Dentistry in Tokyo

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 Tokyo?

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

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 Tokyo

About Tokyo

Tokyo is Japan’s capital. It is one of the 47 prefectures of the country. There are over 13.9 million people estimated to live there. The capital is a giant metropolis that offers tourists the chance to indulge in the traditional Japanese culture, eat in one of its delicious restaurants, or learn more about modern life. One of the most popular sights in Tokyo is the cherry blossoms that fill the streets and parks with pink petals in Spring. The soft pink petals are an icon of the country.

Among the 30 million people who traveled to Japan in 2018 are medical tourists. With a vast range of high-quality medical services and facilities, Tokyo has a large contribution to the country’s growing medical tourism. it has numerous public and private hospitals that offer outstanding healthcare. These hospitals are equipped with cutting-edge medical technology and highly qualified doctors. Many doctors and medical professionals speak fluent English.

As Japan was ranked the highest in five-year survival rates of lung cancer and esophagus cancer patients from 2010 to 2014, the most sought-after medical procedure is Tokyo oncology treatments. There are many medical facilities in the area that are JCI-accredited and offers a wide range of treatments including Breast Augmentation procedures.

Popular Areas in Tokyo

Tokyo is sprawling with many extraordinary attractions and sights. It is the perfect mixture of traditional and modern. From temples, shrines, futuristic infrastructure, robot restaurants, booming nightlife, nature to anime, all coexist peacefully here.

To see a beautiful city view, climb up the Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, and Tokyo Tower. Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple, Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, and learn more about the history and traditions. The temple is surrounded by numbers of Japanese restaurants that serve authentic dishes including Sushi, Tempura, and Sukiyaki. Tourists can also try a variety of traditional activities like wearing a Kimono dress.

Not far from Asakusa is Ueno, where one of the biggest parks in Tokyo is located. Ueno Park is the perfect place to spend a beautiful day. The park consists of a zoo, museums, historical monument, and green spaces. To try out Tokyo’s futuristic and modern side, come to the first digital art museum in the world, MORI Building DIGITAL ART MUSEUM — teamLab Borderless. Experience a unique interactive art with the latest technology and immerse in multiple digital art exhibitions.

Shopping is also one of the main attractions in Tokyo. Tourists most favorite places to shop are Ginza, Nakamise Shopping Street, as well as Takeshita Street and Omotesando in Harajuku. For anime or Disney fans, attractions such as Ghibli Museum, Fujiko F Fujio Museum, Pokemon Center, Tokyo One Piece Tower, Nakano Broadway, Akihabara, Tokyo Disneyland, and Tokyo Disney Sea are some of the best places to visit.

Weather and Climate in Tokyo

Tokyo is a year-round destination because it has temperate weather with four distinct seasons.

• Summer is hot and humid with an average temperature of 21 to 32 °C. Sometimes it can get as high as 40 °C. this season starts in June and ends in August. June sees a lot of rainfall while August is the start of typhoon season.
• Autumn lasts from September to November. The typhoon season peaks in November. The weather during this season is mild with less humidity. It is pleasantly warm in October, making it one of the best times to travel in Tokyo.
• Winter comes in December and lasts until February. The weather is dry and sunny with an average temperature of around 2 °C to 12 °C. The temperature rarely drops below 0 °C. There is very little snow in Tokyo.
• Spring starts in March to May. The temperature increases gradually during this season, with an average of 13 °C in the afternoon and 5 °C in the morning and evening. The sky is mostly clear during this season and it is also one of the best times to visit Japan because of the cherry blossoms.

Getting Around in Tokyo

Located around 60km east of central Tokyo, Narita International Airport is the main international gateway to Tokyo. The airport serves both domestic and international flights to almost every major city in the world. Budget airlines such as Jetstar Japan, Peach, and Eastar Jet operates flights from this airport.

Rail, bus, taxi, or car rental are available for tourists to reach the city center from Narita Airport. There are several train types to choose from. The Main Line (regular commuter train) in Keisei Line is the most affordable one, it costs around ¥1,190 to ¥1,230 ($10 to $11.3) and it connects with the Toei Asakusa Subway Line and the Yamanote Line. For faster travel, choose the Skyliner train that takes only 36 minutes to Nippori. This train costs around ¥2,470 ($22.7). There is another train known as the Sky Access Express train that offers better access to Tokyo. A trip to Asakusa takes about 58 minutes and costs around ¥1,290 ($11.9).

A taxi might not be the best option since it’s very expensive, it usually costs over ¥20,000 ($184) from Narita Airport to Tokyo. The more affordable option is the shared minibus which cost ¥6,180 ($57) per person. Buses are comfortable, the Limousine Bus costs around ¥2,880 ($26.5) and the Tokyo Shuttle costs around ¥900 ($8) to ¥1,000 ($9).

Tokyo is served by one of the best public transport systems in the world. Trains and subways are the best way to get around the city. It is the cheapest and fastest mode of transportation. Taxis are easily available and can be hailed on the street except in areas like Ginza, where taxis are only allowed to stop in taxi stands. The base fare is ¥430 ($4) for the first 1.5 km and ¥80 ($0.7) for every 237 meters.

Tourist Visas in Tokyo

Japan allows citizens of 68 countries and territories to stay in the country for up to 90 days. Citizens of Indonesia, Brunei, and Thailand are granted a 15-day visa-free trip. The country has a visa for a medical stay that grants long-term stays to medical tourists and approval for visa holders to travel back and forth between their home countries and Japan. Foreign visitors who visit Japan on tourist visas can also receive medical services, except for long-term therapies and surgeries that require more than three months.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency is the Japanese Yen (¥). There is around ¥111 per $1.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are widely available and can be found in post offices or convenient stores (especially 7-Eleven). Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, restaurants, and shops but it is advisable to always bring cash. Tipping is optional.
3. Local Language: Japanese is the official language. Most people speak limited English but many restaurant menus and signs are written in both Japanese and English.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The main religion is Shintoism and Buddhism. There is a small group of Christians in the city.
5. Public Holidays: There are sixteen major public holidays in Japan. The city hosts annual festivals including Fuji Matsuri, Hinode Matsuri, and Tenno Matsuri.