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General Dentistry / Pediatric Dentistry
Our pediatric dentistry services cover children, from infants to school-aged children whose permanent teeth have all come in (age 12–13).
At our clinic, we do not bring children into the examination room and immediately restrain them for their treatment, or suddenly apply a drill to their teeth. We talk with and coach our young patients through their visits. Treatment begins only when the child has had time to get comfortable and is ready to be treated of their own accord.
Children will only be restrained when absolutely necessary due to urgent circumstances, such as during treatment of external injuries, and only with the consent of a legal guardian.
Guardians are welcome to enter the examination room with their children.
If your child appears nervous, please hold their hand and encourage them.
Cute carrying cases provided
After having a tooth pulled, your courageous child will receive one of these adorable mouse- or tooth-shaped cases to carry their tooth home with them.
Kids' area available
In order to keep waiting time from getting boring, a space where kids can play is available in our waiting room. We strive to ease children's reluctance to visit the dentist as much as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- Ｑ：Lately, whenever I eat or drink cold things, like juice, I have a throbbing pain. What's the reason for this?
- Ａ：When you drink cold water, or when you put something hot in your mouth, there can be a momentary sting, to the point of feeling a throbbing sensation.
When you feel a stinging in your teeth, if all of the affected teeth have nerves (living teeth, also known as vital teeth), possible causes may be the early stages of tooth decay, hypersensitivity due to the roots of the teeth being exposed, or root caries, in which decay occurs on an exposed section of the root surface, and which are especially common in middle and old age.
- Ｑ：I sometimes experience a stinging sensation in my tooth. When I had it looked at, I was told it was a cavity. What sort of treatment will it require?
- Ａ：Treatments can differ somewhat depending on the stage of decay. Generally, a tooth with a cavity will be drilled, primarily in the area of the tooth that has softened due to decay. After that, the cavity is filled with a plastic or metal filling.
- Ｑ：I was told by a dentist that my tooth had worn down, and is hypersensitive. What does this condition entail?
- Ａ：For any of a number of possible reasons, the enamel near the gum has been worn away, and the dentin is exposed.
Those reasons can include tooth wear caused by things such as improper brushing and/or excessive use of toothpaste containing polishing agents, as well as teeth grinding during sleep.
When the dentin is exposed, problems with stinging are more likely to occur. This condition is called dentin hypersensitivity.
When actions such as drinking water cause unbearable stinging, as with cavities, treating this condition requires blocking the affected area off from outside irritants, such as by covering the worn-down area with plastic or another suitable material.
- Ｑ：Lately, I often hear terms like "cavity prevention" and "fluoride toothpaste," but what is the connection between fluoride and cavity prevention?
- Ａ：The term "fluoride" as generally used at dental clinics refers specifically to sodium fluoride (NaF, referred to below as "fluoride").
Fluoride has the function of helping teeth that have started softening to recalcify. By introducing an agent containing fluoride to the teeth, it is possible to create conditions in which fluorine can exist in the teeth at all times, which enables softened teeth to be made hard again.
Fluoride also has the effect of limiting the ability of bacteria associated with tooth decay to produce acid. This is believed to make it possible to prevent teeth from beginning to soften, and to keep tooth decay under control.
Orthodontics Questions
- Ｑ：What is the best age at which to start orthodontic treatment?
- Ａ：There is no particular age that is best for everyone. However, if misalignment of the teeth is clearly noticeable during the growth spurt stage (age 8–14), please consult with your family dentist as soon as possible.
- Ｑ：Is orthodontic treatment also available for adults?
- Ａ：Many adults have also received orthodontic treatment. Recently, we have also had many middle-aged and senior patients.
- Ｑ：Are teeth ever pulled for orthodontic purposes?
- Ａ：In general, we try to provide care in a way that does not require the extraction of teeth. In cases of extreme unevenness, it may be necessary to pull a tooth.
However, an empty space will never be left.。
- Ｑ：Does it hurt when braces or other appliances are put in the mouth during orthodontic treatment?
- Ａ：When braces are first put in, there will be some discomfort, and a feeling like the teeth are loose lasting for three to four days. However, there is no unbearable pain. The discomfort will subside in about a week.
- Ｑ：How much does orthodontic treatment cost, and how long does it take?
- Ａ：The time and cost will differ depending on the specifics of the treatment.
Generally, the active phase of treatment will take one to three years, and the post-treatment retention phase will take about one to two years. Regarding the cost,
please consult with your family dentist.
Dental Implant Questions
- Ｑ：Can anyone receive implants?
- Ａ：In terms of age, generally speaking, any healthy person may receive implants from around the age of 20, when the jawbone has fully grown.
However, there are some cases in which implants cannot be received, such as during pregnancy or in cases of systemic disease. Please consult with us.
- Ｑ：How long does implant treatment take?
- Ａ：It can differ depending on the person and the location of the implant, but the required time will be around four to seven months.
