Dr. Shelina Firoz Harji – Dentist | Burnaby, BC

Dr. Shelina Firoz Harji is a Dentist. Practicing at a dentist practice in Burnaby, BC, Dr. Harji is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Harji 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. Harji 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. Harji 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 the clinic.

Dr. Shelina Firoz Harji earned a Dental Degree. With over 26 years of practice since 1999, Dr. Harji has cultivated extensive clinical experience. Dr. Harji is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. This commitment ensures that Dr. Harji remains at the forefront of advancements in dental techniques and technologies, consistently delivering the highest standard of care to their patients.

Key aspects of Dr. Harji's dental practice philosophy include: a strong emphasis on preventative dentistry and patient education to help maintain lifelong oral health; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients. Dr. Harji is fluent in English and also offers consultations in Gujrati.

Dr. Shelina Firoz Harji 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): Identifying and treating cavities to prevent further decay, toothache, and potential tooth loss.

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: Providing prompt care to manage sensitivity or discomfort from a lost restoration and prevent further tooth damage.

Common Dental Issues

• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Toothache & Dental Pain (General): General discomfort or aching in the teeth or jaws needing professional assessment to determine the cause.
• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Sensitive Teeth (Dentin Hypersensitivity): Experiencing sharp pain or discomfort in teeth when exposed to hot, cold, sweet, or acidic foods and drinks, or even cold air.

Preventative Oral Health Topics

• Questions about Dental Products (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, etc.): Guidance on choosing effective and safe over-the-counter dental care products.
• Need for Routine Dental Check-up & Cleaning: Understanding the importance of routine examinations and professional cleanings for long-term dental wellness.
• Concerns about Oral Hygiene Practices: Wanting to ensure their home care routine is effective in preventing cavities and gum disease.

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

• Oral Hygiene Instruction (Brushing & Flossing Techniques): Empowering patients with the skills and knowledge needed for effective daily oral care routines.
• Inlays & Onlays (Partial Crowns): Conservative and durable restorations used to repair teeth with moderate decay or damage that is too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to require a full coverage crown.
• Dental Bridges (Fixed Partial Dentures): Fixed prosthetic solutions designed to effectively fill the gap left by missing teeth, thereby improving chewing ability, speech, and overall smile appearance.
• Consultation & Treatment Planning: Personalized consultations to discuss your dental concerns, treatment options, answer your questions, and develop a tailored treatment plan.
• Surgical Extractions (Less Complex Cases - e.g., Sectioning, Erupted Wisdom Teeth): Extraction of teeth that are not straightforward to remove due to their position, root morphology, or condition, performed within the scope of general dental practice and comfort level.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Harji. 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. Shelina Firoz Harji adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in BC and standards of The British Columbia College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP).

At Dr. Shelina Firoz Harji'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. Harji frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• For those affected by a persistent toothache that just wouldn't quit for them, Dr. Harji provides solutions that lead to no longer experiencing annoying food impaction between their teeth after restorative treatment. This renewed health and confidence often translates to a joyful return to no longer needing to take frequent pain medication for dental issues.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for wanting to learn the best and most effective way to clean around their existing dental bridge, implants, or orthodontic appliances at Dr. Harji's practice is consistently achieving gaining clarity about their child's future orthodontic needs and the optimal timing for any potential treatment. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as no longer having to worry about a loose crown or bridge when they are out.
• When a new or changing bump, swelling, or unusual growth on their gums or oral tissues that they were worried about starts to interfere with daily life, such as affecting their ability to playing a wind instrument with ease and comfort, Dr. Harji and the team work collaboratively with patients. Success is marked by their child's dental emergency being handled swiftly and compassionately, minimizing distress and a return to comfort and confidence.
• For patients where their gums feeling generally puffy, looking a bit darker red than usual, or exhibiting other signs of inflammation is a primary concern, Dr. Harji focuses on creating personalized treatment plans that culminate in transitioning from a removable partial denture to a more permanent and comfortable tooth replacement option. This directly supports and enhances their ability to fully their ability to taste and appreciate food fully, unmarred by dental pain or infection.

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

Dr. Harji's practice, a dental office in Burnaby, is situated in the Central Burnaby, BCIT Area neighborhood of Burnaby. The clinic is conveniently located near Commercial Corridor and is accessible via TransLink (SkyTrain Expo/Millennium Lines, Bus). Ample parking is generally available close to the dental office; please observe local signage.

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

Typically, a referral is not required to schedule an appointment with a general dentist. Patients are welcome to contact our clinic directly to arrange their visit with Dr. Harji.

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

For most patients, check-ups and cleanings every six months are recommended for preventative care. However, Dr. Harji will recommend a personalized schedule based on your individual oral health needs, risk factors for cavities or gum disease, and any existing conditions. For example, some patients 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. Following Dr. Harji's specific recommendation is crucial for optimal oral health.

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, such as for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments. Dr. Harji 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).

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 groups (e.g., children from low-income families). It's essential to verify your eligibility for any public coverage and check your private dental insurance details before treatment.

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

Your first visit will involve a comprehensive dental examination, including 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. Harji will discuss their findings, address your concerns, and create a personalized treatment plan if needed. A professional cleaning will often be performed or scheduled.

245-4800 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC, V5H 4J2

Phone: (604) 439-7744

Dr. Shelina Firoz Harji 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. Harji 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.