Dr. Kelly Betts, MS, DDS

Dentist

650 W. Baltimore Street Baltimore MD, 21201 Show map

About
Contacts & Locations

About

Dr. Kelly Betts has been practicing in the dental field for almost 20 years. She started out as a dental receptionist and dental assistant, completed a bachelors of science in dental hygiene at The Ohio State University and practiced as a dental hygienist and expanded functions dental auxillary while finishing a Masters of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology from Towson University. She worked in research at the NIH and Univeristy of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center while completing her doctorate of dental surgery at the Univeristy of Maryland School of Dentistry. Following dental school graduation, Dr. Betts completed a General Practice Residency at the Washington DC Veterans Affairs Hospital.

Dr. Betts has been practicing in the Baltimore, Maryland area in corporate and private practice since 2018 and has been active in multiple professional organizations and local study clubs, keeping her up to date with the latest technologies and best practices in dentistry and medicine. She participates in many education and training continuums, so that she can be the best oral health care provider for her patients.

Dr. Kelly Betts loves practicing dentistry and caring for her patients and their families and she hopes to bring optimal health and joy to everyone she has the pleasure of serving.

Education and Training

University of Maryland Dental DDS 2017

The Ohio State University BS, RDH 2007

Towson University MS 2011

Provider Details

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Dr. Kelly Betts, MS, DDS

Dr. Kelly Betts, MS, DDS's Expert Contributions

My Answers

How much tooth do you need for a crown?
This all depends on whether or not the tooth structure you have remaining is not only enough in quantity but also in quality and location. If there is decay below the gum line or compromised tooth structure in a certain orientation, it makes it very challenging or impossible for your dentist to build that tooth back up again and make it last. Much like renovating or building a house, you would need measurements and other considerations to decide if you could have a tooth restored with a crown. Your dentist will take X-rays and do these measurements so that you can know for sure before committing to a crown or any other treatment. READ MORE
Does a real dentist help you during Invisalign?
Yes! Unlike some of the other clear aligner services, your own dentist formulates and closely monitors your Invisalign treatment plan with the team at Invisalign, which includes experienced orthodontists and technicians, all working together to assure your case is a success. Accurate records and recent xrays are a must and intermittent appointments to monitor your progress are highly recommended. READ MORE
What is the easiest tooth to extract?
That completely depends on the situation, the patient, the location, the periodontal health and history of the tooth as well as the skill-set and experience of your provider. READ MORE
Do I need general anesthesia for a dental implant?
Not at all! In fact, many of our patients have told us that getting a dental implant was less painful and time consuming than many other more routine dental procedures they've had in the past. Many of our patients are pleasantly surprised. READ MORE
What is the fastest way to heal a gum graft?
This is very dependent on the type of procedure you had done. There are various types of gingival grafts, with various outcome desires. I highly recommend that you reach out to your surgeon and ask them for their recommendations for you. READ MORE
Is teeth whitening bad for your mouth?
Whitening is safe for patients that don't have any concerns with dental cavities or gum disease. If you have any of these problems, whitening could cause pain and sensitivity. I would have your dentist make sure that you don't have any decay or gum problems before whitening your teeth. But in a healthy, stable mouth, whitening is safe when done correctly and with the right type of whitening system for your needs! READ MORE
How long does it take for dental bridge to settle?
For a well-made, well-fitting dental bridge, it is normal to have some post-operative sensitivity (when you eat or drink hot or cold). However, your bite should feel comfortable. If the hypersensitivity you're experiencing is more than that, or if your bite feels off, you should contact your dentist immediately and assure that no adjustments are needed, before it becomes more problematic. READ MORE
What happens if tartar is not removed?
If tartar is not removed from your teeth, the bacteria associated with it causes inflammation in the area that can lead to bone loss around that area. Bone loss eventually leads to tooth loss over time. The tartar basically encourages this process and continually allows the bacteria to thrive. READ MORE
Can breath stink from a tooth extraction?
Malodor, or bad breath, is caused by many things, but most markedly from bacteria. Follow your dentist's post-operative instructions regarding keeping the area clean and any rinsing instructions they may have given you and it should control the bacteria better. Be sure to also brush teeth in the other areas of your mouth and also brush your tongue. READ MORE
Does salt water help dry sockets?
I'm sorry to hear that you have a dry socket. The best thing to do is to return to your dentist or surgeon to have them treat the area with a medicament that promotes pain relief and healing. Rinsing or agitating the area can actually make the situation worse, depending on the extent of the exposed bone. READ MORE
Which mouthwash is best for cavities?
For cavity protection, a fluoride rinse is best. Rinses like Act Anti-Cavity and Listerine Total with fluoride are the ones I recommend the most. Consulting with your dentist is always best to make sure that you're picking the exact rinse that works best for your situation. READ MORE
What's the shortest time you can have braces?
This is a very loaded question. It depends on what kind of movements you're hoping for and how long your own body responds to the treatment. The most important thing is making sure that you don't force movements too quickly, as that can affect the bone, gums and all the supporting structures of your teeth. It is also very important to have a retention plan after your orthodontic treatment is completed. Teeth will want to relapse to where they were before if you don't have retainers in place for a significant amount of time, if not for life. READ MORE
Can I brush my teeth normally with braces?
Yes! In fact, it is super important that you up your brushing and flossing game when you're in braces to assure that you prevent gingivitis and white spots or cavities around where your brackets sit. A good quality brush, like a Sonicare, will help you! READ MORE
Can I get dental implants if I have bone loss?
This all depends on your type and extent of bone loss as well as your oral and overall health. I recommend a thorough consult from a well-trained dentist who can guide you through your options. READ MORE
Can general dentists do bone grafts?
A general dentist can do bone grafts, as long as they have had the proper training. READ MORE
How do I know if my tooth infection is spreading?
If you know you have an infection, it should be treated as soon as possible. When infections spread, including dental infections, you often see swelling throughout the area and increased pain. These can sometimes become very dangerous and you should be evaluated by a dental or medical professional as soon as you can to determine the origin, the extent, and the best treatment. READ MORE
How often should you get a deep cleaning with implants?
The frequency in which you should get a professional cleaning completely depends on your overall and periodontal health status. Everyone is different. Your dentist can and should evaluate your status and provide the best recommendation, whether it be every 3, 4, 6, or 12 months. Do not delay. READ MORE
How long does a tooth extraction and bone graft take to stop hurting?
Healing time for any surgical procedure depends on the patient's medical background and history as well as the procedure itself and materials used. I will typically tell patients that the area can be sore for up to 3-4 weeks, with the most pain and soreness occurring within the first 3-5 days. READ MORE
What is a good natural mouthwash?
It depends on what you are trying to achieve with your mouthwash and your current state of oral health and oral microbiome. Mouthwashes are a great adjunct to add an antimicrobial effect, relieve symptoms of dry mouth, or add additional fortification of your enamel, but it really depends on the person. The mechanical removal of bacteria and plaque by quality brushing and flossing should be the first priority, and then a mouthwash that fits your specific needs following that can be selected for your needs. Thank you! READ MORE

Faculty Titles & Positions

Clinical Faculty University of Maryland Dental School 2021 - Present

Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors

Helping Up Mission

Fellowships

Academy for General Dentistry

Philanthropic Initiatives

For every new patient we see in our office, we sponsor a week's worth of packed lunches for individual's going through The Helping Up Mission's work placement program.