Dentistry in Pattaya

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 Pattaya?

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

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 Pattaya

About Pattaya

Pattaya is a resort city that lies on the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand. It is about 62 miles southeast of Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Pattaya was once a small fishing village. During the Vietnam War, the American soldiers positioned in Thailand visited Pattaya for rest and relaxation. Their enthusiasm about the town spread among other soldiers. Soon it became popular as an R&R destination and a great alternative to Bangkok. Now, it is a thriving tourist destination within Thailand.

According to a recent survey, 11 percent of all medical tourists that visit Thailand have chosen Pattaya as their destination for Treatments and procedures. Pattaya hospitals offer high-quality services at an affordable cost and they provide a range of medical facilities such as health checks, dentistry, cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, Breast Augmentation procedures, and even cardiac bypass surgeries. The doctors and senior medical team are highly skilled, and they communicate in English with foreign patients.

Phuket's medical facilities offer comprehensive packages aimed at medical tourists, which cover treatment expenses, meticulous aftercare, and accommodation in state-of-the-art private rooms. Notable establishments within this sector include names like the Bangkok Pattaya Hospital, the Pattaya Memorial Hospital, Pattaya International Hospital, and Pattaya City Hospital.

These hospitals are globally recognized for their high-standard healthcare services. Coupled with advanced technology and experienced professionals, they offer a broad range of medical treatments. Balancing excellent medical services with warm Thai hospitality, these institutions provide patients with a comfortable, stress-free medical journey topped with personalized care and attention.

Popular Areas in Pattaya City

Pattaya is the second most-visited city in Thailand next to Bangkok. Divided into four, the North, South, East and Central Pattaya, it is home to about 390,000 inhabitants. Central Pattaya is lively with bars and shopping areas. North Pattaya houses many high-end hotels and is an upmarket area. South Pattaya, with the Walking Street, is a nightlife center. Pratumnak Hills, called the Beverly Hills of Pattaya, is the cleanest and green area, offering the best view of the city. It is also home to the Big Golden Buddha.

This beautiful island city is an ideal location for beach and adventure lovers, and party enthusiasts. It has many exotic beaches, water-theme parks, beautiful nature, religious temples, and exhilarating nightlife.

Some popular areas of tourist interest in Pattaya are –

• Beaches – The beaches are the most popular places in Pattaya and have plenty of beach activities such as parasailing, jet-skiing, snorkeling, and more. Pattaya Beach, Jomtien Beach and Koh LarnBeach are the most visited beaches of the City.
• Sanctuary of Truth –With a height of 105 meters, the Sanctuary of Truth is a place of peace and reflection. Made of teakwood with intricate wooden carvings, the monument built by a millionaire has four wings, each of which is dedicated to the Thai, Chinese, Khmer and Indian religious idols.
• Koh Larn – Located 4 miles from the Pattaya coast, Koh Larn is a beautiful island with six beautiful and unique beaches with plenty of water activities. Boats from Pattaya operate several times every day to this island.
• Khao Phra Tamnak – This is a viewpoint on top of the hill that separates Jomtien Beach from South Pattaya. Wat Phra Yai, the iconic Golden Buddha statue, is atop the mountain. The viewpoint offers a sweeping and scenic view of Pattaya City, and the Bay.
• Walking Street – is a 500-meter stretch and is a busy and trendy street. It is a popular attraction for entertainment and nightlife and is known for its bright and big neon signages. The side streets are lined with bars, nightclubs, live bands, go-go bars, restaurants, and discotheques.
• Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden –is spread over a 500-acre park with a scenic landscape and has the feeling of a theme park with cultural shows, restaurants. The garden has won many awards for its landscapes and you will see many exotic flowers and unique species.
• Floating Market –The Four Regions Floating Market is different from other floating markets of Thailand. The market is divided into four regions, north, northeast, south and central. Each division of the market sells products from a particular region. The shops or stalls are in boats that move around the canals.

Phuket's repertoire of attractions extends beyond its pristine beaches and medical facilities, inviting visitors to discover its varied cultural and recreational sites. Engaging attractions such as the Elephant Village and the Sri Racha Tiger Zoo offer unique wildlife encounters, while theme parks like the Cartoon Network Amazone deliver splashes of fun for all ages. There's also the Million Years Stone Park to marvel at nature's wonders, and Art in Paradise offers a delightful interactive experience.

Weather and Climate in Pattaya City

Located in the tropics, Pattaya is characterized by a tropical wet and dry climate where temperatures tend to remain elevated throughout the year. The city usually sees an average maximum temperature of approximately 91.4°F, making it a perfect destination for those who enjoy a warm climate.

However, it's important for visitors to note that due to the high levels of humidity prevalent in Pattaya, the city may often feel hotter than the actual temperature indicates. This increased perception of heat due to humidity is known as the 'heat index,' and is a common aspect of tropical climates. So whether you're planning a day at the beach or exploring the town, light, breathable clothing and plenty of hydration are recommended to keep comfortable and make the most of your visit.

The city has three distinct seasons –

• Cool Season - Is from November to February and the temperature is moderate, and the weather is dry.
• Hot Season - March to May is the hottest time of year and day temperatures are unbearably hot and humid. The weather starts hotting up by mid-March, and peaks during April and May.
• Wet Season – June to October are the wet months. Temperatures start to moderate from the end of May. September and October are the wettest months and local flooding is normal in Pattaya during this season.

Getting Around in Pattaya City

U-Tapao Pattaya Airport is about 18 miles, and at a 45-minute drive from Pattaya. The airport operates a small number of daily domestic and international flights. The best way to reach Pattaya by air would be via Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport which is 75 miles away from Pattaya. It is just an hour and a half drive by road from Bangkok. Suvarnabhumi Airport is well-connected to many international cities and from Suvarnabhumi Airport, you can take a Grab Taxi, or a metered taxi to reach Pattaya. You can also take the train from Bangkok, which will take about 4 hours, and cost you about 35 THB.

An equally practical and economical option for travelling to Pattaya from Bangkok is utilizing the bus service. With a moderate fare of around 115 THB, these buses are regular and efficient, making hourly departures from Bangkok's Eastern Bus Terminal to Pattaya. The service is impressively extensive, running between the early hours of 5 am through to late in the evening at 11 pm.

For visiting local spots within Pattaya, tourists can opt for a variety of transportation modes such as the popular songthaews, tuk-tuks, rental cars, Grab Taxi services, motorbike taxis, as well as car and motorbike rentals for those preferring to self-drive. Songthaews are distinct dark blue pick-up trucks that have been ingeniously remodeled into passenger vehicles. Offering a cost-effective ride at 5 THB for locals and a mere 10 THB for foreigners, they're an ideal choice for short distance travel.

Further, those who wish to cover long distances or simply crave a more comfortable experience can opt for taxis. Despite being relatively costlier than other forms of public transport, taxis in Pattaya offer a convenient and relaxing journey. They allow you to explore the city's intriguing sites and beautiful landscapes at your own pace, instilling a sense of ease and personalization to your travel plan. The options don't end here, though. With rental services, you can hire a car or a motorbike to drive around the city. It gives you the freedom to plan your itinerary, stop at will for impromptu sightseeing or leisure breaks.

On the other hand, the increasingly popular Grab Taxi service offers the convenience of hailing a ride with just a few taps on your smartphone. So whether it's hopping on a songthaew, zooming off on a motorbike, or enjoying a comfortable ride in a taxi, getting around Pattaya is easy, efficient, and tailored to suit a variety of preferences and budgets.

Tourist Visas in Pattaya City

Visa Exemption - Thailand exempts nationals from 55 countries, including the UK, USA, and many European countries, from obtaining a tourist visa. This means that these visitors can enter Thailand and stay for up to 30 days without having to apply for a visa in advance. The only requirement is that their passport must be valid for at least six months beyond their intended date of departure from Thailand.

To enter Thailand under the visa exemption program, visitors must obtain an arrival stamp at the immigration checkpoint at their port of entry. This is a free and simple process, and it only takes a few minutes.

Visa on Arrival - Nationals from 24 countries, including China and India, can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport in Thailand. This visa allows them to stay in Thailand for up to 15 days.

To obtain a visa on arrival, visitors must present a valid passport (valid for at least six months beyond their intended date of departure from Thailand), a completed visa application form, and a passport photo. They must also pay a visa fee of 2,000 Thai baht.

Important Information

• Visitors who enter Thailand under the visa exemption program or who obtain a visa on arrival cannot extend their stay.
• Visitors who overstay their visa will be subject to a fine and may be banned from re-entering Thailand.
• Visitors who are unsure of their visa status should contact the Thai embassy or consulate in their home country.

Additional Information

1. The local currency of Pattaya is the Thai Baht (THB). 1 US dollar is worth on average  34.5559 THB as of 2023. You will need to have Thai Baht currency for street shopping as most retailers don’t accept cards.
2. ATMs are available everywhere and accept all major debit and credit cards. Though street vendors accept only cash, most retailers in malls accept card payments.
3. The official language of Thailand, including Pattaya, is Central Thai. Locals understand and speak English in the tourist areas.
4. Buddhism is the major religion of Pattaya. Many practice Daoism along with Buddhism. Hinduism and Islam are the other major religions practised in Thailand.
5. While visiting Buddhist temples, it is best you wear conventional clothes and remove your footwear before entering the temple.
6. Chinese New Year (Feb 5), Makha Bucha Day (Feb 19), Songkran Festival (April 12-16), Asahina Bucha and Buddhist Lent Day (July 16 & 17), and Constitution Day Dec 10) are a few important holidays in Pattaya.