Dr. Hans-Peter Schäfer

Dr. Hans-Peter Schäfer is the visiting senior endodontist at WeCare Dental Clinic in Antalya. His primary practice is in Munich, Germany, where he has run a specialist endodontics referral practice since 2003 — handling cases referred by general dentists across Bavaria. He visits WeCare Antalya regularly to lead complex root canal and re-treatment cases that require microscope-guided endodontic expertise.

Dr. Schäfer graduated from Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (LMU) in 1998 — one of Germany's leading dental schools — and completed a three-year endodontics fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (2000-2003). The Penn program is among the world's top endodontic specialty training centres, with a focus on microscope-guided protocols and complex re-treatment cases.

Specialty Areas

Microscope-Guided Single-Visit Root Canal

The standard of care in modern endodontics is single-visit treatment under high-magnification microscope. Dr. Schäfer performs all WeCare endodontic cases under a Zeiss surgical microscope (4× to 25× magnification) — the same equipment used at top European endodontic specialty clinics. This level of magnification is essential for:

Locating MB2 canals in upper molars (often missed by general dentists)

Identifying calcified canal entrances in older patients

Removing fractured instruments left by previous practitioners

Confirming complete cleaning of all canal walls before obturation

Re-treatment of Failed Root Canals

Dr. Schäfer's referral practice in Munich specialises in re-treatment cases — patients whose previous root canal failed (apical infection, recurring pain, fistula formation). Re-treatment is significantly more complex than primary endodontics:

Old gutta-percha must be completely removed

Missed canal anatomy identified and treated

Fractured instruments retrieved or bypassed

Perforations sealed with bioceramic materials

His re-treatment success rate is documented at 87% — well above industry average for these challenging cases.

Complex Endodontic Anatomy

Some teeth have anatomical variations that make root canal treatment difficult: extra canals (4-canalled molars), severely curved roots, dilacerations, internal resorption, calcified pulp chambers in older patients. Dr. Schäfer has the experience and equipment to handle these variations.

Reciproc Blue Endodontic System

Dr. Schäfer uses the Reciproc Blue NiTi reciprocating file system from VDW (Munich, Germany) — premium German endodontic instrumentation that significantly reduces file fracture risk compared to older rotary systems. Combined with microscope guidance and proper irrigation protocol (sodium hypochlorite + EDTA), the success rates exceed 95% for primary cases.

Bioceramic Obturation

For canal sealing (obturation), Dr. Schäfer uses BioRoot Flow bioceramic sealer — a calcium silicate-based material with significant advantages over traditional zinc oxide eugenol sealers: better bond to dentin, antibacterial properties, biocompatibility with peri-radicular tissues. This is particularly important for re-treatment cases where the canal has been previously infected.

Cases Dr. Schäfer Handles Personally

International patients flying to WeCare specifically for endodontic treatment book Dr. Schäfer's specialty appointments:

Re-treatment of failed root canals from previous clinics

Complex anatomical cases (4-canalled molars, calcified canals)

Apical surgery (apicoectomy) for cases that cannot be re-treated through the crown

Microscope-guided cleaning of internal resorption defects

Combined endodontic-restorative cases (root canal followed by post-and-core and crown)

Patient Experience

Dr. Schäfer's clinical style is methodical, calm, and explicitly explanatory. He shows patients their X-rays and microscope views (via screen share during the procedure) and explains exactly what is being done at each stage. Many patients comment that this is the first time they have actually understood what root canal treatment involves.

His German-language fluency makes him the natural choice for German-speaking patients seeking specialist endodontic care, but he speaks excellent English with all WeCare international patients regardless of origin.

Travel Schedule

Dr. Schäfer visits WeCare Antalya for typically 5-7 days per month, scheduled in advance. International patients booking specialty endodontic treatment are scheduled to coincide with his visits. We confirm his exact travel dates when you book.

Continuing Education

Dr. Schäfer is an active member of ESE, DGEndo, and AAE (International). He attends the ESE Biennial Congress, DGEndo annual meeting, and AAE Annual Session regularly, and has presented at several DGEndo regional meetings on re-treatment outcomes.

Booking with Dr. Schäfer

For root canal treatment, re-treatment of failed canals, or complex endodontic cases, send your X-ray and any prior treatment records to WhatsApp +90 551 086 83 68. Note that you are requesting Dr. Schäfer specifically. We coordinate his next available specialty appointment with your travel dates.

Частые вопросы

How often does Dr. Schäfer visit WeCare Antalya?↓

Approximately 5-7 days per month, with dates scheduled in advance. We coordinate his exact visits with your travel dates when you book specialty endodontic treatment. If your case is urgent, we can sometimes arrange dedicated trips.

Why see a specialist endodontist instead of a general dentist?↓

Endodontic specialists have 2-3 years of additional residency training beyond general dentistry, work under surgical microscope routinely, and handle complex anatomy that general dentists refer out. Success rates for complex cases are measurably higher with specialist care.

Will Dr. Schäfer save my tooth?↓

When endodontic treatment is appropriate, yes. He sometimes recommends extraction + implant when the tooth structure is too compromised — and he will tell you honestly. Saving a natural tooth is generally preferred over extraction when feasible, but not at any cost.

Is microscope-guided treatment really better?↓

Measurably yes. Studies show 15-20% higher success rates for microscope-guided cases vs unaided endodontics, primarily due to better canal location and complete cleaning. For re-treatment cases the difference is even larger.

How long does a Dr. Schäfer root canal take?↓

Single-visit treatment is typically 60-120 minutes for primary cases, 120-180 minutes for complex re-treatment. Most patients fly home the same day. Crown placement (if needed) is scheduled separately at WeCare with our prosthodontic team.

Does Dr. Schäfer speak German?↓

Yes, German is his native language. He treats German-speaking patients in German and conducts all clinical communication in their preferred language when possible. English is also fluent.