Dentistry in Koh Samui

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 Koh Samui?

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 Koh Samui for several days or weeks until all of your appointment is completed. In some cases, you may need two separate travel to Koh Samui.

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 Koh Samui

About Koh Samui

Koh Samui is the second-largest island in the Gulf of Thailand. Referred to as Samui, it was once a “backpacker’s paradise”. It has a bounty of natural wonders as well as man-made attractions such as the mummified monks and the glorious Buddha temples.

The idyllic atmosphere of Koh Samui makes it a perfect destination for both physical and mental wellbeing. It has become a preferred destination for medical tourism in the last few years. Visitors love the location and combine their holidays with medical and spa treatments.

The island has several sophisticated and state-of-art international hospitals such as the Bangkok Hospital, Samui, Bandon International Hospital, Samui International Hospital, and Thai International Hospital, Samui. These hospitals offer affordable and timely medical services to tourists who mainly come to undergo Cosmetic surgeries, Dental Aesthetic procedures, and Sex Reassignment surgeries. Such procedures when carried out in Koh Samui cost 20% to 25% less than the cost of the same treatments in their home countries.

With an eye on the possible growth within the realm of medical tourism, these hospitals are actively broadening the array of medical services they offer. They now furnish other types of procedures including, but not limited to, cardiac surgery, orthopedic surgery, and ophthalmic surgery.

In addition to these extended services, they have a roster of highly competent doctors on hand. These medical professionals are clearly proficient in English, thereby effectively ensuring smooth and easy communication with patients arriving from different parts of the world.

Popular Areas in Koh Samui

Koh Samui is home to many amazing beaches, locations, temples, and markets and some of the major and popular attractions of the island are:

• Ang Thong Marine Park – Ang Thong Marine Park is a group of 42 tiny lush green islands with lofty limestone cliffs, crystal clear beaches, fertile mangroves, waterfalls, hidden coves, and lakes. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Koh Samui, and it is easy to see why. The scenery is simply breathtaking.
• Wat Phra Yai – Wat Phra Yai, also known as the Big Buddha Temple, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Koh Samui. The golden-colored, 12-meter tall Buddha statue is hard to miss, and it is a popular pilgrimage site for both locals and tourists.
• Wat Plai Laem – Wat Plai Laem is an active Buddhist temple that is known for its beautiful architecture and its 18-arm image of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. It is a popular place to visit for both religious and cultural reasons.
• Na Muang Waterfall – It represents a set of two magnificent waterfalls. These lie about 7.5 miles southeast to Nathon Bay in inland.
• Chaweng and Lamai Beach – Are the two most popular beaches on the island. Chaweng beach is on the east coast of Samui and is known for its nightlife. Lamai beach has a more laid-back atmosphere, but it still has a variety of accommodation, dining & shopping choices, luxurious spas, and tourist spots.

Koh Samui’s other attractions include Hin Ta and Hin Yai, Koh Phangan island, Fisherman’s Village Bophut, Mummy Monk at Wat Khunaram, and the Secret Buddha Garden. Full Moon Party is an all-night beach party held on the Koh Phangan island on full moon day.

Weather and Climate in Phuket

Nestled in a tropical climate, Koh Samui basks in hot and humid weather that extends throughout the year. The humidity level typically straddles between 70 and 85 percent, creating a warm atmosphere indicative of tropical locales. Meanwhile, the average temperature usually hovers around a cosy 28 degrees Celsius.

The island ushers in three distinctive seasons, specifically, hot, dry, and rainy, each of them bringing a unique texture to the overall climate.

• Hot Season is between March and September. The hottest period is March and April when the temperature is 30 degrees Celsius and above. From May to September, it’s like a mini monsoon season with bright sunny days and light showers in the evening.
• Dry Season runs from December to February. The weather is pleasant with light cool winds. The sea is balmy and tourists flock the region during this season.
• Rainy Season is between September and November and the island faces its maximum rainfall with unpredictable weather and rough seas.

Getting Around in Koh Samui

Koh Samui’s airport is a private airport built by Bangkok Airways. It is still the main operator of flights to Samui. Flights to and from Bangkok operate almost every hour. It operates domestic flights to Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai, and international flights to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong every day. Thai Airways to flies between Bangkok and Ko Samui.

Besides Bangkok and Thai Airways, Berjaya Air & Firefly of Malaysia and Silk Air of Singapore also fly to Samui Airport. Air Asia offers a special ‘Island Transfer’ which comprises a flight from Bangkok to Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat, road travel to the port, and a ferry ride to Koh Samui.

Combined bus and ferry service from Surat Thani rail station or Surat Thani Airport are other options to reach Samui.

Moving around Koh Samui is easy as it is a small island and there are many transport options within Samui. They are songthaews, motorbikes, taxis, and cars and there are no tuk-tuks or buses.

• Songthaews – They are mini pick-up trucks that can accommodate 8-10 adults. They circle the main ring road of Samui and travel through the popular beach towns. The drivers pick you up from anywhere on the road.
• Metered Taxis – You can find them everywhere in the town. Despite having a meter, the drivers don’t use them. You need to bargain and fix a fare before you start your journey.
• Rent a Car – There are major car rental chains to book a car and they have a good collection of vehicles, but can be pricey. Then there are local car operators which are cheaper but can be unreliable.
• Scooter-taxis –These are the cheapest and quickest mode of transport.

Tourist Visas in Koh Samui

Visa Exemption or Visa Waiver Entry – Under a bilateral agreement, Thailand exempts nationals from 55 countries including the UK, USA, and many European countries from obtaining a tourist visa. The only condition is that tourists must have a passport that is valid for at least six months. They can get an arrival stamp on their passports, and stay in the country for a period of 30 days. They need not pay any visa fees, as it is not a visa on arrival rather just an entry stamp.

Visa on Arrival – Nationals from 24 countries like China and India with a valid Passport not expiring before six months, can get a visa on arrival at the airport. The visa permits them a stay of 15 days. There are designated immigration counters at the airport for issuing the visa.

Here are some additional tips for tourists applying for a visa on arrival in Thailand:

• Make sure that you have all of the required documents, including a valid passport, a return flight ticket, and proof of funds.
• Be prepared to pay the visa fee, which is 2,000 Thai baht.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your trip and your purpose for visiting Thailand.

Additional Information

• The main currency of exchange is the Thai Baht. One US dollar is worth about 34.5559 Thai Baht as of 2023. You can also use debit and credit cards.
• Most of the major banks operate in Samui Island. They exchange all major currencies and traveller’s cheques.
• ​​​​​​​You can find ATMs everywhere in Koh Samui. They accept both local as well as international debit cards. However, they charge you a small transactional fee when you withdraw from your country’s bank account.
• ​​​​​​​The locals of Koh Samui speak Thai – the official language of Thailand. People also understand and speak English to a certain extent, since the island is a famous tourist destination.
• ​​​​​​​Buddhism and reverence to the monarchy are striking aspects of Samui culture. It has a large Buddhist Thai population along with a traditional Muslim fishermen community.
• ​​​​​​​Important public holidays include:

1. The Chinese New Year in February
2. ​​​​​​​The Thai New Year (Songkran) in April
3. ​​​​​​​The Festival of Lights (Loi Krathong) in November
4. ​​​​​​​Christmas and New Year