Short & Short DDS

We would like to extend a warm welcome to our practice! We are delighted that you have chosen us to provide dental care for your child. We value the trust you have placed in us and are committed to providing the highest quality of care to promote a lifetime of healthy, happy smiles for your child. Our practice is dedicated to comprehensive and preventive dental care for children and adolescents. We believe that education is a crucial part of oral health, and we strive to empower our patients and their parents with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their dental care.

Meet Our Dentists

Our team is led by Dr. Brian C. Short and Dr. George M. (Mike) Short, who are both highly skilled and experienced pediatric dentists. They have completed additional training beyond dental school to specialize in the unique needs of children and adolescents. They are committed to providing compassionate and personalized care to every patient and strive to create a positive and enjoyable dental experience for all.

Services Offered

We offer a comprehensive range of dental services tailored to the needs of children and adolescents. Our services include:

• Hospital/General Anesthesia: Sometimes it is necessary for a child to be unconscious in order for the dentist to safely complete needed dental treatment. We provide hospital and general anesthesia services in a safe and controlled environment.
• Preventive Care: Preventive care is the foundation of our practice. We believe that regular dental visits, oral hygiene education, and fluoride treatments can help prevent dental problems and promote a lifetime of good oral health.
• Restorative Care: We provide a range of restorative services, including fillings, crowns, and pulpotomies, to restore the health and function of damaged teeth.
• Sedation Dentistry: We understand that some children may feel anxious or scared about dental procedures. We offer sedation dentistry options, including nitrous oxide and oral conscious sedation, to help children feel more relaxed and comfortable during their dental visits.
• Orthodontics: We provide orthodontic services, including braces and Invisalign, to help straighten teeth and improve dental function and aesthetics.

Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist?

Pediatric dentistry is the specialty of dentistry that focuses on the oral health and unique needs of young people. After completing a four-year dental school curriculum, two to three additional years of rigorous training is required to become a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists are trained to understand the distinct needs of children, including their behavior, growth and development, and dental health. They are also trained to provide care in a compassionate and child-friendly environment. Choosing a pediatric dentist ensures that your child receives the highest level of dental care tailored to their unique needs.

The First Visit

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child visit the dentist by his or her first birthday or within six months of the first erupting tooth. This first visit is an opportunity for us to get to know your child and for you to learn about dental care for your child. We will provide a thorough examination and discuss any findings with you. We will also provide oral hygiene instruction and answer any questions you may have.

Prevention

Tooth decay is a progressive disease resulting from the interaction of bacteria that naturally occur on the teeth and sugars in the everyday diet. Prevention is key to avoiding tooth decay and promoting good oral health. We recommend regular dental visits, brushing and flossing daily, and a balanced diet low in sugar. We also offer sealants and fluoride treatments to help prevent tooth decay.

About Teeth

Throughout your life, you will have two sets of teeth: primary or "baby" teeth and secondary or permanent teeth. The primary teeth appear at six to eight months and all 20 are in place by age three. Permanent teeth will begin to grow around age six, and except for wisdom teeth, are usually all present between ages twelve and fourteen. Wisdom teeth typically begin breaking through from age seventeen and on. The total number of permanent teeth is 32, though few people have room for all 32 teeth. This is why wisdom teeth are usually removed. The front teeth are called incisors, the sharp "fang" teeth are canines; the next side teeth are referred to as pre-molars or bicuspids and the back teeth are molars.