Dr. Bahare Azar

I was drawn to the precision of this specialisation and the fact that no two cases are exactly alike. Endodontics requires patience, concentration and the ability to find solutions in situations where every detail can make a difference.

After more than 16 years’ experience, my greatest motivation remains the same: to save teeth that might otherwise be lost and to restore the patient’s comfort, functionality and confidence. One of the most rewarding moments is when a patient walks into the clinic feeling anxious and leaves feeling calm, pain-free and with their own tooth preserved.

Modern endodontic treatment is very different from the image many patients still have of it from the past. Carried out under anaesthesia, using a microscope and the latest technology, root canal treatment is a precise, controlled procedure and, in most cases, a comfortable one for the patient. Its aim is to eliminate pain and treat infection, not to cause an unpleasant experience.

I like to explain each stage in a way the patient can understand and answer all their questions before we begin. Fear often stems from the unknown. When the patient knows what to expect, understands why the treatment is necessary and feels that they are being listened to, their anxiety decreases considerably.

The microscope provides much better visibility and allows the identification of details that might go unnoticed to the naked eye: additional canals, cracks, calcifications, perforations, fractured instruments or the causes of a previous unsuccessful endodontic treatment.

It is particularly valuable in complex cases and in retreatment. The microscope does not replace the dentist’s experience; however, when used in conjunction with clinical training and judgement, it can make the difference between losing a tooth and saving it. For me, using it means greater precision and the ability to provide treatment that is as predictable as possible.

The most difficult cases are usually endodontic retreatments and those involving complex root anatomy. Challenges may include calcified canals, fractured instruments, persistent infections, perforations or extensive lesions.

In such situations, the experience gained over more than 16 years at DENT ESTET, patience, careful analysis of diagnostic findings and the use of modern technology are essential. Complex cases do not allow for standard solutions; every decision must be responsibly tailored to the patient’s specific circumstances and the actual prognosis for the tooth.
 

Over the years I have come across many memorable cases, but the ones that move me the most are those in which patients arrive convinced that extraction is the only solution. When the indication is correct and the biological conditions allow it, endodontic treatment and appropriate restoration can keep the tooth functional for a long time.

For me, the greatest satisfaction is seeing a patient again years later and finding that the treated tooth is still healthy and functional. This is the true success of endodontic treatment: not just the immediate relief from pain, but the long-term stability of the result.

Modern technology has significantly transformed endodontics. The microscope, three-dimensional imaging techniques such as CBCT, apex locators and modern rotary instruments help us to diagnose more accurately, work with greater precision and plan difficult cases more effectively.

However, technology remains a tool. The final outcome depends on the dentist’s experience, training, attention to detail and clinical judgement. For the patient, the combination of experience and technology means a more carefully controlled treatment and a better chance of preserving the natural tooth.

The most common mistake is to put off seeing a dentist, in the hope that the pain will go away on its own. Sometimes the pain does ease off temporarily, but the infection may continue to spread deeper into the body. Another mistake is self-medication, particularly taking antibiotics without a doctor’s advice, which can mask the symptoms without addressing the cause.

The sooner the patient sees a dentist, the greater the chances that the tooth can be treated and saved. Early diagnosis can mean simpler treatment, a better prognosis and the avoidance of complications.

Endodontics is an important stage, but not always the final stage of treatment. Long-term success also depends on the correct restoration of the tooth, periodontal health and its integration into the overall treatment plan.

The fact that I also hold a Master’s degree in Implantology gives me an interdisciplinary perspective and helps me to fully understand both the value of preserving the natural tooth and the situations in which it can no longer be saved under predictable conditions. Collaboration between the endodontist, prosthodontist, periodontist, surgeon and the attending dentist is essential for making the right decision and achieving a stable outcome.

Prevention is always the best solution. I recommend good oral hygiene, regular dental check-ups and treating tooth decay at an early stage. Persistent sensitivity, pain when chewing, spontaneous pain or changes in the colour of a tooth should not be ignored.

A timely consultation can halt the progression of a problem before it reaches the tooth’s nerve. And when endodontic treatment is nevertheless necessary, early intervention increases the chances of a good outcome.

I think what patients appreciate most is that I listen to them first and foremost. Many come to see a dentist feeling anxious or following difficult experiences, and before any treatment begins, they need to feel that they are understood and that they are given clear explanations.

I don’t rush this stage, because trust is built before treatment begins. I want the patient to feel that they can ask anything, that decisions are made together, and that every recommendation is centred on their health.

One of the nicest things I hear is: ‘I didn’t think it could be so easy.’ Many patients come in convinced that root canal treatment will be painful or very difficult, and afterwards they tell me that the experience was completely different from what they had imagined.

For me, this is an important goal: to change perceptions of endodontic treatment and to offer every patient an experience where medical expertise, calmness and empathy go hand in hand.

In my spare time, I like to spend as much time as possible with my family. Travelling, sport and spending time in nature help me to maintain my balance and energy.

One of my less common passions is putting together and collecting jigsaw puzzles. It’s an activity that relaxes me and, in a way, resembles what I enjoy in my profession: patience, attention to detail and the satisfaction of seeing the complete picture. I also enjoy cooking, especially when I can share the time spent in the kitchen with family and friends.