expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Kelly Betts

Dentist

Dr. Kelly Betts is a Dentist practicing in Cockeysville, MD. Dr. Betts specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions associated with the mouth and overall dental health. Dentists are trained to carry out such treatment as professional cleaning, restorative, prosthodontic, and endodontic procedures, and performing examinations, among many others.
7 years Experience
Dr. Kelly Betts
  • Baltimore, MD
  • University of Maryland Dental
  • Accepting new patients

Can you get a gum infection after a cleaning?

Sometimes, if there was some underlying gum disease present and you simply get a normal teeth cleaning, rather than the appropriate type of cleaning for your gum disease, it can READ MORE
Sometimes, if there was some underlying gum disease present and you simply get a normal teeth cleaning, rather than the appropriate type of cleaning for your gum disease, it can cause symptoms like increased inflammation or localized abscesses. These areas must be treated appropriately for the type of underlying disease.

Does periodontal disease treatment hurt?

This is a tough question just because there are so many types of treatments for periodontal disease, some being non surgical and others being surgical. Some treatments involve READ MORE
This is a tough question just because there are so many types of treatments for periodontal disease, some being non surgical and others being surgical. Some treatments involve laser therapy, some use periodontal dressings and other adjuncts. But generally, you are always numb and comfortable during the procedure itself. You can usually even ask for different levels of sedation to make you more comfortable and relaxed. Soreness or healing time is totally dependent on what type of therapy you're having done, how well you take care of your mouth, your immune system, etc.

Is it normal to feel tired after dental implant surgery?

That depends. There are many reasons why you might feel tired after a dental surgery or procedure. If you were sedated, if you had been anxious leading up to the procedure, if READ MORE
That depends. There are many reasons why you might feel tired after a dental surgery or procedure. If you were sedated, if you had been anxious leading up to the procedure, if you typically feel tired during times of healing, etc, etc. The things to look out for would be swelling outside of the expected or a fever or symptoms like that that can be indicative of an infection.

Can I drink soda after a bone graft surgery?

It is best to avoid all carbonated beverages after any dental surgery, as the carbonation can interfere with the blood clotting and therefore interfere with your healing.

Can you kiss with lingual braces?

Yes, you should be able to do anything that someone with conventional braces is able to do!

Should I keep brushing bleeding gums?

Typically, yes. When gums are bleeding, you are suffering from gum disease and the best way to help is to keep your teeth as clean and plaque free as possible. Also, since bleeding READ MORE
Typically, yes. When gums are bleeding, you are suffering from gum disease and the best way to help is to keep your teeth as clean and plaque free as possible. Also, since bleeding is a sign of active disease, you should see a dentist immediately for a gum evaluation, as there may be other treatments or interventions that you need.

How long after tooth extraction can a bridge be fitted?

As long as the area is healed, you can often be fitted for a bridge in 2-3 weeks following an extraction. If you heal a little slower or need the gums to remodel for a better overall READ MORE
As long as the area is healed, you can often be fitted for a bridge in 2-3 weeks following an extraction. If you heal a little slower or need the gums to remodel for a better overall outcome, sometimes your dentist will recommend waiting a little longer.

What can you eat with Invisalign?

The nice thing about Invisalign is that you can remove your aligners when you eat, so you don't have nearly as many eating restrictions as you would with conventional braces. READ MORE
The nice thing about Invisalign is that you can remove your aligners when you eat, so you don't have nearly as many eating restrictions as you would with conventional braces. Still be careful of the areas that have any buttons or attachments placed, as very crunchy or chewy foods can sometimes pop these off. But other than that, you should be good to go!

Can I chew gum with dentures?

Chewing, in general, with dentures is often very challenging. Chewing gum may be possible for you, but it is definitely not like chewing gum with natural teeth. If your dentures READ MORE
Chewing, in general, with dentures is often very challenging. Chewing gum may be possible for you, but it is definitely not like chewing gum with natural teeth. If your dentures are supported by dental implants, that would help, but just with just conventional dentures, I would not recommend it and I would think that you would not enjoy it.

My teeth are always yellow even after i brush it everyday

Sometimes your natural tooth enamel can have a more yellow or brown hue or you may have something in your diet that is really staining your teeth in a more tenacious way that brushing READ MORE
Sometimes your natural tooth enamel can have a more yellow or brown hue or you may have something in your diet that is really staining your teeth in a more tenacious way that brushing alone can't combat. Feel free to talk to your dentist about your whitening options.

Can you chew gum with a traditional dental bridge?

Yes! You should be able to chew gum comfortably and without problem.

Oral Issue

There are many different bumps that can occur in the mouth. Many are benign, but oftentimes it can be an indication of an infection or other pathology. I would have your dentist READ MORE
There are many different bumps that can occur in the mouth. Many are benign, but oftentimes it can be an indication of an infection or other pathology. I would have your dentist evaluate the bump as soon as possible.

What are the disadvantages of a partial denture?

Partial dentures are a good option for replacing multiple missing teeth, however, they are often seen as a temporary fix or temporary prosthetic. As you can imagine, wearing something READ MORE
Partial dentures are a good option for replacing multiple missing teeth, however, they are often seen as a temporary fix or temporary prosthetic. As you can imagine, wearing something that comes in and out of your mouth isn't always the most comfortable, especially during eating and speaking. Even the most well-fitting partials move around and patients must remove them and clean them and their mouths thoroughly after eating, or else food gets stuck and caught underneath, which can lead to cavities in the remaining teeth if not cleaned properly. Again, as a temporary measure, they are a great option, but patients are typically much happier once they're able to get something fixed, like a bridge or implants.

How do you treat an oral cyst?

Some oral cysts need to be removed by an oral surgeon. Some, depending on whether they're bothering you or not, can remain. It depends on the location and what kind of cyst it READ MORE
Some oral cysts need to be removed by an oral surgeon. Some, depending on whether they're bothering you or not, can remain. It depends on the location and what kind of cyst it is and if there is any concern of what the cyst is caused by, it should be biopsied immediately.

How long does it take to get comfortable with Invisalign?

This definitely depends on the person. It can take a good 1-2 weeks to get used to anything new in your mouth, whether it's a nightguard, denture, Invisalign, crown, etc.

What can I eat with Invisalign?

The nice thing with Invisalign is that you can eat essentially whatever you want. You remove your aligners during eating, so you're able to eat more normally than with conventional READ MORE
The nice thing with Invisalign is that you can eat essentially whatever you want. You remove your aligners during eating, so you're able to eat more normally than with conventional metal braces and brackets. If you eat something particularly hard or crunchy, you may have a button or attachment come off, but your dentist or orthodontist is able to put that back on with no major concerns or issues.

What percentage of an overbite do you need to get braces?

There's not necessarily a hard rule on what percentage of an overbite is considered problematic. There are many variables such as alignment of the teeth, overjet and functional READ MORE
There's not necessarily a hard rule on what percentage of an overbite is
considered problematic. There are many variables such as alignment of the
teeth, overjet and functional and nonfunctional movements involving your
bite that determine whether or not orthodontics would be recommended. It
is always best to have a dentist or orthodontist do a thorough evaluation
for you, as an individual.

Is Listerine good for mouth ulcers?

Listerine can oftentimes be too harsh for mouth ulcers. Depending on what type of mouth ulcer it is, you may be safer using warm salt water, a topical ointment, or nothing at all. READ MORE
Listerine can oftentimes be too harsh for mouth ulcers. Depending on what
type of mouth ulcer it is, you may be safer using warm salt water, a
topical ointment, or nothing at all.

Which toothpaste is best for Invisalign?

So the toothpaste you use should be chosen for your individual gum and tooth health needs, whether or not you're in Invisalign or not.

Will antibiotics help pulpitis?

Antibiotics may help if you are experiencing pulpitis, but it is a temporary fix. The source of the infection, whether it is tooth decay, bacteria, an abscess, a crack in the tooth, READ MORE
Antibiotics may help if you are experiencing pulpitis, but it is a temporary fix. The source of the infection, whether it is tooth decay, bacteria, an abscess, a crack in the tooth, or many other things, needs to be addressed and fixed or else the issue will continue, symptoms will worsen and the situation may become worse.