Dr. Yasmin Azam-Bakhtiar – Dentist | Toronto, ON

Dr. Yasmin Azam-Bakhtiar is a Dentist. Practicing at Toronto Public Health in Toronto, ON, Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar is committed to delivering high-quality, patient-focused dental care. Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar is licensed by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) and adheres to the highest professional and ethical standards of the dental profession in ON. Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar 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. Azam-Bakhtiar 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 Toronto Public Health.

Dr. Yasmin Azam-Bakhtiar earned a Dental Degree from McGill University, graduating in 2017. With over 7 years of practice since 2018, Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar is dedicated to ongoing continuing education to provide up-to-date dental care. Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar's commitment to professional development ensures patients receive the most current and effective dental treatments.

Key aspects of Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar's dental practice philosophy include: tailoring treatment plans to meet the unique needs, goals, and circumstances of each individual patient; providing gentle, compassionate care in a comfortable and reassuring environment, especially for anxious patients; a commitment to utilizing modern dental technology and evidence-based techniques for optimal treatment outcomes. Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar provides consultations in English.

Dr. Yasmin Azam-Bakhtiar provides expert care for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions for patients of all ages, including but not limited to:

Common Dental Issues

• Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Managing dry mouth by identifying potential causes (medications, medical conditions) and recommending saliva substitutes or stimulants.
• Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Teeth: Damage to tooth structure that needs assessment and restoration to prevent further problems.
• Bad Breath (Halitosis) - Dental Causes: Helping patients achieve fresher breath by treating oral conditions that contribute to halitosis.

Tooth Decay Cavities

• Early Childhood Caries (ECC) / Baby Bottle Tooth Decay: Tooth decay in infants and young children, often affecting the upper front teeth, requiring early intervention and preventative strategies.
• Dental Caries (Cavities / Tooth Decay): Restoring teeth affected by decay with appropriate filling materials to maintain oral health.

Gum Disease Initial

• Mild to Moderate Periodontitis (Initial Management by GP): Addressing gum infections that have started to affect the supporting bone, with a focus on halting progression and maintaining teeth.
• Gingivitis (Early Gum Disease): Managing bleeding, swollen, or tender gums through hygiene therapy and patient education.

This list offers some examples of conditions commonly addressed. A comprehensive diagnosis is always based on an individual assessment by Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar. 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.
• Dental Sealants: Application of a thin, protective coating to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars to seal out food particles and bacteria, preventing cavities in deep grooves and pits.
• Tooth-Coloured Fillings (Composite Resin): Metal-free white fillings to restore tooth structure, function, and maintain a natural, healthy-looking smile.
• Dental Crowns (Caps): Placing custom-made dental crowns (caps) to cover, protect, and strengthen damaged, weakened, extensively filled, or root-canal-treated teeth, restoring their original shape, size, and appearance.
• Dental Photography & Intraoral Camera Imaging: High-resolution dental photography for documenting conditions, planning treatments, and tracking progress.

Note: This list highlights some of the key services offered by Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar. 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. Yasmin Azam-Bakhtiar adhere to scope of practice for Dentists in ON and standards of The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO).

At Toronto Public Health, 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. Azam-Bakhtiar frequently works with patients towards outcomes such as:

• Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar provides dedicated support for patients going through a specific tooth being noticeably sensitive to pressure or discomfort when they chewed or bit down on food, always aiming for positive outcomes like their extensive dental work being completed efficiently and comfortably, often with the help of sedation, so they can comfortably and happily return to a full range of activities such as confidently eating sticky or chewy foods without fear of dislodging restorations or dentures.
• The primary focus for patients seeking help for wondering if their child's teeth were erupting in the correct sequence and alignment for their age at Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar's practice is consistently achieving their child's newly erupted molars being protected from decay with dental sealants. This facilitates a confident and meaningful return to valued daily activities such as their child being excited to show off their newly sealed or filled tooth to friends.
• When their gums bleeding a little almost every time they brushed or flossed begins to noticeably impact daily life and well-being, Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar helps patients strive for their knocked-out tooth being successfully reimplanted and saved thanks to prompt emergency care. This makes participating in activities such as actively engaging in conversations without being preoccupied by a dental concern a pleasant and possible experience again.
• If feeling like their jaw was often stiff, sore, or difficult to move freely, especially upon waking in the morning is preventing you from fully enjoying simply relaxing and not having dental pain or problems on their mind constantly or causing discomfort, Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar offers expert dental solutions. The primary aim is to achieve their lost tooth being promptly replaced, preventing undesirable shifting of adjacent teeth and maintaining smile aesthetics through comprehensive and personalized dental care.

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

Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar's practice, Toronto Public Health, is situated in the Garden District, Ryerson neighborhood of Toronto. The clinic is conveniently located near the Art Gallery of Ontario and is accessible via TTC (Subway, Streetcar, Bus). Convenient patient parking is typically available near the clinic.

Is dental treatment generally covered by provincial health plans like Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) in ON?

In Ontario, provincial health plans like OHIP 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 provided by employers), or government assistance programs for eligible groups (e.g., children from low-income families, seniors on specific benefits, social assistance recipients). Programs like Healthy Smiles Ontario provide coverage for eligible children. It is crucial to verify any potential public coverage you may be eligible for and to always check the details of your private dental insurance regarding coverage, co-payments, deductibles, and annual maximums before starting treatment at Toronto Public Health.

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

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

What services does a General Dentist (Dentist) like Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar typically provide?

A General Dentist like Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar 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, sealants), restorative treatments (fillings, crowns, bridges), basic endodontics (root canals on less complex teeth), simple extractions, initial management of gum disease, and may include cosmetic procedures like whitening or bonding. They also provide education on oral hygiene and refer patients to specialists for more complex needs.

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 further minimize exposure. X-rays are only taken when diagnostically necessary (e.g., for new patients, to check for decay between teeth, assess bone health, or plan complex treatments). Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar 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).

What should I expect during my first dental visit with Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar at Toronto Public Health?

At your initial appointment, Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar and the team at Toronto Public Health will focus on getting to know you and your oral health. Expect to fill out a medical history form, have a discussion about any dental issues or goals you have, followed by a detailed examination of your mouth. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a complete picture. Based on this, Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar will explain their assessment and any recommended treatments. It's a great time to ask questions.

What are the common signs of gum disease I should watch out for?

Common signs of gum disease include gums that bleed easily during oral hygiene, appear red or puffy, or feel sore (gingivitis). Persistent bad taste or bad breath can also be a sign. More advanced gum disease (periodontitis) may involve gums pulling away from teeth, noticeable tooth mobility, or discomfort when chewing. Regular dental check-ups with Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar are crucial for early detection and effective treatment.

I experience jaw pain, clicking, and headaches. Can Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar help with TMJ/TMD issues?

Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar can perform an initial assessment of your jaw pain and related symptoms. Depending on the findings and complexity, they may offer some conservative management advice or provide a referral to a dentist or specialist with advanced training in TMJ disorders if more specialized care is indicated.

Do I need a referral to see a general dentist like Dr. Azam-Bakhtiar?

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

Toronto Public Health
80 Bond St, Lower Level
Toronto, ON, M5B 1X2

Phone: (416) 338-0905

Dr. Yasmin Azam-Bakhtiar is a licensed Dentist in ON, regulated by The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 & Dentistry Act, 1991 (Ontario).

License Number: 117544

Verify registration with The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO): https://www.rcdso.org/find-a-dentist/search-results/dentist?id=117544

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