Frequently Asked Questions
Treatment and Appointments
Do I need an appointment?
We see patients by appointment, aiming for zero wait time and keeping waits as short as possible. Please don’t walk in without an appointment; call us in advance. You can book by phone, online, or through LINE.
* If you need urgent care, we can see you the same day, so please call us first.
Can I book a same-day appointment?
A same-day appointment is possible if a slot is open. Please call us first to ask. We’ll also do what we can for an urgent case, such as sudden pain or swelling.
Can I change or cancel my appointment?
Please let us know of any change or cancellation by the day before your appointment. Outside clinic hours, you can also reach us by email, LINE, the inquiry form on our website, or other means.
Late Arrivals
If you arrive late, other patients with appointments have to wait, and we may not be able to do the treatment you wanted. If you cannot make it on time, please call us beforehand. If 10 minutes have passed since your appointment time and we have not heard from you, your appointment may be canceled automatically.
No-Shows
Please do not miss an appointment without contacting us. Canceling an appointment can harm your teeth, add to the number of visits and the length of treatment, and in some cases leave your teeth in a state we can no longer treat at our clinic, so it is very important to keep to your treatment schedule. If you miss an appointment without notice, you will no longer be able to book appointments in advance.
Effect on Treatment
Ongoing care matters for dental treatment. Keeping to the planned schedule can help stop cavities and periodontal disease from progressing and protect your oral health. If treatment is delayed by a cancellation or a break in treatment, your symptoms may get worse or your treatment may take longer. To protect your teeth, please keep to your planned visits.
Are you open on weekends?
We’re open on Saturdays and Sundays, which makes it easy to visit even if you’re busy on weekdays. We’re closed on public holidays and over the New Year holiday.
What are your clinic hours?
We’re open 10:00–19:00 on weekdays and 10:00–18:00 on weekends.
As a rule, the last check-in times for treatment are:
- Morning: 13:15
- Afternoon (weekdays): 18:15
- Weekends: 17:15
* A disinfection visit or stitch removal can also be booked up to 30 minutes before closing
How long does a first visit take?
For a first visit, we allow about 30 to 45 minutes, including questions about your symptoms and health, and an exam. This can vary depending on your symptoms and the treatment involved. Please allow some extra time.
Is there parking?
We don’t have our own parking lot, but there are several coin-operated parking lots nearby. If you’re coming by car, please use one of the nearby lots.
How far are you from the station?
We’re a 1-minute walk from Takadanobaba Station. The JR Yamanote Line, Seibu Shinjuku Line, and Tokyo Metro Tozai Line all serve the station, so it’s easy to reach.
About Our Treatments
General Dentistry (Cavities & Periodontal Disease)
How do you treat cavities?
We’re mindful of the burden on your tooth and place a priority on preserving the nerve. Depending on how far the decay has progressed, we treat it with a filling or a crown. Even for deep decay, we offer the option of preserving the nerve wherever possible, using Vital Pulp Therapy with MTA cement.
Can periodontal disease be cured?
A complete cure for periodontal disease can be difficult in some cases, but with the right treatment and regular maintenance, its progression can be stopped. We remove tartar with scaling and SRP, and offer periodontal regenerative therapy for severe cases.
What is root canal treatment?
This is the treatment carried out when the nerve of a tooth becomes infected. We remove the nerve, clean and disinfect inside the root, and then fill it with medication. Root canal treatment raises the chances of saving the tooth and avoiding extraction.
Orthodontics
Do you offer clear aligner orthodontics?
We offer clear aligner orthodontics using Invisalign. An intraoral scan with iTero lets you check a simulation of your teeth before and after treatment. We offer all Invisalign plans and can treat a wide range of cases, from mild to severe.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
This varies by case, but it’s generally about 1 to 3 years. A mild misalignment can sometimes be finished in about 6 months to a year. We’ll give you a rough idea of the treatment time at your initial consultation.
Can I get partial orthodontics only?
If it’s only your front teeth that bother you, partial orthodontics is a good option. Using Invisalign Lite, we can straighten your teeth in a shorter time and at a lower cost.
Can children have orthodontic treatment?
For children around 6 to 12 years old, there’s a dedicated system called Invisalign First. It straightens the teeth while making use of jaw growth during this developmental stage.
Cosmetic Dentistry & Whitening
Can I replace a metal filling or crown with a white one?
Yes, ceramic treatment can replace a metal filling or crown with a white one. We can choose the material best suited for strength and aesthetics, including zirconia, e.max, and Zirconia Bond.
How soon does whitening show results?
With in-office whitening, you can see the effect after a single session. With at-home whitening, results appear over about 2 weeks to a month. Results vary from person to person.
I’m self-conscious about a gap or the shape of my front teeth
Angel Veneer can improve the color, shape, or a gap in your front teeth. It’s a treatment that shaves a thin layer off the surface of the tooth and bonds on a thin piece of ceramic. We adjust the color and shape of the tooth while being mindful of how much we remove.
Can dark gums be treated?
Gum peeling can improve dark gums. We use a solution to remove the dark pigmentation and restore healthy pink gums.
Implants & Dentures
Do you offer implant treatment?
Yes, we offer implant treatment. With a precise exam using dental CT and a thorough consultation, you can feel at ease with your treatment. We also offer bone grafting when the bone is thin.
How long does implant treatment take?
Generally about 3 to 6 months. After the implant is placed, we wait 2 to 3 months for it to bond with the bone before attaching the final restoration. If bone grafting is needed, it can take longer.
My denture doesn’t fit well and it’s bothering me
We offer a wide range of options, from insurance-covered dentures to natural-looking non-clasp dentures and comfortable metal-based dentures. We also adjust and repair dentures as needed, so just ask.
Oral Surgery
Can you extract a wisdom tooth?
Yes, we handle wisdom tooth extraction. We use dental CT for a precise examination to guide a safe extraction. We handle a wisdom tooth that’s sideways or impacted as well, though in some cases we may refer you to a university or general hospital.
My mouth ulcer won’t heal
A mouth ulcer that hasn’t healed in 2 weeks or more may be a sign of another condition, so it needs a closer examination. We prescribe an ointment or a mouth rinse to ease the pain and help it heal sooner.
I have what looks like a blister on my lip
This may be a mucocele. We remove it together with the salivary gland that causes it, which prevents it from coming back. We carry out a precise examination and the appropriate treatment.
My jaw hurts and it’s hard to open my mouth
This may be a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. A mouthguard or a change in habits can ease the symptoms. Teeth grinding or clenching can also be a cause.
Pediatric Dentistry & Preventive Dentistry
Do you treat children too?
Yes, we offer pediatric dentistry. We take a gentle, careful approach so your child doesn’t come to fear the dentist. We also focus on prevention, including fluoride application and sealants.
How often should I come in for a checkup?
We recommend a checkup once every 3 months. Catching and treating cavities and periodontal disease early protects your teeth.
What is Airflow?
Airflow removes surface staining and debris with a spray of fine powder and water. It offers effective cleaning in a short time, with less strain on teeth than conventional methods.
Other
I don’t handle pain well. Can you take that into account?
We take pain into account, using topical anesthetic and an electric anesthetic injector. If you’re concerned about pain or discomfort during treatment, just let us know.
How long does treatment take?
This depends on your symptoms and the treatment involved. Cavity treatment takes about 1 to 3 visits, and orthodontic treatment about 1 to 3 years. We’ll give you a rough idea of the treatment time at your first visit.
Fees and Payment
What is the difference between insurance-covered and self-pay treatment?
Insurance-covered treatment uses treatment methods and materials set by the government, with part of the cost covered by insurance. Self-pay treatment is treatment not covered by insurance, where you pay the full cost yourself, but you can access treatment with superior aesthetics or function.
What’s a rough guide to treatment costs?
For insurance-covered treatment, on top of the first-visit or follow-up fee, a cavity filling costs roughly ¥1,500–¥3,000 (at the 30% co-payment rate), and a teeth cleaning costs roughly ¥3,000 (at the 30% co-payment rate). For the cost of self-pay treatment, please see our fee page.
Can I pay by credit card?
We accept JCB, American Express, VISA, Mastercard, Diners Club, and DISCOVER.
Can I pay with e-money or a QR code payment app?
We accept PayPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay, iD, transit IC cards, Rakuten Edy, WAON, and nanaco.
Can I use dental financing?
Yes, dental financing is available. It lets you pay for self-pay treatment in installments. Please ask our staff for details.
Can I pay in installments if the treatment cost is high?
You can pay in installments by credit card or use dental financing. If you’re concerned about the cost, talk to us.
Can I claim the medical expense deduction?
If your medical expenses for the year exceed ¥100,000, you can claim the medical expense deduction when filing your tax return. Please keep your receipts safe. For details, please contact your tax office.
Facilities and Other Questions
What equipment do you have?
We use dental CT, iTero (an intraoral scanner), a Pearl Clave (a sterilizer), and Airflow (EMS), among others. They let us provide precise exams and treatment in a hygienic environment.
Do you have dental CT?
Yes, we have dental CT. It lets us carry out a precise examination for wisdom tooth extraction or implant treatment.
Do you use iTero?
Yes, we use iTero. It provides a fast, precise dental scan, without the discomfort of a conventional impression. We also use it for simulations in orthodontic treatment.
What do you do for hygiene and infection control?
We use a sterilizer called a Pearl Clave, a specified maintenance-control medical device, for thorough sterilization of our treatment instruments. We use sterilized instruments for every patient, in a hygienic environment.
Is the clinic accessible?
Our clinic is on the 4th floor of the building, but there is an elevator you can use. Visitors with a stroller or a wheelchair are also welcome.
Is there a kids’ space?
We don’t have a dedicated kids’ space, but if you’re bringing a child, they’re welcome to stay with you in the treatment room. We can place a chair next to the dental chair so parent and child can stay together.
Can you help me in Chinese?
We have a Chinese interpreter on staff, so we can help you in Chinese. Even if you’re not confident in Japanese, you can feel at ease visiting us.
What precautions do you take against COVID-19?
We take thorough infection-prevention measures: staff hand washing and disinfection, wearing masks and gloves, disinfecting the treatment chairs and waiting room, and regular ventilation. We also ask patients to disinfect their hands and have their temperature checked when they visit.
Can I be treated while pregnant?
Treatment is possible during pregnancy, but depending on the stage of pregnancy and your symptoms, we may adjust the treatment or its timing. Please be sure to let us know that you’re pregnant.
How often should I come in for a checkup?
We recommend a checkup once every 3 months. Catching and treating cavities and periodontal disease early protects your teeth.
Other Questions
I have a question that isn’t covered on this website
Contact us by phone or through our inquiry form. Our staff will give your question their care and attention.
Can I come in just for a consultation?
You’re welcome to come in just for a consultation. We’ll explain the treatment and cost in detail, so just book an appointment. An orthodontic consultation is free, though an X-ray or other examination is billed at the insurance-covered rate.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, contact us.
歯科ハミール高田88
Phone: 03-6709-6866
You can also reach us through online booking or LINE booking. We look forward to welcoming you.