FAQ

In the early stages, treatment mainly focuses on adjusting lifestyle habits and applying fluoride to promote remineralization. Once decay has spread to the enamel or dentin, we remove only the infected portion and restore the shape and bite with resin, a filling, or a crown. If decay has reached the nerve, we take care in assessing whether the nerve can be preserved, and if necessary strengthen the tooth’s function with root canal treatment and a crown. Based on your specific situation and wishes, we will explain several options and propose a treatment plan that isn’t a strain for you.

Because everyone experiences pain differently, we ask about your concerns, medical history, and any medications you’re taking before starting treatment. For anesthesia, we first use topical anesthetic to numb the mucous membrane, and we pay attention to the injection speed, the temperature of the solution, and the thickness of the needle to reduce discomfort. We keep the amount of tooth we remove to the necessary minimum, and we agree in advance that you can signal at any time if you feel pain or vibration, so we can pause or adjust as needed. Some temporary discomfort may occur after treatment, but it usually eases over time. If you have severe pain or symptoms that last a long time, please contact us as soon as possible.

For a small cavity that can be restored directly with resin, the examination and treatment can sometimes be completed in a single visit. Fillings or crowns that require an impression usually need several visits — for tooth preparation, taking the impression, and fitting. If the decay has reached the nerve, the inside of the tooth needs to be cleaned and disinfected in stages, so several visits may be required. We take into account your pain level, the location of the tooth, and your schedule, and at your first visit we’ll let you know the approximate number of visits and time needed, and propose a plan that isn’t a strain for you.

Resin is covered by insurance and can usually be finished quickly, making it suitable for repairing small cavities. Metal fillings and crowns are excellent in strength, but need some care regarding appearance and how easy they are to keep clean. Ceramic is known for its natural color match and resistance to staining, and it blends well with the surrounding teeth, though depending on the type chosen it may not be covered by insurance. We take into account the location of the tooth, biting force, the size of the cavity, how easy it is to clean, and your budget and wishes, to present several options and explain the advantages and points to note for each.

Whether the nerve can be preserved depends on an overall assessment of the nature of the pain, how the tooth responds to hot and cold, imaging findings, and the degree of bleeding and infection. If preservation looks possible, we may cover the nerve with a protective material and monitor how it progresses, but preserving it when it isn’t viable can lead to pain or recurrence, so careful evaluation is essential. If it can’t be preserved, we clean and seal the inside of the tooth with root canal treatment, then reinforce it afterward with a post and crown. The earlier you come in, the more options tend to be available, so if discomfort continues, please consult us as soon as possible.

Root canal treatment cleans and disinfects the inside of a tooth affected by decay or bacteria, then seals it to prevent reinfection. We take care to keep saliva out during the process, use specialized instruments to clean the inside of the root, rinse with a solution, dry it, and then fill it. A post is then usually placed and a crown fitted to reinforce the tooth. The number of visits needed varies depending on the shape of the root and the extent of the infection. You may feel temporary pain or discomfort during or right after treatment, but it usually settles down over time. Please let us know at any time if you have any concerns.

After treatment, the nerve becomes temporarily more sensitive, so you may notice sensitivity to cold or a throbbing sensation when biting. These symptoms usually ease within a few days to one or two weeks, but if you have severe pain that continues, throbbing at night, or sharp pain when biting, please contact us as soon as possible. We will assess whether a bite adjustment, medication, or additional treatment is needed. At home, please avoid strongly flavored foods and very hard foods, and clean the area gently. If you’re worried about how you’re healing, please contact us anytime rather than waiting for your next appointment.

If you have severe pain or swelling and the situation is urgent, we will provide emergency care regardless of what stage of pregnancy you’re in. Planned treatment will be discussed together based on how you’re feeling, and X-rays, anesthesia, and medication are all kept to the necessary minimum. Please let us know in advance of any medical history or instructions from your obstetrician. Most treatments can still be carried out while breastfeeding, but we take care with the choice of medication and timing of use. We also make accommodations for your position and any smells that may bother you, and use approaches such as breaking treatment into shorter sessions to keep things manageable. Please feel free to discuss any concerns with us.

Please keep a filling that has come out clean, and come in for a visit as soon as possible. Do not use an over-the-counter adhesive yourself, as this can cause poor fit or gum inflammation. Until your visit, avoid chewing hard or sticky food on that side, clean gently, and try to avoid cold stimulation, which can help ease symptoms. If the pain is severe, you may use an over-the-counter pain reliever according to the package directions. If symptoms get worse, swelling appears, or biting causes strong pain, please contact us right away rather than waiting for your scheduled appointment.

Most cavity treatment can be done within the scope of national health insurance, but your out-of-pocket cost will vary depending on the location of the tooth, the extent of the decay, the materials used, and the number of visits. Materials chosen for their appearance or ease of cleaning may sometimes not be covered by insurance. At your first visit, after an examination and diagnosis, we will present several treatment options and explain, in plain terms, the advantages and points to note for each, along with the approximate number of visits and an estimated cost. We can also help you check payment methods and whether you may qualify for a medical expense deduction. We will propose a treatment plan that fits your budget and wishes without being a strain.

Periodontal disease is an infectious condition in which bacteria in dental plaque cause inflammation of the gums, which then gradually destroys the tissue and bone that support the teeth. Unlike cavities, it can progress quietly with almost no noticeable symptoms such as pain, so by the time you notice it, you may already have bleeding or swollen gums, bad breath, loose teeth, or difficulty chewing. Early detection and early treatment are important, so if you notice anything unusual, we recommend coming in for a checkup.

First, to get a full picture of your oral condition, we take X-rays, measure the depth of your periodontal pockets, assess how loose your teeth are, and check for plaque buildup and bleeding. Based on the results, we explain your current risk and how far the disease has progressed, and propose treatment priorities and a plan. Since these same measurements are also used to judge how well treatment is working, we check the same items again at follow-up appointments after treatment.

The basic flow is “examination → basic periodontal treatment → follow-up evaluation → surgical treatment if necessary → maintenance.” Basic treatment includes guidance on plaque control, scaling and root planing, bite adjustment, and correcting poorly fitting restorations, and a follow-up evaluation is then used to check how much improvement there has been. If improvement is insufficient, we consider surgical treatment; once the condition has stabilized, we move on to regular maintenance to help prevent recurrence.

The core of basic periodontal treatment is removing all of the plaque and tartar attached to the tooth surface and beneath the gums. Scaling removes tartar, and root planing then smooths the root surface, creating an environment where bacteria find it harder to attach. At the same time, we help you review your daily self-care to help suppress inflammation from returning and promote healing. We also adjust the bite or any poorly fitting crowns as needed.

If deep periodontal pockets remain after basic treatment, bleeding or swelling continues, or the shape of the bone loss is complex enough to make cleaning and healing difficult, we consider surgical treatment. Surgery allows us to remove all of the source of infection inside the pocket under direct vision, and we combine this with regenerative therapy and other approaches as needed. Whether surgery is appropriate is judged based on examination results and your overall physical condition, and beforehand we take the time to explain the advantages, points to note, and aftercare involved.

Regenerative therapy aims to restore periodontal tissue that has been lost to periodontal disease. Emdogain uses a protein gel to promote regeneration of the alveolar bone and periodontal ligament, while GBR uses a bone graft material together with a barrier membrane to restore bone volume. CTG is a grafting procedure used to improve gum thickness. Whether these methods are suitable depends on factors such as the shape of the bone loss, and some of these treatments are not covered by insurance. Please see the in-clinic fee and indication chart for details.

Most procedures are done under local anesthesia, so pain during the procedure is kept under control. Afterward, you may experience temporary discomfort, mild swelling, or a dull ache, but this usually settles down over time. For patients who are anxious about surgical procedures, we also offer IV sedation, so you can be treated in a relaxed state. Since this varies from person to person, please feel free to discuss any anxiety or pain with us.

Maintenance care centers on regular professional cleanings and optimizing your at-home care. Using interdental brushes and dental floss along with your toothbrush can help reduce the areas you miss when brushing. Improving lifestyle habits (reviewing your snacking and smoking habits and building a habit of chewing well) also helps prevent recurrence. Once treatment has brought inflammation under control, we move on to a maintenance phase, with follow-up visits scheduled at intervals suited to your condition to help keep things stable.

Smoking, an irregular lifestyle, stress, poorly fitting crowns or dentures, teeth grinding or clenching, and overall health conditions such as diabetes or osteoporosis can all be factors that worsen inflammation or hinder healing. Smoking in particular is linked to lower healing rates with regenerative therapy, so we recommend quitting before and after surgery. Improving these factors as much as possible helps stabilize treatment results and prevent recurrence.

Most basic periodontal treatment can be done within the scope of national health insurance, but regenerative therapy and some surgical procedures are not covered by insurance. This page lists the cost, indications and features, an approximate guide to the aftercare support period (including the follow-up system after surgery), and payment methods for each procedure. Before treatment, we explain the cost and pros and cons through several options, so please let us know in advance if you have any questions.

Our clinic offers labial (outer-surface) wire braces, aesthetic brackets that are hard to notice, lingual braces fitted to the back of the teeth, and Invisalign using clear aligners. Wire braces suit a wide range of cases and offer good adjustability; aesthetic brackets stand out for having a metal color that is hard to notice. Lingual braces are difficult for others to spot, but can sometimes affect pronunciation or cause a sense of a foreign object in the mouth. Invisalign is hard to notice and moves the teeth gradually according to a plan. After an examination, we will suggest the option best suited to you.

This varies from person to person, but full-arch orthodontic treatment for adults generally takes around one and a half to three years. Partial orthodontic treatment focused on a smaller area, such as improving the appearance of the front teeth, can sometimes be completed in as little as six months to a year. The time needed depends on the type of appliance, the condition of your teeth, whether extractions are required, how easily your teeth move, and how often you come in for visits. We assess your current condition through examination and diagnosis, and explain the expected duration and steps beforehand. During treatment, we perform follow-up evaluations and adjust the plan as needed.

How often you visit depends on the type of appliance. With wire braces, visits are generally about once a month, mainly to check how much the teeth have moved and any discomfort, and to adjust the wire and elastic bands. With Invisalign, you’ll visit every 1.5 to 3 months according to your wearing schedule to check progress and fit, with attachments or interproximal reduction (IPR) performed as needed. In both cases, the frequency of visits may change between the early, transitional, and finishing stages, and we’ll let you know your current schedule at each appointment.

As the teeth move during orthodontic treatment, you may sometimes feel tightness or a dull ache. This tends to occur more easily right after a wire adjustment or after switching to a new aligner, but it’s usually temporary and typically settles within a few days. With wire braces, we use thinner wires and adjust the force in stages to ease the burden, and can prescribe pain relief medication if needed. Aligner treatment can also cause a sense of a foreign object in the mouth, but this generally eases as you continue wearing it. If the pain is severe or lasts a long time, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

If appearance matters most to you, options include lingual braces fitted to the back of the teeth, aesthetic brackets whose metal color is hard to notice even from the front, and Invisalign using clear aligners. Lingual braces are hard to see, but can sometimes affect pronunciation or cause a sense of a foreign object, and may take somewhat longer than braces on the front. Aesthetic brackets carry less concern about metal allergies and can balance appearance with function. Suitability depends on the condition of your teeth and your lifestyle.

As a general guide, the consultation is free, the examination fee is ¥44,000, and each adjustment visit costs ¥5,500. For appliance costs, standard brackets are listed at ¥770,000 and aesthetic brackets at ¥825,000. Partial orthodontic treatment is listed from ¥275,000 per arch. As this is treatment not covered by insurance, the total will vary depending on the case, the appliance, and the treatment period. After your first examination and diagnosis, we will explain the treatment plan and quote, and let you know in advance how adjustment fees and retainer costs are handled, along with payment methods. Please see the fee information posted in the clinic for details.

Invisalign requires wearing the clear aligner for at least 20 hours a day. Following your plan, you’ll switch to a new aligner every 7 to 14 days, gradually moving your teeth. Because you can remove it to eat and brush your teeth, it’s easy to keep clean, which is one reason it’s popular with patients who care about appearance. On the other hand, managing your own wearing time is essential. At regular checkups, we confirm the fit and progress of treatment and make additional adjustments if needed.

Yes, they can be done in parallel. As mentioned elsewhere in this FAQ, you can also ask about cavity treatment or teeth whitening even while undergoing orthodontic treatment. If you’re wearing a wire appliance, we consider the ease of cleaning and the working space on the lip and cheek side when scheduling the order and timing of treatment. Aligner treatment has the advantage of being removable for other treatment. We will first check your current priorities (such as whether there is pain or the condition is progressing), and coordinate between departments so as not to disrupt your orthodontic plan. Please raise any concerns with us in advance.

With wire braces, please take care, as sticky or hard foods can cause the appliance to come loose and make cleaning more difficult. Debris tends to build up around the appliance, so please also use interdental brushes and floss. With Invisalign, dietary restrictions are fewer because you remove it to eat, but you do need to make sure you wear it long enough, and keep both your teeth and the aligner clean after removing and refitting it. Pronunciation and a sense of a foreign object usually become easier to get used to over time, but please contact us early about any symptoms that concern you.

Orthodontic treatment is suitable for a wide range of people, from children to adults and seniors. Beyond improving the overall bite, our clinic also offers partial orthodontic treatment to adjust the appearance and position of the front teeth, which can meet needs such as “I want my front teeth straightened before an event” or “I want to adjust tooth position before a restoration or implant.” Because partial orthodontic treatment has a limited scope of application, an examination is needed to judge whether it’s suitable. As a guide, partial orthodontic treatment takes at least 6 months and is listed from ¥275,000 per arch.

This is an orthodontic method that gradually moves your teeth by switching through a series of clear mouthpiece-type appliances (aligners) in stages. Because you can remove it yourself, eating and brushing your teeth are easy, and the appliance itself is hard to notice. Before treatment, we examine and diagnose your teeth and bite, then use specialized software to create a movement plan before starting treatment. Suitability varies by case, so based on the diagnosis we will explain whether it can be used and any alternative options.

Making sure you wear it long enough is the key to successful treatment. Generally, you should wear it for most of the day, removing it only to eat and brush your teeth. The aligners are switched for new ones in stages according to your plan, gradually moving your teeth. Your dentist will tell you the switching cycle based on how your teeth are moving and how well the aligner fits. If wearing time falls short or you forget to switch aligners, this can create a gap from the plan, so we check your progress and make adjustments at your regular visits.

In cases involving significant tooth rotation, a large amount of movement needed, a pronounced skeletal misalignment, or periodontal disease that isn’t yet under control, Invisalign alone can sometimes be difficult to use. In such cases, we will propose other plans, including wire braces, partial auxiliary appliances, or surgical approaches. Whether it’s suitable is judged through examination and diagnosis, and based on your current oral condition and wishes, we will work with you to consider a workable approach from among several options.

At your first consultation, we listen to your concerns and wishes, then after a detailed examination (photos, an impression, a bite evaluation, etc.) we explain the diagnosis and treatment plan. Once you agree to the plan, we make the aligners and have you practice how to wear and care for them before starting treatment. After that, you need to keep to the prescribed wearing time, and we check the fit and how your teeth are moving at regular visits. Additional aligners are made for fine adjustments if needed, and once your teeth have reached the target position, a retainer is used to prevent them from shifting back.

Right after switching to a new aligner, you may tend to feel tightness or mild pain as your teeth begin to move. This is usually temporary and eases as you continue wearing it. If you have strong pain or a feeling of rubbing, we will check the edges and fit of the appliance and take measures or make adjustments to reduce discomfort. We also work to ease the burden through a reasonable wearing schedule, checking your bite, and using pain relief medication when needed. Please contact us early about any symptoms that concern you.

Please remove the aligner when eating or drinking hot beverages. Drinking dark-colored beverages while wearing it can cause staining of the teeth or the aligner. Before putting it back in, it’s important to keep both your teeth and the aligner clean, so please brush or rinse first. When cleaning the aligner, use a soft brush that won’t scratch it and rinse with water, avoiding high heat, which can cause it to warp. Insufficient cleaning increases the risk of cavities and gum inflammation, so please be sure to keep up with daily care.

To move the teeth more precisely, small resin bumps (attachments) are sometimes bonded to the tooth surface, or rubber bands (elastics) may be used together to help guide the bite. Whether these are needed varies with the treatment plan and the case, and is decided based on the diagnosis. The materials used are not very noticeable in appearance, but if cleaning is insufficient, debris can become visible, so we check on this through your daily care and regular visits.

Visits are scheduled at key points in the treatment plan to check how well you’re wearing the aligner, how your teeth are moving, and how well the aligner fits. The frequency varies depending on how treatment is progressing and what care is needed. Treatment time can vary greatly depending on how your teeth are aligned, how much movement is needed, whether additional aligners are required, and how well you keep to your wearing time. At your first diagnosis, we’ll let you know the expected duration based on your current condition, and adjust it as treatment progresses. We keep the pace manageable while still making steady progress.

Aligner-type orthodontic treatment is mostly not covered by insurance, and the total cost varies depending on what is included, from examination and diagnosis through appliance production, ongoing management at visits, and retention. Before starting treatment, we will show you a treatment plan and quote, and explain the cost breakdown and payment methods. We will also let you know in advance whether installment payments are available, the payment methods accepted, and how adjustment fees and retainer costs are handled. Public health insurance generally does not apply, but we’re happy to explain the details individually, so please feel free to ask.

If an aligner is lost or damaged, please do not try to repair it yourself — keep the aligner you’re currently wearing, or the previous one, and contact us as soon as possible. We will assess whether you can move on to the next stage as planned, or whether a replacement needs to be made or the treatment plan adjusted. After treatment is complete, wearing a retainer is important to prevent your teeth from shifting back. The retention period and wearing time vary depending on individual risk, so please follow our instructions. If you feel a sense of a foreign object or notice damage to the retainer during the retention period, please don’t leave it — contact us as soon as possible.

Cosmetic dentistry aims to enhance the harmony and beauty of your teeth’s color, shape, and alignment along with the appearance of your gums, while also maintaining functions such as chewing and speaking. Options include teeth whitening, ceramic fillings and crowns, veneers, and direct bonding (reshaping with resin), and we consider your current oral condition, your wishes, your bite, ease of cleaning, durability, and cost together to discuss the most suitable approach. Before treatment, we carry out a thorough examination, diagnosis, and explanation, and put together a treatment plan that isn’t a strain for you.

Common methods include in-office whitening, where a solution is applied at the clinic; at-home whitening, where you gradually whiten your teeth using a custom tray at home; and dual whitening, which combines the two. In-office whitening lets you notice a clear result in a short time, but adding at-home whitening can sometimes be more effective at preventing the color from fading back. Suitability depends on the condition of the enamel and on any fillings or crowns you have, so we will examine you first and then propose a method suited to your target brightness and schedule.

Ceramic is known for its natural color match and ease of cleaning, resisting stains. Resin requires removing relatively less of the tooth and can be finished quickly, but is more prone to staining and wear. Metal is excellent in strength, but needs some consideration for appearance and the possibility of metal allergies. We take into account the location of the tooth, biting force, the size of the cavity, ease of cleaning, future maintenance convenience, and cost to compare several options and help you choose a material you’ll be satisfied with over the long term.

Veneers are sometimes used to improve the color, shape, or gaps of the front teeth while removing relatively little of the tooth. Treatment involves minimally reshaping the surface of the tooth, then bonding on a thin ceramic shell. This can improve appearance in a short time, but if the teeth are significantly misaligned or biting force is strong, we need to take care in judging whether it’s suitable. We explain in advance the risk of the veneer coming off or chipping, and the fact that removing tooth structure is irreversible, and compare this with other options such as orthodontic treatment or direct bonding to choose the most suitable method.

This is a treatment method in which dental resin is directly layered onto the tooth surface and polished to adjust the shape and color of the tooth. This method usually removes less of the tooth, and in some cases can be completed the same day, but there is a risk of staining, wear, or chipping over time, so periodic polishing and touch-ups are generally expected. This method suits repairing small chips or gaps and making minor adjustments to shape; for larger changes in color or shape, ceramic or another option may be chosen instead. We will suggest a suitable method based on your oral condition and wishes.

First, we carry out a consultation and examination (photos, an impression, assessing color, checking your bite), and compare treatment options and quotes. If needed, we use a temporary tooth or a simple simulation to share the intended direction of the final result with you, and begin treatment once you agree. For ceramic restorations, the general flow is tooth preparation → temporary tooth → fitting; for teeth whitening, it’s generally checking suitability → pre-treatment cleaning → the whitening procedure itself. After treatment, we carry out maintenance and re-evaluate color and bite to help maintain long-term stability.

We determine the shade (brightness, hue, and translucency) by taking into account the surrounding teeth and your skin tone, how it looks when you smile, and the lighting environment. If teeth whitening is being done at the same time, we may wait until the brightness of your teeth has settled before deciding on the final color. Because fillings and crowns made from different materials transmit light differently, we share information with the dental technician using photos and shade guides, and fine-tune it at a trial fitting. Since shade preferences vary a great deal from person to person, we discuss your target result and an acceptable range with you before treatment.

How long results last varies greatly depending on the material, your bite, how well you clean, and your lifestyle habits. Ceramic can be expected to last a long time with proper care, but if you bite forcefully or grind your teeth, using a night guard can help. Resin can keep its appearance with periodic polishing and touch-ups. Whatever the material, regular checkups, cleanings, and reviewing your at-home care are all essential. If you notice anything unusual (chipping, sensitivity, difficulty chewing, etc.), please contact us as soon as possible.

Treatment is based on the principle of keeping intervention to the necessary minimum, and if anesthesia is needed we explain this beforehand. Teeth whitening can sometimes cause temporary sensitivity (similar to hypersensitivity symptoms), but this is usually short-lived and can be managed by adjusting the concentration or number of sessions, or by using desensitizing ingredients. For ceramic or veneer treatment, we weigh the balance between how much tooth is removed and strength and appearance, and plan the treatment after comparing the risks and alternatives. Please let us know at any time if you have any concerns or pain.

Treatment mainly aimed at improving appearance is mostly not covered by insurance. Where the main purpose is restoring function, insurance may apply in some cases, but the total cost varies depending on the material, procedure, and number of visits. After an examination and diagnosis, we explain, in plain terms, the quote, pros and cons, and expected duration of several options. We also share the payment methods, aftercare, and how maintenance costs are considered in advance, so you can proceed once you understand and agree. We will propose a treatment plan that isn’t a strain for your budget and schedule.

This is a method that lets a specialized solution act on the surface of the teeth, breaking down the pigment that has penetrated inside the tooth to increase its brightness. It’s known for improving the shade without removing any tooth structure, making it suitable for reducing the yellowish tinge that builds up from aging, diet, or smoking. Methods include in-office whitening done at the clinic, at-home whitening using a tray, and dual whitening that combines the two. If you have a cavity or periodontal disease, treating that first may be necessary, and your suitability and target brightness will be explained individually after an examination.

In-office whitening is a method where the dentist uses a solution at the clinic, letting you notice a change in a short time; at-home whitening is a method where you gradually whiten your teeth using a custom tray and solution. Dual whitening combines the strengths of both, aiming for both speed and lasting results. What’s right for you depends on factors such as your desired schedule, target brightness, history of sensitivity, daily rhythm, and how well you manage things yourself. We first check the gap between your current tooth color and your goal, then propose an approach that isn’t a strain for you, considering effectiveness, burden, and maintenance.

Results vary from person to person, and the brightness you can achieve depends on the thickness of your enamel, the type and duration of the staining, your age, and your lifestyle habits. Most people can expect gradual improvement in brightness, but this is not a treatment that guarantees reaching a specific target color. How long the whiteness lasts is also affected by your diet and care habits, and it will gradually fade back over time. As maintenance, regular cleanings or additional at-home whitening can help maintain the color. We will let you know the most suitable frequency after an examination.

You may sometimes experience temporary sensitivity (similar to hypersensitivity symptoms). This usually eases within a few days, but it’s more likely if you already have a history of sensitivity or are sensitive to hot and cold. Ways to manage it include adjusting the concentration or duration, spacing out sessions, and using toothpaste containing desensitizing ingredients. If symptoms are strong, we pause treatment until you’ve recovered and then reconsider the plan. Please don’t push through — let us know as soon as possible about any change that concerns you. We take the risk into account and proceed at a pace you can sustain.

Because teeth whitening acts on the shade of natural tooth, it basically won’t change the color of resin, ceramic, or metal materials. If you have a filling or crown on a front tooth, a noticeable color mismatch can appear if only the surrounding natural teeth become lighter. In that case, once the whitening result has stabilized, we compare the shades and, if needed, consider remaking the filling or crown. Before treatment, we confirm the location and extent involved and explain, in plain terms, the process and approximate cost.

When performed appropriately under dental supervision, it’s generally considered to have well-managed safety risks, but the same method doesn’t suit everyone. In cases involving untreated cavities, severe periodontitis, strong sensitivity, cracked teeth, or significant tetracycline staining, the method or timing needs to be adjusted. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, it’s generally recommended to postpone whitening. We first assess the risk through an examination and explain the indications, contraindications, and precautions. A plan that isn’t a strain, along with thorough care, helps improve both safety and satisfaction.

At your first visit, we carry out a consultation and an oral examination, record your current tooth color with a shade guide, and clean your teeth if needed. For in-office whitening, we protect your gums first and then apply the solution; whether a light is used depends on the method. For at-home whitening, we first take an impression to make your custom tray, and have you practice how to use it — the amount, timing, and how to store it — before you start. At follow-up visits, we assess the change in color and whether you have any sensitivity, and adjust the concentration or frequency as needed. After the course is complete, we’ll suggest a care plan to help maintain the whitening result.

Removing surface stains with a cleaning beforehand helps reduce uneven whitening. For 24 to 48 hours after treatment, avoiding dark-colored food and drink (coffee, black tea, red wine, curry, dark sauces, etc.) and smoking helps prevent restaining. If you’re sensitive to hot and cold, keep to room-temperature food and drink, and use a desensitizing toothpaste. When using an at-home kit, please follow the instructed amount and time, and wipe away any excess solution. To prevent the tray from warping, avoid high heat and keep it clean and properly stored.

Yes, they can be combined, but the order takes some planning. When color matching for cosmetic restorations (fillings or crowns) is involved, it’s generally easier to keep everything looking consistent if we first use whitening to set the target brightness, and then decide on the color of the restoration afterward. Whether whitening can be done at the same time as orthodontic treatment depends on the type of appliance: with removable aligners it’s easier to schedule, while with fixed appliances it’s generally recommended to whiten after treatment is finished. We will coordinate between departments as needed to propose the most suitable order.

Teeth whitening is primarily cosmetic, so it’s generally not covered by insurance. The total cost varies depending on the method, number of sessions, concentration, and whether follow-up maintenance is needed. For visits, in-office whitening is scheduled around the number of sessions, while at-home whitening requires an impression and instruction on use at the start, followed by a check-up visit. After your first examination, we will explain, in plain terms, whether whitening is suitable for you, the approximate steps, and the cost breakdown. We will propose a treatment plan that fits your budget and schedule without being a strain.

Oral surgery covers the full range of oral surgical care, including wisdom tooth extraction, pain or swelling of the gums or jaw, mouth ulcers and mucosal lesions, jaw joint discomfort, injuries to teeth or the jaw, examination of cysts and benign tumors, and surgical procedures before and after implant placement. We first confirm the cause and extent through a medical history interview, visual examination, and imaging, and build a treatment plan that takes into account pain and swelling control, whether infection is present, and your overall health and medication history. We work with other departments as needed and proceed in stages while taking risk into account.

Not all wisdom teeth need to be extracted. We consider extraction if there’s repeated pain or swelling, if cleaning is difficult and this is causing cavities or gum disease, if it’s negatively affecting the neighboring tooth, if a cyst or bone change is suspected, or if it’s interfering with orthodontic or restorative treatment. On the other hand, if there are no symptoms, cleaning is possible, and the risk is low — for example, it’s far from important nerves and blood vessels — we may choose to monitor it instead. We check the position, shape, and distance from the nerve using X-rays or a CT scan, and decide on a course of action after taking the time to explain the advantages and risks.

The degree of pain and swelling varies depending on how deeply the tooth was positioned, how hard the bone is, how much cutting and bone removal was needed, how long the procedure took, and your individual constitution. Generally, swelling peaks around the first or second day after the procedure and then gradually goes down. Apply cold compresses from the day of the procedure through the next day, keeping each application short, and avoid prolonged strong cooling or warming. Please take any prescribed medication as directed, rest, and keeping your head slightly elevated can help ease discomfort. If you experience severe pain, worsening swelling, difficulty opening your mouth, fever, or discharge of pus, please contact us as soon as possible.

On the day of the procedure, please bite down on the gauze and hold it in place to prevent bleeding, and avoid strong rinsing, spitting forcefully, using a straw, smoking, drinking alcohol, strenuous exercise, and long baths. Eat once the anesthesia has worn off, avoiding irritating or very hot food, and take small, slow bites of soft food on the opposite side. Please don’t touch the wound, and keep the area clean following the prescribed mouth rinse and brushing instructions. Bruising from internal bleeding usually fades within a few days. If you have abnormal bleeding or severe pain that continues, please contact us.

If the blood clot that forms in the extraction socket comes loose, it can expose the bone and cause severe pain — this is known as dry socket. To prevent it, it’s important to avoid strong rinsing, sucking motions, smoking, and touching the wound too much on the day of the procedure, and to follow the instructed cleaning method and rinsing frequency. Please take any prescribed medication as directed, and also avoid lack of sleep and excessive drinking. If you feel increasing pain, sharp sensitivity to hot or cold, or worsening bad breath, please don’t try to bear with it — come in for a follow-up visit early, and we will help improve the symptoms with appropriate treatment.

Anticoagulants (blood thinners), osteoporosis medication, and systemic conditions and medications such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease all affect how a surgical procedure is planned. Please be sure to let us know in advance rather than stopping medication on your own judgment. We take into account the risks of bleeding, infection, and wound healing, and consider measures such as blood tests, consulting your primary physician, choosing an appropriate method to control bleeding, and adjusting the timing and extent of the procedure. We work with a higher-level medical institution as needed, and either proceed within a manageable range or reconsider the timing of treatment.

Imaging is important for understanding the position of nerves (the inferior alveolar nerve canal) and the maxillary sinus, the shape of the tooth root, the thickness of the bone, and whether a cyst is present. This information lets us plan the incision line, the amount of bone to remove, whether the tooth needs to be sectioned, and roughly how long the procedure will take, which helps lower the risk of complications. Radiation exposure from dental X-rays and CT scans is kept to the necessary minimum, with attention paid to shielding and imaging conditions. We explain why the imaging is needed and what information it provides, and only proceed once you understand and agree.

A typical mouth ulcer usually heals naturally within one to two weeks, but if it lingers, keeps recurring, appears as a hard lump that bleeds easily, spreads as a white or red patch, or won’t heal despite little pain, we recommend an early visit. In addition to removing irritating factors and prescribing medication, we may perform a cell or tissue examination (biopsy) as needed to assess the nature of the lesion. Since systemic conditions, nutritional status, and lifestyle habits can sometimes be involved, we weigh all of this together and work with specialist institutions as needed.

Jaw joint (TMJ) symptoms can be triggered by strain on the joint and muscles, teeth grinding or clenching, an uneven bite, stress, and injury, among other factors. We first assess the location of the pain and how the joint moves, whether there’s a clicking sound, how wide you can open your mouth, and any biting habits, and consider self-care (resting, avoiding hard foods, jaw-opening exercises), adjusting the bite and posture, and, if needed, making a mouth guard. If inflammation is strong, we use cold compresses or medication; if improvement is insufficient, we arrange imaging or refer you for specialist treatment.

Most extractions, infection treatment, and basic care for cysts are covered by insurance, but your out-of-pocket cost will vary depending on the examination and procedure involved, the materials used, the level of difficulty, and the number of visits. If it’s judged that general anesthesia is needed, the case involves a wide area, or a high degree of care is required for the jawbone or nerves, we will coordinate with a local medical institution to arrange treatment in a more suitable setting. Before treatment, we explain, in plain terms, the available options, an approximate cost estimate, the visit schedule, and the follow-up system after surgery.

This service is for anyone who needs special consideration during a regular dental visit, including patients with developmental disabilities, intellectual or physical disabilities, or psychiatric conditions, patients with rare diseases, patients who need medical care, and elderly patients with declining cognitive function. At your first visit, we will ask in detail about your background, medical history, medications, allergies, how you communicate, and what you find easy or difficult, and use this to build a visit plan that isn’t a strain for you. If possible, please bring information from your primary physician or your medication notebook.

It helps to write down beforehand your usual daily rhythm, stimuli that tend to be unwelcome (sound, smell, light, touch), signals or tools that help calm you down, any history of seizures or changes in condition, and contact information for a special-needs school or facility, and bring this with you. We will arrange a visit time when the clinic is less busy. Please bring your insurance card, any relevant benefit certificates, your medication notebook, and if possible a toothbrush and any assistive devices you’re currently using. Sharing treatment priorities and goals with us in advance can also reduce the burden on the day.

We first focus on helping you “get used to it,” building up small successful experiences step by step — sitting in the chair, opening your mouth, having instruments brought close, and so on. We then move on gradually to checking inside the mouth, cleaning, and any necessary treatment. We break things into short steps, agree on a signal for taking a break, and adjust stimuli (sound, light, smell) as much as we can. We also use visual aids such as photos, picture cards, and a timer, and give positive feedback for what you were able to do, to help lead into the next visit.

We reduce the burden through topical anesthesia, local anesthesia with careful attention to injection speed, explaining the procedure steps in advance, adjusting sensory input with headphones, a towel, or a blanket, adjusting your posture, and taking breaks frequently. We won’t push things — sometimes we choose to stop at whatever point we’ve reached that day rather than force things further. Because pain and anxiety are felt very differently from person to person, please feel free to share situations you find difficult or signals that help you calm down. We take a step-by-step approach designed to help you gradually get used to treatment.

For patients with strong fear, a strong gag reflex, difficulty making sure the procedure can be done safely, or who need management of a systemic condition, sedation or general anesthesia at a partner medical institution may sometimes be appropriate. Suitability is judged individually based on medical history, medication, and overall condition, and we proceed only after a pre-treatment examination, an explanation of the risks and alternatives, and your consent. The method and location vary by situation, so we first assess whether an outpatient visit can handle it, then propose the most suitable setting.

The words of reassurance and familiar signals family members normally use, along with creating an environment that helps the patient feel at ease, are a great help. During treatment, safety comes first, and we may ask a family member to help hold a position for the necessary minimum amount of time, but even then, we explain the purpose and method beforehand and only proceed once we have your consent. We do not take an approach based on restraint. If support is needed for decision-making or interpretation, we will work together with family as much as possible. Giving encouragement (a small reward) after treatment is also effective.

We discuss beforehand whether treatment can be done while you remain in your wheelchair, or how best to transfer position. If medical care such as suctioning, epilepsy management, a gastrostomy tube, or a tracheostomy cannula is involved, we work with your primary physician and nursing staff to strengthen safety management, including the timing and positioning of the procedure and checking vital signs. We also confirm in advance any equipment that needs to be brought, arrangements for companions, and emergency contact information, and plan within a manageable range. The first visit focuses mainly on assessment, moving on gradually to actual treatment.

We reserve a longer time slot during a quiet part of the day, and our basic approach is to split treatment into stages with short visits. To build up successful experiences, we start with shorter intervals between visits and extend them once you’ve become more comfortable. We flexibly adjust the schedule to match changes in your condition and school or day-program attendance. If a last-minute change on the day is likely, it helps to agree on how to reach us in advance. If there’s an urgent situation such as pain or swelling, emergency care is given priority.

Cavity treatment, periodontal treatment, extractions, and most routine procedures are generally covered by insurance. If you choose a material or procedure that isn’t covered, we will explain this in advance and provide a quote. Public assistance programs such as medical expense subsidies for people with disabilities or independence support medical care vary by local government, so we’ll explain eligibility and the necessary procedures on an individual basis. We also take into account transportation and scheduling if you need someone to accompany you, and work with you to put together a plan that isn’t a strain.

Keep your posture and grip stable, break care into short segments, and build up within “what you can manage.” Combining tools such as a toothbrush with a thicker handle or smaller head, an electric toothbrush, a single-tuft brush, and interdental brushes or floss can help, along with continued use of a fluoride toothpaste. Taking swallowing into account, rinsing just once with a small amount of water can also be effective. Visualizing the care steps with photos or a checklist, and praising success, helps make the habit stick. Please review and adjust your approach at regular checkups.

Preventive dentistry aims to “prevent cavities and periodontal disease before they happen,” combining regular checkups and professional cleaning with optimizing your lifestyle habits and self-care. This includes removing tartar and stains, breaking down biofilm, applying fluoride, checking your bite and areas you tend to miss when brushing, and giving guidance on brushing, flossing, and using interdental brushes. The goal is to catch small changes before symptoms appear, and keep your mouth stable with the least possible burden.

The ideal interval varies depending on your oral condition and risk level, and is decided by taking into account your history of cavities and periodontal disease, your tendency to miss spots when brushing, your saliva flow and eating habits, whether you smoke or grind your teeth, and the condition of any orthodontic appliances, implants, or crowns. It’s common to start with shorter intervals right after your first visit or after treatment to help stabilize things, and then gradually extend them once improvement is seen. At each checkup we take photos, measure pocket depth, and assess bleeding and looseness, then adjust the interval and the content of your care based on the results. Being able to keep this up without it being a strain is the key.

Scaling uses specialized instruments to remove hard tartar, and root planing then smooths the root surface, which helps suppress the return of the buildup that causes periodontal disease. PMTC is performed by a dental hygienist using instruments and a polishing paste to remove biofilm and stains, cleaning areas that are hard to reach with at-home care alone. Combining the two makes it easier to improve inflammation, helping reduce bad breath and bleeding and lower the risk of cavities. Keeping up with regular visits and daily care is essential to maintaining these benefits.

Fluoride application performed at a dental clinic is generally considered safe as long as the proper concentration and procedure are followed, and it helps remineralize the enamel, making it more resistant to acid — which helps prevent cavities. It’s especially effective for teeth that have just emerged, or for patients at higher risk of root decay. The application itself takes only a short time, and for at-home care, continued use of a fluoride toothpaste is recommended. To prevent accidental swallowing, it’s important to follow the recommended amount and rinsing method, and we’ll offer advice suited to your age and risk level.

A sealant is a preventive treatment that seals the grooves on the chewing surface of the back teeth with resin, making it harder for debris to build up. It’s suited to children whose grooves are deep and hard to brush clean, or to teeth that have just emerged and whose enamel hasn’t matured yet. This treatment generally doesn’t require removing much tooth structure, but wear or detachment can occur over time, so we check its condition at regular checkups and repair it if needed. Combined with daily brushing and fluoride use, it can make cavity prevention more effective.

The most important thing is to reliably remove plaque every time you brush. It helps to settle on a consistent brushing angle, pressure, and order, brushing each tooth with small movements. Using interdental cleaning tools (floss or interdental brushes) together with your toothbrush lets you more effectively clean between the teeth and around bridges or orthodontic appliances. Using a fluoride toothpaste, and finishing with a single rinse using a small amount of water, is also effective. Using a disclosing agent to find spots you miss, using an electric toothbrush, and getting individual guidance to reduce hard-to-clean areas can all improve your precision.

How often you snack and how you consume sugar, eating before bed, and frequently drinking acidic beverages all extend the time your mouth spends in an acidic state, increasing the risk of cavities. Chewing your food well to promote saliva flow, choosing water before and after bed, and avoiding grazing on food over long periods are all effective habits. Smoking, stress, mouth breathing, and teeth grinding or clenching can all be factors that worsen periodontal disease or sensitivity. At checkups, we look at the connection between your habits and symptoms, and plan achievable improvements together with you. Being able to sustain this without strain over the long term is the key to results.

During pregnancy, hormonal changes and morning sickness can make the gums prone to swelling, and brushing can sometimes become difficult. It helps to brush in short sessions when you’re feeling more settled, using a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste. For children, a parent helping with brushing, managing snacks, using fluoride appropriately, and combining this with sealants can all improve prevention. In both cases, we give guidance suited to your stage of growth or condition at regular checkups, choosing a method that isn’t a strain. Please come in early if you notice any change that concerns you.

Most bad breath originates inside the mouth, from causes such as coating on the tongue, periodontal disease, spots missed when brushing, cavities, and poor cleaning around dentures or appliances. In preventive dentistry, we first examine the cause, then remove tartar and biofilm, give guidance on cleaning the tongue, help you adjust habits that support saliva flow, and recommend suitable cleaning tools. Treating periodontal disease or correcting a poorly fitting restoration may also be needed. If a systemic condition or medication effect is suspected, we weigh all of this together, including working with your physician and lifestyle guidance, and suggest care you can keep up with.

Cleaning and scaling may be covered by insurance or may need to be paid out of pocket, depending on the diagnosis, symptoms, and purpose. Procedures such as stain removal for cosmetic purposes are sometimes not covered by insurance. At your first visit, we look at your oral condition and explain, in plain terms, the examination and procedures needed, the approximate number of visits, and the cost breakdown. Since prevention depends on staying consistent, we propose a plan that fits your lifestyle and budget without being a strain. Please feel free to ask us anything you’re unsure about.

Periodontal regenerative therapy is a general term for treatments aimed at restoring the tissue that supports the teeth (the alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, cementum, etc.) that has been lost to periodontal disease. After thorough basic periodontal treatment (plaque control, scaling and root planing), sites where inflammation has settled down but a deep pocket or bone defect remains may be candidates for regenerative therapy. Suitability varies depending on the shape of the bone defect, your overall health, whether you smoke, and your cleaning habits, so based on examination and diagnosis we will explain, in plain terms, whether it’s an option and any alternatives.

Depending on the location and shape of the defect, we may choose a method using a regenerative protein, a method combining a bone graft material with a barrier membrane to promote bone regeneration, or a connective tissue graft to adjust gum thickness and shape. These are generally not used alone, but combined with thorough infection control, bite adjustment, and improving cleanability (such as correcting a poorly fitting crown). Since the expected benefits and limitations, procedure time, aftercare, and cost considerations differ by technique, we compare several options with you in advance and proceed only once you understand and agree.

First, we assess your condition through examination and diagnosis (X-rays, a CT scan if needed, pocket depth measurement, and assessment of bleeding and looseness), then bring the inflammation and its causes under control through basic periodontal treatment. At a follow-up evaluation, for sites where regenerative therapy looks feasible, we make a small incision under local anesthesia, remove the source of infection under direct vision, place the regenerative material appropriately according to the shape of the defect, and suture the wound with care. Afterward, we carry out disinfection, monitoring, suture removal, and cleaning guidance in stages, moving on to maintenance once the site has stabilized.

Most procedures are done under local anesthesia, so pain during the procedure is kept under control. Afterward, you may experience temporary swelling, a dull ache, difficulty chewing, and bleeding, but this generally eases as you take any prescribed medication, rest, and clean and rinse as instructed. Since this varies from person to person, we check in advance how to adjust timing around your work or school schedule, and how to reach us if pain is severe. If you have abnormal bleeding, worsening severe pain or swelling, or fever, please contact us as soon as possible.

The degree of improvement is affected by many factors — the shape of the bone defect (vertical or horizontal, and the number of remaining bone walls), how well infection is controlled, your cleaning habits, biting force, whether you smoke, and your overall health — and the expected outcome differs by technique. Regenerative therapy is an option that “aims to restore lost tissue,” but it does not achieve the same result at every site. Before treatment, we explain the range of benefits you can expect and their limits, the visits and at-home care required, and whether combined treatment is needed, and plan on the assumption of long-term maintenance.

Possible issues after surgery include swelling, pain, and bleeding; sensations similar to hypersensitivity; opening of the wound or exposure of the regenerative material; infection; and a change in the appearance of the gums. Smoking, poor cleaning, poorly controlled diabetes, or strong residual biting force can all hinder healing. To minimize these risks, it’s important to assess risk and correct contributing factors beforehand, choose the right technique, manage the wound with care, and strictly follow post-operative instructions. If anything seems unusual, please don’t judge it yourself — contact us promptly.

Smoking is known to hinder wound healing through its effects on blood flow and immunity, and it has an unfavorable effect on the outcome of regenerative therapy. Diabetes, medications that affect bone metabolism, and autoimmune conditions can also affect healing, so we check your medical history, medications, and test values beforehand, and coordinate with your primary physician as needed. Quitting smoking, controlling blood sugar, improving your brushing precision, and controlling biting force, as far as possible, all help stabilize treatment outcomes.

For a while after surgery, please avoid brushing the wound area hard, strong rinsing, sucking motions, smoking, drinking alcohol, strenuous exercise, and hot food and drink. Start eating soft food on the opposite side, and keep the area clean by following the instructed rinsing and cleaning methods. It’s also important not to touch the wound, or poke at it with your tongue or fingers. Please take any prescribed medication as directed, and come in for your scheduled follow-up visits and suture removal. We also have a system in place so you can contact us right away if anything seems unusual, without waiting for your next appointment.

Basic periodontal treatment and some surgical procedures may sometimes be covered by insurance, but depending on the regenerative material and technique used, some of the treatment may not be covered. The total cost varies depending on the number of sites treated, the shape of the defect, the procedures needed, and the number of visits. After an examination, we will explain whether regenerative therapy is suitable and provide quotes for several options, explaining in advance the cost breakdown, expected duration, advantages and points to note, and how maintenance costs are considered. We will propose a treatment plan that fits your budget and schedule without being a strain.

For sites where regenerative therapy isn’t a good fit, based on the shape of the bone defect, overall health, and cleanability, we prioritize controlling inflammation and improving cleanability, combining other surgical techniques aimed at improving the pocket, reshaping, correcting poorly fitting restorations, and bite adjustment. If a tooth is noticeably loose, splinting may sometimes be used to stabilize it. Whichever approach is used, long-term maintenance is key. We will compare several options and work with you to decide on a realistic approach that balances burden and benefit.