Ricky Short, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at his clinic in Amarillo, TX. As a trusted local provider on kellysearch.com, he is registered with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and practices under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). He is dedicated to providing comprehensive General Dentistry care, understanding that General Dentists (DDS or DMD) are primary care providers for oral health, focusing on preventative care, diagnosing and treating dental diseases, managing tooth replacement needs, performing oral cancer screenings, and collaborating with primary care physicians to address the connection between oral and overall systemic health. He serves all ages.
Dr. Short's approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (806) 374-8011 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Ricky Short, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Amarillo, TX. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Ricky Short provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Short is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Short's comprehensive approach to general dentistry prioritizes preventative care and the connection between oral and overall health. He provides a full range of services, from routine checkups and cleanings to the diagnosis and treatment of dental diseases, and manages tooth replacement needs. His patient-centered care emphasizes clear communication and a personalized treatment plan to meet each patient's unique needs.
By working together, you and Dr. Short can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Sun Life Financial
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Alliance EPO
- Ameritas
- Ameritas PPO
- Anthem
- BlueCare Dental
- BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
- Connection Dental
- Connection Dental PPO
- Dental
- Dental Choice DPPO
- Dental Complete DPPO
- Dental PPO
- DentalConnect PPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Dominion National
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Guardian
- Humana
- Humana PPO
- Lincoln Financial Group
- Principal Financial Group
- United Concordia Dental
- UnitedHealthCare
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Short offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Hypodontia: Hypodontia is a condition where some adult teeth don't develop, and a general dentist can work with you to figure out the right solutions for a complete and healthy smile.
- Dental Injury: A dental injury is any damage to your teeth, gums, or jaw, and your general dentist can diagnose, treat, and help prevent further problems.
- Traumatic Dental Injuries: Your dentist is trained to manage injuries to the mouth and teeth, from sports accidents to falls, providing emergency care and restoration.
- Dental Trauma: If you've suffered an injury to your mouth, your dentist is the expert to see for diagnosis and treatment of dental trauma.
- Broken Tooth: Don't ignore a broken toothyour dentist can provide effective treatment to save your tooth and prevent more extensive dental work in the future.
- Cracked Tooth: A cracked tooth can be invisible to the naked eye, but your dentist can use advanced tools to find it and fix it before it causes more serious issues like infection or tooth loss.
- Excessive Tooth Wear: Your teeth are wearing down more than they should, possibly from brushing too hard, grinding, or acidic foods and drinks, and a general dentist can diagnose the problem and create a plan to stop further damage and restore your teeth.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Short offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Dental Implant: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed into your jawbone to provide a stable base for replacement teeth.
- Porcelain Crown: A porcelain crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over a damaged tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance.
- Sinus Augmentation: Before getting dental implants in the upper jaw, sinus augmentation may be needed to add bone, creating a stable area for the implants to fuse.
- General Anesthesia: General anesthesia is a medically induced state of deep sleep where you won't feel pain or be aware of what's happening during a dental procedure.
- Impacted Tooth Removal: An impacted tooth, often wisdom teeth, can cause pain, swelling, and infection if not removed; this procedure addresses that.
- Gum Graft Surgery: If your gums have shrunk, exposing tooth roots, a gum graft can help restore gum tissue and prevent further problems.
- Limited Gum Surgery: Limited gum surgery involves minimally invasive techniques to address specific gum problems, leading to better oral health and a healthier mouth.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Short is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis of hypodontia, a patient worked with their dentist to explore various restorative options, ultimately achieving a confident and complete smile. The patient felt empowered by understanding their condition and the available solutions.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan from a general dentist, a patient successfully managed their dental injury, restoring their smile and confidence. The patient felt empowered to prevent future issues by consistently following the recommended oral hygiene routine.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3503 S Soncy Rd, Amarillo, TX, 79119
Phone: (806) 374-8011
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Here are answers to some common questions about receiving General Dentistry care with Dr. Short:
- How is my dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Your oral health is critically linked to your overall health, including your heart. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream, increasing your risk for heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care isn't just about teeth; it's an essential part of maintaining your overall health.
- My medications make my mouth constantly dry. Is this a dental problem?
- Yes, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a common side effect of many medications. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so a dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Short can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth.
- What can I do about sensitive teeth?
- Sensitivity is often caused by receding gums exposing the tooth root or worn-down enamel. Dr. Short can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, apply fluoride treatments, or check for other issues like cavities or cracked teeth that could be causing the sensitivity.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch for a small area of damage, while a crown is like a cap or helmet that covers the entire tooth. Crowns are used when a tooth is significantly damaged, cracked, or has had a root canal, providing extra strength and protection.
- Are dental implants a good option for replacing missing teeth?
- Dental implants are often an excellent long-term solution for replacing missing teeth. They provide a secure foundation for a crown or bridge, restoring a natural look and feel, and can help preserve the jawbone.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Over time, jawbone and gum changes can loosen dentures. A relining procedure can reshape the denture for a better fit, or a new denture may be necessary if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is crucial for comfortable eating and speaking.
- How often should I see the dentist, even if nothing hurts?
- Most people benefit from a checkup and cleaning every six months, even if they don't have any pain. These visits are crucial for preventing problems like tartar buildup, cavities, and gum disease, which can be expensive to treat if left unaddressed.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding when brushing or flossing is usually the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis). This is often reversible with a professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, but if left untreated, it can progress to more serious gum disease.
3503 S Soncy Rd
Amarillo TX 79119
Phone: (806) 374-8011
Ricky Short, DDS is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1861576829
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas State Board of Dental Examiners website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Ricky Short are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.