Locations
SELMER SMILES
SELMER, TN
My office hours
Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Show morePhone
Practice website
Insurances accepted
Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Tennessee
Office
SELMER, TN
About
Bio
I practice in a small town in West Tennessee. I commute by recumbent bicycle several days a week. I try to eat as a vegan, though just being a vegetarian in my area is tough. I am a life-long learner of more than my profession of dentistry. I serve my profession through active participation on the AGD board. I serve my church family by singing in the choir and being an active deacon. I serve my community by being on the Arts board. I believe in helping others when I can and these pats on the back are hard to elicit.
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.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Endodontics
Orthodontics
Pediatric Dentistry
Prosthodontics
Languages spoken
English
Doctor Q&A
179 Answers
130 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Early decay: White patches at the gum line are usually the result of poor hygiene ..It is a decalcification of the enamel, the first stage of decay. You need a de... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Good, but ......: It will work, but the decision about which antibiotic is best is based on an exam, history, other factors. The antibiotic you suggest may be too much,... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
3.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Normally bottom firs: Lower incisors normal first
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 59-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
First determine need: You do not need to supplement, unless a need is diagnosed. Some physicians will test for you , but a naturopathic physician may be more in tune with ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
YES read studies: There have been several noted studies on the benefit of a vegan-like diet. Read the okinawa study, the china study, dr dean ornish --the spectrum, dr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Possible apthae: Apthous ulcers may be what you have. They sometimes start clear and get painful. Cortisone rinses are helpful, but require a prescription and a visit ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 54-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Does sound like it: Dry mouth can cause what you describe. The lip corner is call 'angular cheilosis'. Multiple medication can cause the dry mouth. There are dry mouth su... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Seek care ASAP: The yellow tongue is not good. Check your eyes also. Add the other symptoms, and a soon scheduled trip to a physician is needed. Blood tests an a thor... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Could be TMD: Temporal mandiblar disorder can have headaches associated with it. The area you describe can sometimes be a 'trigger point' for the disease.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Rinse and dry: Any toothbrush should rinsed and allowed to dry between uses.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 59-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Many options: There are many types of bone grafts on the market. An oral surgeon is a place to start. Some dentists and prosthodontists can build an appliance to re... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Either can : It depends on the location, duration, size, source of the cellulitis. A tooth ache has the reputation of being one of the worst pains that a human ca... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
May not: Some blisters are recurrent, and come back. The blisters have to be seen to make a diagnosis. If you wait, and then go to a provider, then you may not... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Could be a source: The other spices in the curry are a key also as there are many different spices added in different regions. So check all of the ingredients to better ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Pericoronitis : Exam needed. But sounds like a pericoronitis, which is a swelling like you describe around a partially erupted wisdom tooth. The size , duration, shap... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Usually normal: Red bumps at the back of the tongue can be normal anatomy . If they are enlarged, then diet or hygiene can be an issue. See a provider to get a diffe... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Many factors : You have to consider many factors. 1. Location 2. Impacted? 3. Infected 4. Complicated pregnancy ? 5. Predicted difficulty of extraction -- surgic... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
May be cracked tooth: It sounds like a 'cracked tooth'. Please find a dentist for an x-ray, exam , and diagnosis. It can get much worse, so don't delay.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Tylenol (acetaminophen). ibuprofen: If you are otherwise healthy, no other major medications, then you can try Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen at the same time. Try moist heat, limit light ,... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
depends on anatomy: The surgical technique depends on your specific anatomy in the area. Sometimes the attachment is higher on the tongue, others the tissue adjacent to t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Developing infection: May be developing what is called pericoronitis........Which is an infection around a partially erupted tooth . Seek a dentist or oral surgeon.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 28-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Rugae or torus : It is probably normal anatomy of the palate. Rugae are in the anterior one third. A torus is usually more in the middle. See a dentist for confirmatio... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 26-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Salivary stone: Did anyone mention a salivary stone or clogged salivary duct to the parotid gland. ? Sounds like you need another opinion from an oral surgeon. Dyes c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 28-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Must be seen to know: Who made the diagnosis of mucoceles ? They are clogged ducts of minor glands that cannot drain. Someone -- a dentist or physician. Needs to see you.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 22-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Takes time to regain: The key to your question is a month of antibiotics, which could have changed your 'normal flora' of bacteria on your tongue and in your gut. It takes ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Get care ASAP: You need to get to an oral surgeon or ENT soon, especially if you are a tobacco user, think cancer as worst-case-scenario reason for not waiting
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 25-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Seek medical care: The TMJ can be included as a symptom in many systemic diseases. It appears that the TMJ may be just added to your other symptoms when you seek the car... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 59-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Yes: The exposed roots can benefit from the Fluoride supplements. There are both prescription and otc Fluoride products available. The prescription items h... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Medicine or disease: A dry mouth may be related to multiple or specific medications, such as blood pressure meds. There are some diseases that can cause it--see a physicia... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
OTC guard: There are many otc guards available today at drug stores or online. They help many people. A sports guard can even help. Professional by a dentist is ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Try legumes: It depends on how raw your diet is. Nut butters nuts. Seeds. Legumes are all good protein sources.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Less processed food: You may have an unhealthy vegan diet if you add too many processed foods. Granted , they may be better than non vegan choices. Using whole foods whene... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Depends on face: Other facial proportions play a significant role in esthetics of front teeth, the gum tissue , lip line, so it depends. Longer teeth usually look bett... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 23-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Depends: It depends on the occlusion--how the other teeth fit against this one. It depends on your hygiene. A veneer is an option, but much more expensive. Ask... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Tongue Thrusting: Could be tongue thrusting, considering the duration. You may have other habits that the doctors may miss. Your occlusion needs to be checked, sleepin... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Allergic reaction?: You need to check for a possible food or medication allergy, log longevity of symptoms, onset, recurrence, take photos. Start with md or dermatologist... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Yes: Inflammation and circulation issue in the region can be a factor
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
2.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
If done correctly: A vegan diet is beneficial to all age groups, but it must be done correctly. Believe it or not-------there are even bad vegan diets!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Rare to have pain: It is rare to have pain from an ian injection. A paresthesia is more likely but still rare pain is more likely from injecting through a muscle adjac... 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. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Yes and no: The lower central incisors are first, then the maxillary central incisors. You need an exam by a dentist or pediatric dentist. There are rare conditio... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Probably a hydrocele: A hydrocele is a clogged serous gland, not draining fully and resulting in the clear fluid. A dental visit will verify what it is, but it may be gone ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Ck sinus and throat : Odors also come from the sinus and throat. Even if u clean and have gum disease there can still be odor. Some diets can have lingering odors. Garlic ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Options: There are many ways to "pack' a socket, depends on the Dr, experience, materials used,etc. For a more severe dry socket, the site should be anesthetiz... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Can take 4-6 weeks: It depends on how deep the cavity was, which tooth, what material was used--many factors.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Yes: At 41 you need to seriously consider removal, but be aware of added medical risks at your age. Please choose your provider carefully for experience a... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 58-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Many false opinions: Being vegan is tough, as most people do not understand the concept. Too much of anything can be bad for you, so a balanced vegan diet is needed. So ju... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.6k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Not uncommon: A provisional restoration is usually done when the patient does not have the time or money to do a more permanent restoration. A provisional is someti... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 17-year-old female asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Not abnormal: The local anesthetic can sometimes cause flushing. Pain in the middle of the jaw is most likely referred pain from the surgical site. You've had surge... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 17-year-old male asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Sinus, TMD, bruxing: You may have impacted wisdom teeth causing the pain. Sinus pain can hurt the teeth. Tmd can hurt like this. An exam with a differential diagnosis is... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Ron E. Bellanswered
Cosmetic Dentistry 47 years experience
Age,hygiene,diet: Age, diet , and hygiene are major factors in some sources of bad breath. Sinus issues can cause malodor. The usual source is improper or infrequent br... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >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.
4
Recommendations
228
Thank you notes
Mar 19, 2015
Great Dentist!!!
HealthTap member
Mar 2, 2018
Love this guy! Recommend him to everyone. He and his office staff were so very nice to me, I went in with tears. My entire face hurt, turned out along with SEVERAL autoimmune issues I also had- TMJ, T...Read More
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Bell is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! Will go to help office Monday for referral and acceptance to free clinic in town. Taking Keflex and Tylenol prescribed by er. Thank You! :)
HealthTap member
Thank you. I'm pretty overweight so it's something they don't feel when palate. Thus, my diagnosis is somatoform disorder. Ill try ur advice
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful! Wow, that was very helpful! I will make sure to follow your advice!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE
Graduated 1976MD
Awards
FAGD
MAGD - Master of Academy of General Dentistry
Top Doctor, Second Place, Memphis, TN - Winter
2013
Affiliations
ADA - Member AGD
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions, provide medical advice, write prescriptions, and more.
Answer emailed
in 24 hours or less
