Dr. Jeffrey J. Harder

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

Aesthetic Facial Concerns

• Desire for Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation & Enhancement: Exploring options like neuromodulators and/or dermal fillers, often in combination, to address various signs of facial aging or enhance specific features.
• Dynamic Facial Wrinkles (Frown Lines, Crow's Feet, Forehead Lines): Concerns about the appearance of wrinkles that become noticeable with facial expressions (e.g., frowning, smiling, raising eyebrows), seeking non-surgical treatments like neuromodulators (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®) for a smoother appearance.

Dental Pain Emergency

• Dental Abscess (Localized Infection): Urgent care for dental abscesses to alleviate severe discomfort and prevent serious complications.
• Dental Trauma (e.g., Knocked-out or Dislodged Tooth - Emergency Care): Providing immediate care for teeth that have been knocked out (avulsed), dislodged, or fractured due to an accident or injury, aiming to save the tooth if possible.
• Lost Filling or Crown: Repairing or replacing dental restorations that have failed or been lost.

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Addressing the symptoms and oral health risks associated with chronic dry mouth.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Addressing broken or cracked teeth to restore their form, function, and prevent infection.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): Experiencing pain in or around a tooth, which could indicate various underlying issues requiring diagnosis.

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

• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Comprehensive discussions to ensure you are fully informed and comfortable with your proposed dental treatment.
• Oral Conscious Sedation (Anxiolysis): Prescribing specific oral sedative medication (e.g., a benzodiazepine) to be taken shortly before dental appointments to induce a state of conscious relaxation and significantly reduce anxiety for patients undergoing more extensive, lengthy, or potentially stressful procedures.
• Neuromodulator Treatments (e.g., Botox®, Dysport®, Xeomin®) for Therapeutic & Cosmetic Uses: Administering precise injections of neuromodulators for therapeutic purposes within the dental scope (e.g., reducing muscle activity in chronic migraines, alleviating pain from TMJ disorders/bruxism by targeting masticatory muscles, managing hyperhidrosis in specific areas if trained) or for common cosmetic applications (e.g., smoothing dynamic wrinkles such as frown lines/glabellar lines, forehead wrinkles, and crow's feet around the eyes), based on certified training and provincial regulations.
• Custom Mouthguards (Sports & Night Guards for Bruxism): Personalized protective oral appliances, including athletic guards for impact protection and night guards to alleviate TMJ stress and prevent tooth wear.
• Simple Tooth Extractions (Non-Surgical): Routine removal of teeth that are severely decayed, extensively damaged beyond restoration, very mobile due to advanced gum disease, or for orthodontic purposes, performed under local anesthesia when the tooth is fully erupted and easily accessible.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Harder. 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. Jeffrey J. Harder adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in AB and standards of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).

At Dr. Jeffrey J. Harder's practice, 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. Harder frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• When their current partial or full denture feeling very unstable, loose, or ill-fitting, making it difficult to eat or speak with confidence starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to their child understanding the importance of regular dental check-ups for a lifetime of health, Dr. Harder and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their tooth's extreme sensitivity to cold being resolved after identifying and treating the cause and a return to comfort and confidence.
• If a child in their care who had special healthcare needs (physical, cognitive, or behavioral) and required a particularly patient, understanding, and accommodating dental provider has unfortunately put their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection on hold or made it less enjoyable, Dr. Harder works closely with patients towards attaining the sore spot or ulcer in their mouth healing completely after diagnosis and treatment, effectively helping them regain their previous level of oral function and aesthetic confidence.
• If their jaw making clicking, popping, or grating sounds when they opened their mouth wide or chewed is preventing you from fully enjoying speaking clearly and confidently in professional meetings or social gatherings or causing discomfort, Dr. Harder offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve an impacted tooth being successfully managed or removed, preventing future pain, infection, or damage to other teeth through comprehensive and personalized dental care.
• Dr. Harder expertly assists individuals in navigating the complexities of simply needing a routine, comprehensive dental check-up and a thorough professional cleaning. A successful and well-managed treatment outcome, exemplified by feeling confident in their ability to maintain excellent oral hygiene at home with improved techniques, means they can happily and comfortably get back to getting a full night's sleep without being woken up by a throbbing toothache or jaw pain.

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

Dr. Harder's practice, a dental office in St. Albert, is situated in the St. Albert City neighborhood of St. Albert. The clinic is conveniently located near Servus Credit Union Place (Recreation) and is accessible via St. Albert Transit (StAT) (Local & Commuter to Edmonton). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

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 always used. X-rays are taken only when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Harder will determine the frequency based on your individual oral health, risk factors, and dental history, adhering to guidelines like ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable).

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

No, you generally do not need a referral from a physician or another healthcare provider to see a general dentist like Dr. Harder for a check-up, cleaning, or consultation. You can usually book an appointment directly with the clinic.

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Harder at the clinic?

Your first visit with Dr. Harder will typically involve a comprehensive dental examination. This includes a review of your medical and dental history, a thorough check of your teeth, gums, jaw, and soft tissues (including an oral cancer screening), and any necessary X-rays. Dr. Harder will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and work with you to create a personalized treatment plan if any care is needed. Often, a professional cleaning will also be performed or scheduled during this visit or a subsequent one.

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

For most patients, preventative check-ups and cleanings are generally recommended every 6 months. However, Dr. Harder will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and existing conditions (e.g., some may need visits every 3-4 months if managing active gum disease or at high caries risk, while others with excellent long-term health might have slightly longer intervals). It is important to follow Dr. Harder's specific recommendation.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) in AB?

In Alberta, provincial health plans like the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) typically do NOT cover most routine or major dental procedures performed in private dental clinics for the general population. Some specific, limited dental surgeries performed in a hospital setting might be covered. Most dental care costs are paid out-of-pocket by patients or through private dental insurance plans (often through employers) or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). It's crucial to verify any potential public coverage you might be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance before starting treatment.

540-1115 St Albert Trail
St. Albert, AB, T8N 7X6

Dr. Jeffrey J. Harder is a licensed Dentist in AB, regulated by The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA) under the Health Professions Act (Alberta).

Registration can typically be verified through the website of The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA).

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene are essential for maintaining overall health. Dr. Harder 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.