Dentistry in Hua Hin

Dentistry, also known as oral medicine and dental medicine, is a branch of medicine that comprises the study, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders, diseases, and conditions of the teeth, supporting structures, and the soft tissue of the mouth. Although the field of dentistry is mainly associated with teeth among the general public, it is actually not limited to teeth but also encompasses the treatment and conditions of the jaws and oral cavity, such as cleft palate.

In addition to general practice, dentistry has a number of specialties and subspecialties, including:

• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics – this involves the straightening of teeth and the modification of midface and mandibular growth. While orthodontics involves the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics entails the guidance of facial growth and development, which mostly occur during childhood.
• Pediatric dentistry – also known as pedodontics, pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty dealing with the care of children’s teeth.
• Periodontics – this dental specialty is concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the periodontal membrane, as well as related tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth.
• Prosthodontics – this dental specialty involves the restoration and maintenance of oral appearance, function, and comfort using prostheses, such as crowns. This specialty also provides oral prostheses to correct deformities, such as cleft palate.
• Endodontics – this involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp, as well as the surrounding tissues.
• Public health dentistry – this dental specialty’s primary concern is the prevention of dental decay and periodontal disease (disease of tissues that surrounds the teeth). On a larger scale, it involves the improvement of oral health in large populations.
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery – this involves the extractions, implants, and surgery of the mouth, jaws, and face.
• Oral and maxillofacial radiology – this involves the study and radiologic interpretation of oral and maxillofacial diseases.
• Oral and maxillofacial pathology – this involves the study, diagnosis, and, in some cases, treatments of oral and maxillofacial related diseases.
• Special needs dentistry – this specialty deals with dental treatments for those with developmental and acquired disabilities.
• Geriatric dentistry – also known as geriodontics, this specialty delivers dental care to older adults and involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of problems associated with age-related diseases.

Dental treatments are performed by a dental team, which usually consists of dentists and dental auxiliaries (dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental technicians, and dental therapists).

What does the Procedure Involve?

A range of medical and cosmetic procedures are used to diagnose and manage issues that affect the jaws, teeth, and oral cavity. The following are some of the most common dental procedures:

• Comprehensive examination – this type of procedure evaluates your overall oral health. A comprehensive dental exam typically includes dental evaluation, dental health assessment, bite and jaw examination, cavity check, restoration examination, teeth cleaning and stains removal, dental X-Rays, oral cancer screening, medications review, and a lesson on oral hygiene. A general dentist will discuss with you your current oral health, including your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and any other oral health problems they may have seen through the examination. If any potential issues are found, your dentist will give you their prevention recommendations.
• Routine cleanings – this type of procedure is carried out to remove the buildup of tartar and bacteria that accumulate in between your teeth and gums. Routine mouth cleaning is important to maintain good oral health.
• Dental bonding – this procedure is used to repair decayed, chipped, discolored, or fractured teeth, as well as to reduce gaps between teeth. It can also be used to build up older teeth in order to make them appear younger. The goal of the procedure is to improve a person’s smile. During this procedure, your dentist will apply a tooth-colored resin to your teeth. Then, the resin is hardener under an ultraviolet laser or light. Afterward, the resin material is shaped and polished to ensure the result looks natural and smooth.
• Braces – a dental brace is a device used to correct crooked or misaligned teeth. It can improve the health and appearance of your smile. It works by exerting steady pressure over time to gradually move your teeth into alignment.
• Crowns and caps – a dental crown or cap is a tooth-shaped cover that is placed over a decayed, broken, badly stained, or misshaped tooth to improve its size, shape, strength, and appearance. Dental crowns can be made of porcelain fused to metal, metal, ceramic, or resin. Before a crown is placed, the existing tooth is filed down. Then, the crown is applied over it using special cement, thus fully encasing the tooth. The whole process is usually performed under local anesthetic.
• Bridges – Dental bridges are used to close (or bridge) the gaps in your teeth if you have missing teeth. A dental bridge is a false tooth held in place by abutment teeth on either side of the gap. It can be made from a wide variety of materials, even gold. However, dental bridges are typically made from porcelain to make it blend in with your natural teeth.
• Implants – Dental implants are replacement tooth roots made of titanium that provide a strong foundation for the attachment of removable or permanent crowns. It is done to replace damaged or missing teeth. Dental implants can look and function much like real teeth. The process of placing a dental implant can be done under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
• Extractions – a severely damaged tooth due to excessive tooth decay or tooth infection that cannot be saved needs to be pulled out. Tooth extractions may also be done to resolve crowding, as well as for those who get braces. Tooth extraction procedure can be simple or surgical, depending on the state of your tooth. Simple tooth extraction is usually performed under local anesthetic, while surgical tooth extraction may involve general anesthesia.
• Dentures – dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. They can be complete or partial. Partial dentures are used when some of your natural teeth still remain, while complete dentures are used when all of your teeth are missing.
• Gum surgery – mostly known as periodontal surgery, this type of procedure is often required to treat certain gum conditions and diseases, such as periodontitis or gingivitis. Its goal is to treat the gum disease and any damage it may have caused.
• Filling and repairs – to treat a cavity, the decayed portion of the tooth can be removed and then “filled.” Fillings can also be done to repair broken or cracked teeth.
• Veneers – Dental veneers are custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. They can change the color, size, shape, and length of your teeth to improve your appearance. It can be made from resin composite or porcelain. However, the most popular material is porcelain as they look more natural than composite veneers.
• Root canals – this procedure is done to repair and save a tooth that becomes infected or badly decayed. The root canal procedure involves removing the pulp and nerve from a tooth. The inside of your tooth is then cleaned and sealed. This procedure can prevent the tissue that surrounds the tooth from being infected.

How Long Should I Stay in Hua Hin?

Your length of stay depends on the type of procedure you get. For most dental procedures, you can leave the clinic or hospital on the same day. However, if you undergo a surgical procedure, then you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. Note that most dental procedures require multiple appointments to complete. Therefore, although you can leave the hospital on the same day, you may need to stay in Hua Hin for several days or weeks until all of your appointment is completed. In some cases, you may need two separate travel to Hua Hin.

What's the Recovery Time?

Recovery time can be different from one person to another, depending on the procedure you undergo, the reason you need the procedure, and your general health. Your dentist will give you a recovery timeline, which includes the time frame when you can go back to work, resume your normal routine, and perform vigorous activities, such as exercise.

What About Aftercare?

Your dentist will give you aftercare instructions that you will need to follow. The instructions may include diet, restrictions, and how to care for the treated area. You may feel some discomfort and pain for the first few days and your dentist may prescribe pain medications. Make sure to take the medications as instructed.

To maintain the result of your procedure, it is important that you practice good oral hygiene. Always brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash every day. It is also important that you have dental examinations regularly. In addition, you need to avoid damaging habits, such as biting your nails or chewing hard items.

What's the Success Rate?

The field of dentistry is constantly improving and advancing. Experienced and skilled dentists should be able to provide high success rates for the procedures they perform. Still, risks and side effects are possible. These include nerve injury, infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding structures. To avoid these risks and side effects, make sure to choose a certified dentist with proven track records.

Are there Alternatives to Dentistry?

Any problems in your jaw, teeth, and oral cavity are diagnosed, treated, and prevented by the practice of dentistry. Therefore, there are no other alternatives than to see your dentist. However, if your problem is found to be caused by other diseases, your dentist may refer you to the relevant doctors.

Dentistry in and around Hua Hin

About Hua Hin

Perched on the seaside and a mere 195 km from Bangkok, sits the resort town of Hua Hin. Once a modest and peaceful island, it has since transformed into a prominent tourist destination within Thailand, boasting superb infrastructure and a diverse range of accommodation options. These cater to the growing ex-pat community and the influx of tourists who make their way to this picturesque town each year.

Hua Hin is synonymous with exceptional healthcare services that draw in medical tourists from all over the globe. This influx can be attributed to the town's provision of top-tier medical treatments that uphold high international standards. But it is not only the medical offerings that attract these visitors, they also revel in the unique sights, shopping experiences, and the unmatched Thai hospitality available in Hua Hin. Consequently, this charming seaside town has secured its place as one of the most sought-after wellness destinations on a global scale.

The benefits of traveling to Hua Hin as a medical tourist are as follows.

• Affordability: The treatments and medical procedures performed here cost only a fraction of the price you would expect to pay in your home country.
• Highly reputed professionals: Well-trained Doctors, who have a good understanding of the English language, are ready to serve you.
• Latest technology: You will find the hospitals equipped with modern and up-to-date medical equipment & technology.
• Wide range of Procedures: Cosmetic surgery, anti-aging treatments, cardiac surgery, premium-health check-ups are some of the more popular treatments amongst the medical tourists visiting Hua Hin.

Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, San Paulo Hospital, and Hua Hin Hospital are some of the well- known healthcare centers of this Beach resort town.

Popular areas in Hua Hin

• Khao Takiab: The vibrant suburb lies 7 km away from the town and the main attractions include Khao Mountains, the 20 m tall Buddhist Statue, and the beach. You can enjoy the variety and taste of the delicious seafood. Tourists can also indulge in a variety of activities such as kayaking, swimming, jet-skiing, banana boat ride, and parasailing. Several budget hotels and luxurious resorts are available in the neighborhood to accommodate visitors.
• Cha-Am Beach: The beach is stunning yet quiet. You can relax while reading a novel or under a parasol for a traditional Thai massage. You will find stretches of local food shops, budget hotels, and guesthouses and the replica of the famous Greek island, Santorini is the highlight of this region.
• Cicada Market: The famous Cicada Market houses an impressive array of shops that sell handicrafts, paintings, glass-blown figurines of animals, T-shirts with graphic designs, and more. You can even get your own caricature painted for 300 THB.

Ensure to include the Maruekhathaiyawan Palace, Black Mountain Water Park, Hua Hin Hills Vineyard, Plearn Wan Shopping Village, Hutsadin Elephant Foundation, Wat Bor Fai, and Ratchapak Park in your itinerary. These attractions will only help to make your trip more memorable and fun-filled.

Weather and Climate in Hua Hin

Hua Hin has a tropical climate and experiences three distinct seasons: Wet, Dry, and Hot.

• Dry season: November to February. The average temperature is around 26°C during the dry season. The nights get cooler and sunshine is in abundance during the day. Afternoons are quite windy with high tides. It seldom rains during this season.
• Hot season: March to June. The average temperature can rise to 29°C. Some days can be very hot with temperatures as high as 35°C or more. Even during the night, the weather is dry and hot. However, towards the end of the season, you can expect moderate rains.
• Wet season: July to October. The average temperature remains around 28°C. Evenings are generally cool and pleasant. The afternoons receive moderate to heavy downpours. October is the wettest month at Hua Hin. There were incidences of flooding in downtown a few years back. Thankfully, the runoff is too quick to cause any potential damage.

November to March is the best time to visit Hua Hin.

Getting around in Hua Hin

Hua Hin International Airport is 15 minutes away from Hua Hin city center. Recently, the Thai Government proposed plans costing 3.5 billion Baht to reform and upgrade the airport to handle more passengers. Right now, the airport handles charted flights, besides Air Asia's Hua Hin-Kuala Lumpur domestic flights.

Within the City, you can use the daily ferry service to commute to cities like Pattaya, Ko Samui, and Ko Tao. As Bangkok lies close to Hua Hin, you can drive or take the train to the capital city. Hua Hin Railway station operates several ordinary, express, and special express trains to its neighboring towns and cities.

Moving around the compact town of Hua Hin is an easy task. The Songtaew generally serves as the preferred and most economical mode of transport, setting you back just 10 Baht for a distance of 1-3 km. Tuk-tuks, while more expensive, come into play for closer distances, exacting a minimum fare of 150 Baht for a distance within a kilometer. For those seeking a middle-ground price point, motorbike taxis offer a feasible solution, charging around 60 Baht for a distance spanning 1-3 km. Additionally, conventional taxis and rickshaws remain readily available, bringing further convenience to commuting within Hua Hin.

Beyond these options, the town also caters to those who prefer to employ self-navigated modes of transport. Car and bike rental services are plentiful in Hua Hin, providing visitors the freedom to roam around the city at their own pace. Whether you're driving down the scenic coastal route or cycling through the charming city streets, these personalized transport services add a layer of adventure and exploration to your Hua Hin travel experience.

Tourist visas in Hua Hin

Thailand has a relatively flexible visa policy, which makes it a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world. Citizens of many countries, including the G7 countries, can enter Thailand without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. Citizens of some other countries, such as India, China, Russia, Bulgaria, and Saudi Arabia, can obtain a visa on arrival, which allows them to stay for up to 15 days.

If you are planning to stay in Thailand for longer than 15 days, or if you are traveling to Thailand for a specific purpose, such as work or study, you may need to apply for a non-immigrant visa. There are different types of non-immigrant visas available, depending on your purpose of travel.

You can apply for a non-immigrant visa at a Thai embassy or consulate in your home country. You will need to provide a valid passport, a visa application form, and other supporting documents, such as a letter of invitation from a Thai company or university.

The processing time for non-immigrant visas can vary, so it is important to apply well in advance of your travel date.

Here are some additional tips for applying for a Thailand visa:

• Make sure that you have all of the required documents.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your trip and your purpose for visiting Thailand.
• Be aware that the visa requirements for Thailand can change at any time, so it is always best to check with the Thai embassy or consulate in your home country before you travel.

Additional Information

1. Thai is the official language largely spoken throughout the country. The locals in Hua Hin speak good English. Yet, it is indispensable to learn a few common Thai words and phrases.
2. Hua Hin’s currency is the Thai Baht (TBH). 1 US dollar is approximately around 34.5559 THB as of 2023. 
3. All of the big resorts and restaurants accept credit card payments. You can also find many ATM machines and money exchange booths across the city.
4. Most of the population in Hua Hin practices Buddhism, followed by Islam and Christianity. When talking about members of Thailand's Royal Family you must be respectful as it is of the highest priority.
5. The people of Hua Hin celebrate many festivals. New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year, Makha Bucha, Chakri Day, Songkran, Coronation Day are a few of them. The exact festival date varies every year on a Western Calendar.