Studies show only a 30-50% compliance after a year. This is one of the reasons the ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Seek dental help: There are many reasons for jaw pain. You need to see a dentist to find the reason for the pain. Until the reason is known, no one can tell you how to... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Possibly: Probably not, but it could cause a laceration some where in the digestive tract with the possibility of an infection occurring.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Yes: Teeth are normally numbed before they are removed. Most general dentists do not put you to sleep, oral surgeons generally will if you request it. In m... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
? 2 problems: You may have 2 different problems. Pain in the gum area could be from a cavity or gum infection. Pain where the jaw starts could be a TMJ problem. You... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old male asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Many things: Bad teeth is an infection of the teeth causing cavities or of the gums causing periodontal disease. When untreated abscesses occur which leads to othe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
See dentist: See your dentist and have your teeth professionally whitened. Then i like to see individuals use closys toothpaste and mouth rinse besides daily floss... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Soon: Shortly after birth the first permanent teeth start to form. Permanent teeth are starting to form until about age 13-15. If there is not Fluoride in t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Blocked gland duct: It sounds like you could have a blocked duct for one on your salivary glands. You need to see a dentist or oral surgeon who can determine if this is t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Possibly: Constant use of the muscles of chewing can cause muscle spasm, especially in the temple area. Muscle spasm pain in this area is interpreted as headach... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Not good idea: You can drink, but it is not a good idea. It may inhibit the healing process. You need to be on a good nutritious diet which does not include alcohol.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 35-year-old male asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Acid: Failure to brush and floss properly and daily allows plaque buildup. Plaque combined with fermentable carbohydrates results in an acid by-product that... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Open dentinal tubule: The chemicals in whitening strips can penetrate thru the enamel or into the root surface if you have any gum recession. The fluid that is in the denti... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Seek medical help: A cold should not be lasting this long. You should seek help from your physician.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Reduces cavities: Saliva keeps your mouth and teeth moist. When dry there are more cavities because there is a loss of the buffering action against the acids that occur... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Check for sleep apne: Have him checked for sleep apnea. This is a frequently overlooked cause of bedwetting. It can also cause him to do poorly in school.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Antibiotic or blow.: Taking a tetracycline antibiotic during tooth development will cause a graying of all teeth but to a different degree depending upon where each tooth ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 46-year-old male asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Maybe: You will get used to it quicker if you use it every night. If you feel you can skip a night, next you wil be skipping two nights and then three. If th... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Different toothpaste: Many canker sores are the result of using a toothpaste that has a foaming agent called sodium laurel sulfate. Use a paste that doesn't use this ingred... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Laser: If you can find a health provider who uses lasers, a brief exposure to the laser light can accelerate the healing and reduce the pain.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
No: Retainers don't normally hurt the teeth unless you don't wear it for several days and the teeth move. You need to return to your orthodontist or denti... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Maybe: It depends on where the cement is and what type of cement it is. Return to your dentist and have it removed.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Place fillings: Cavities in baby teeth are fixed similar to in permanent teeth. Mercury containing fillings should be avoided. Very young may require nitrous oxide ga... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 27-year-old male asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
See doctor: You describe several signs of sleep apnea. You need to talk to a doctor who can have a sleep study performed. Sleep apnea can lead to a host of medica... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 47-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Not usually: Dry socket pain is usually continuous once it starts. One should see their dentist as soon as they suspect a dry socket. The dentist can place a sooth... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Muscle pain: Holding your mouth open for a long time can strain the muscles and cause some spasms. Return to your dentist for some help.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
NO: Tm joints, which every one has two of, do not bring on headaches or pain in the eyes. If you are clenching or grinding your teeth this will cause pain... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
See dentist: It will take an examination to determine what is going on. It may be a minor problem or a serious one. See a dentist or physician asap.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Several: Snoring and tooth grinding due to large tonsils. Cavities due to poor oral hygiene and diet. Narrow jaws leading to crowded teeth which should be trea... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Oral appliances: For a very few people weight loss. The american academy of sleep medicine in feb, 2006 published information that for mild-moderate sleep apnea or som... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 59-year-old male asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Bacterial testing: Protocol will vary from office to office. For some a gentle probing can be done after 6 months. There are several forms of bacteria testing that can b... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Not painful: The dentist should be able to numb the tooth, so there is no feeling. A laser can often be comfortably used with no pain and no shot.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Second opinion: Dr. Mata gave you a good answer. I would add that in line with what was said, i would recommend getting a second opinion. With current orthodontic pro... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old female asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
See doctor: Over sleeping and fatigue can be caused by several things. You need to see your doctor. One possibility is sleep apnea. Your doctor will need to find ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 57-year-old male asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Possibly: Sleeping in an abnormal position could possibly cause TMJ dysfunction. Tmj dysfunction definitely could cause headaches, tinnitus and tingling. Visit ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Questionable: After one year most surgeries are 30-50% successful. They are some of the most painful surgeries. Probably the most successful is the maxillary-mandib... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Yes: Decay causes permanent damage as well as the tooth structure that is removed in removing the decay. I have seen a reduction in the number of teeth tha... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
Not recommended: The best way to whiten your teeth is to see a dentist for the best and safest result. If you need only slight whitening, the otc whitening strips may ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:

Dr. James Donleyanswered
Dentistry 56 years experience
1 at a laser dentist: A laser dentist can desensitize a tooth with a laser and then use a hard tissue laser to remove decay and prepare it for a filling with a local or a d... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
5
Recommendations
405
Thank you notes
Nov 30, 2012
Dr. Donley obviously has a passion for and a dedication to both his profession and the well being of his patients. He keeps current with all the latest equipment and knowledge that dentistry has to o...Read More
Sep 15, 2013
A very knowledgeable and dedicated dentist and an excellent dentist to follow on HealthTap. I'm sure his patients are in great hands!
Mar 19, 2015
Great dentist!!
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! My niece thinks having this type of piercing is the coolest thing. Now I can show her this info and maybe she'll get rid of it. Thanks.
HealthTap member
This was very helpful. Thanks! thank you so much. my mother always told me that I'm snoring so loud, it's kind of depressing since I'm a woman :)
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! The quickness of this service is wonderful. Yet there are many doctors who disagree with each other
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
-Universty of Detroit School of Dentistry
Graduated 1967MD
Awards
2012 Best of Muskegon Award in Dentistry
Top Doctor, First Place, Muskegon, MI - Winter
2013
Most Influential, First Place, Muskegon, MI - Winter
2013
Affiliations
American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine
International Association for Orthodontics
Academy of Laser Dentistry
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