Dr. Erin Carla Short – Dentist | Victoria, BC

Dr. Erin Carla Short is a Dentist. Practicing at Cordova Bay Dental in Victoria, BC, Dr. Short is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Short is licensed by The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in BC. Dr. Short provides a wide range of dental services for patients of all ages, including preventative care, routine check-ups, cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canal treatments (non-specialist), and basic extractions, focused on maintaining overall oral health. Dr. Short serves patients of all ages, from newborns and infants through to children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. For patient convenience, direct billing to many major dental insurance plans may be available at Cordova Bay Dental.

Dr. Erin Carla Short earned a Dental Degree. With over 36 years of practice since 1989, Dr. Short has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Short is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Short remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, allowing them to offer patients the most effective and comfortable treatments available.

Key aspects of Dr. Short's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient. Dr. Short provides consultations in English.

Dr. Erin Carla Short provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Addressing aggressive tooth decay in toddlers and preschoolers with tailored treatment and parental education.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Wanting to understand which dental products are best for their specific oral health needs or conditions.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Looking for professional guidance on best practices for maintaining a clean and healthy mouth.

Common Dental Issues

• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Persistent unpleasant breath odor often linked to oral hygiene issues, gum disease, dry mouth, or other dental conditions.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Experiencing a persistent lack of saliva, leading to discomfort, difficulty swallowing, and increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Minor to moderate fractures or chips in teeth due to injury or wear, requiring restorative repair.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Initial therapy for periodontitis, including professional cleaning and strategies to control bacterial infection below the gumline.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Inflammation of the gums characterized by redness, swelling, and bleeding, often caused by plaque buildup; reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Short. If your specific oral health concern isn't listed, please contact the clinic to discuss your needs and appropriate treatment options.

• Denture Adjustments, Repairs & Relines: Essential maintenance services to extend the life and performance of your dentures, ensuring they continue to serve you well and comfortably.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Gentle and efficient extraction of problematic teeth when deemed necessary to maintain overall oral health, resolve infection, or alleviate persistent pain.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.
• Comprehensive Dental Examinations: In-depth examinations using diagnostic tools to evaluate your dental health and detect problems at their earliest stages.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Short. Not all services may be listed, and the suitability of any treatment depends on individual assessment. For a comprehensive understanding or to discuss your specific dental needs, please schedule a consultation.

All dental services by Dr. Erin Carla Short adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

At Cordova Bay Dental, the focus is on partnering with you to achieve significant improvements in your oral health, address your specific dental concerns, and help you attain your desired smile. Dr. Short frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• The primary focus for patients seeking help for needing a substantial amount of dental work done and feeling quite overwhelmed by the prospect at Dr. Short's practice is consistently achieving the gap between their front teeth being attractively closed, boosting their confidence. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as singing their favorite songs with gusto, whether in a choir or just for fun.
• Patients frequently come to Dr. Short with concerns about noticing a concerning dark spot on one of their teeth, possibly a cavity. By working together as a team, they typically aim for and achieve a noticeable improvement or elimination of persistent bad taste in their mouth, making a positive and lasting return to waking up feeling refreshed, without jaw soreness or tension from nighttime grinding not just possible, but highly feasible.
• If needing urgent treatment for an infected or abscessed tooth to avoid losing it and to relieve severe pain is preventing you from fully enjoying being able to use their teeth for all normal functions without a second thought or causing discomfort, Dr. Short offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their child's toothache being resolved, and the tooth saved with appropriate treatment through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• If a wisdom tooth starting to cause significant pain, pressure, or signs of infection is proving to be a significant barrier to your daily comfort or confidence, Dr. Short develops targeted strategies aimed squarely at achieving the beautiful, confident smile they had always desired through cosmetic dentistry. This careful approach facilitates your ability to once again fully enjoy feeling that their investment in cosmetic or restorative dentistry was truly worthwhile for their self-esteem.

Your personalized dental treatment plan, developed in consultation with Dr. Short, will be carefully designed to help you reach your specific functional, aesthetic, and overall wellness objectives. Dr. Short is committed to empowering patients with the information and high-quality care needed to achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile for life.

Cordova Bay Dental, Dr. Short's practice, is situated in a well-regarded dental office in the Victoria neighborhood of Victoria. The clinic is conveniently located near a major north-south route and is accessible via the Victoria Regional Transit System (BC Transit). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Short typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Short is the primary dental care provider for patients of all ages, offering a wide range of services. These include preventative care (check-ups, cleanings, X-rays, fluoride treatments, dental sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may also offer cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or bonding. Dr. Short also provides valuable education on maintaining good oral hygiene and refers patients to specialists when more complex care is needed.

I'm very anxious about dental visits. Does Dr. Short offer any sedation options?

Dr. Short and the team at Cordova Bay Dental are committed to making your dental experience as comfortable as possible. While we may not offer extensive sedation options in-house, please discuss any anxieties you have with Dr. Short. They can explore various comfort measures and relaxation techniques, and if necessary, can refer you to a colleague or specialist who provides sedation services.

Are dental X-rays safe, and how often are they needed?

Dental X-rays are very safe, especially modern digital X-rays which use minimal radiation. Protective lead aprons are used to minimize any potential exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Short will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Medical Services Plan (MSP) of BC in BC?

In BC, provincial health plans like the Medical Services Plan (MSP) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics. Some limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket, through private dental insurance plans (often provided by employers), or through government assistance programs for eligible individuals (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits). It's essential to check your specific coverage and plan details before treatment.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Short at Cordova Bay Dental?

At your first appointment, you'll fill out a medical history form and discuss any dental concerns or goals with Dr. Short. A thorough examination of your mouth will follow, including digital X-rays if needed. Dr. Short will then explain their findings and any recommended treatment options. It's a great opportunity to ask questions.

What should I do if I have a dental emergency outside of Cordova Bay Dental's regular office hours?

For life-threatening emergencies (severe bleeding, difficulty breathing due to swelling), go to the nearest hospital emergency department or call 911. For urgent, non-life-threatening issues (severe toothache, knocked-out tooth, abscess), call Cordova Bay Dental's main number at (250) 544-3446. Our voicemail may provide instructions for emergency contact or direct you to an emergency dental service.

How often should I (or my child) visit Dr. Short for a check-up and cleaning?

Generally, check-ups and cleanings are recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Short will personalize your schedule based on your individual needs, risk factors, and existing conditions. Some patients may need more frequent visits.

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Short?

No, you don't need a referral to see a general dentist. You can book an appointment directly with Cordova Bay Dental.

Cordova Bay Dental
101A-5118 Cordova Bay Road
Victoria, BC, V8Y 2K5

Phone: (250) 544-3446

Dr. Erin Carla Short is a licensed Dentist in BC, regulated by The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP) under the Health Professions Act (British Columbia).

Registration can typically be verified through the website of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Short and the team are committed to providing you with comprehensive dental care. If you have a dental emergency, please contact the clinic promptly. For after-hours emergencies that are life-threatening, proceed to the nearest hospital emergency department.