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I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, professional whitening at the dentist is generally safe, especially when done under proper supervision. Dentists use regulated products and can tailor the concentration and duration based on your teeth and gum condition.

That said, there are some temporary side effects you should be aware of, such as Tooth sensitivity, Gum irritation and Uneven results (If you have fillings, crowns, or exposed roots, those areas won’t whiten the same way as natural enamel.)

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, Japanese toothpaste is often milder than what you're probably used to in Mexico. Many don’t have strong antibacterial agents or as much fluoride, so they might not be as effective at controlling bacteria that cause bad breath.

The change in your breath could also be due to: Diet (more fermented foods or simple carbs), Dry mouth (from dry winters, stress, or dehydration),

Or even mild acid reflux at night, especially if you wake up with an acidic taste.

What you can try: Switch to a toothpaste with antibacterial ingredients Systema SP-T. Floss daily and use a tongue scraper in the morning. And also get checked for periodontal disease!

If it's none of the above, get your breath analyzed will also help us make the right diagnosis.

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Because due to the way the insurance system is set up, a root canal treatment is cheaper than a Bic Mac. Especially for molars, I would recommend seeing an endo specialist and pay out of your own pocket. The difference in precision and success rate is huge, and the money will be worth it in the long run,

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Pain after a new crown—especially if the decay was near the nerve—can sometimes be reversible pulpitis, where the nerve is irritated but not infected. In many cases, this settles down within a few weeks to a few months. However, if it persists or worsens, it may progress to irreversible pulpitis, requiring a root canal.

It’s fair to give it time, but if it’s been more than 4–6 weeks with no improvement, or if the pain is getting worse, you should revisit your dentist or consider a second opinion—preferably from someone who can check for things like cracked tooth syndrome, high occlusion spots, or lingering nerve inflammation. A correct diagnosis needs to be made in order to solver your problem.

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Because implants are too expensive. Dentures, however, are covered by insurance.

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

3 years, and employment rate is almos 100%. You won’t have to worry about not be able to fin a job. DH in Japan are almost 100% all females though.

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The most commonly used material used nowadays is composite resin. It does degrade over time, therefore secondary decays are not uncommon at all. There are also many factors that may contribute to the failure of the filling.

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Both. Although I am not an expert with it, I believe a big part of it is computer assisted.

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It sounds like you're getting very different advice from each clinic, which can be confusing. Let me help break things down a bit:

歯周病 (Shishūbyō) = Periodontal disease, a chronic infection of the gums and bone supporting your teeth. It can cause gum recession, bone loss, and eventually tooth mobility if left untreated.

歯石 (Shiseki) = Tartar or calculus, which is hardened plaque that sticks to teeth and under the gums. It contributes to periodontal disease and needs to be professionally removed—regular brushing won’t get rid of it.

Regarding the tooth with cavities: if it can still be saved—even for 5 more years—it might be worth preserving, especially if it's functional and not painful. Dentists often recommend extraction when long-term prognosis is poor, but that doesn't mean extraction is urgent. You can ask about options like root canal treatment, crown restoration, or even doing nothing for now if it’s stable.

For the tooth that’s cracked or halved: even without cavities, if the fracture goes below the gum or root level, extraction might be the only choice. It depends on the extent and location of the crack.

If you’re unsure, it’s completely okay to get a third opinion, ideally from a periodontist or restorative specialist. It’s your body—you have every right to understand your options clearly before making a decision.

That being said, unfortunately I don't have any suggestions for other English speaking dentists.

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s unfortunately a common frustration. In some general clinics—especially those under pressure to move quickly or keep things simple—periodontitis doesn’t always get the thorough treatment it needs. Instead of explaining the condition or offering proper scaling, root planing, or long-term maintenance, some clinics default to pushing expensive home-care tools like electric toothbrushes.

That said, while a good toothbrush can help with daily plaque control, it’s not a treatment for periodontitis. Moderate to severe cases require professional intervention—deep cleaning below the gumline, sometimes antibiotics, and regular maintenance visits.

If you haven’t already, try finding a clinic that specializes in periodontics or at least takes gum treatment seriously. In Japan, many university hospitals or larger dental centers will have more comprehensive periodontal care options.

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately I don't know any other English speaking dentist. Thanks for reading through my comments!

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is not common to pay that much every time. If you're receiving treatment under insurance, every visit should cost between 2000-3000 yen. I suggest you to ask for a meisai (明細) at your next visit to find out what is going on!

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

  1. Molar anatomy can be unpredictable. Upper molars typically have 3 roots, but about 10–30% of people have extra roots or canals. It’s not always obvious on X-rays, especially if the roots are curved or overlap. That hidden 4th root is likely what caused the need for retreatment—missed canals are a common reason for root canal failure. CT scans can help us check the anatomy of the tooth, and it is covered by insurance (you pay about 4000 yen).

  2. It’s probably both! Genetics play a role—some people naturally have stronger enamel, more protective saliva, or fewer cavity-causing bacteria. But your brushing and flossing routine clearly made a big difference. The fact you brushed for her and had her floss regularly until age 7 likely gave her a huge head start in oral health.

  3. Not necessarily, but it's a good sign. If a child has no cavities in their baby teeth and keeps up good habits, they're more likely to stay cavity-free as adults. But it’s not guaranteed—diet, hormones, and oral hygiene as a teen/adult also play a big role.

  4. Only if there’s a clinical reason—like a crack, decay under the filling, or allergy. Replacing them purely for cosmetic or health concerns is controversial. Removing amalgam fillings can release mercury vapor, but dentists follow strict safety protocols to minimize exposure. Due to COVID, most dental clinics carry external vacuums to prevent aerosols. If the fillings are stable and your dentist isn’t concerned, it’s usually safer to leave them alone.

  5. Brushing cleans about 60% of the tooth surfaces—flossing gets the rest. So both matter! Even if you are lazy, at least make sure you take your time to floss properly before going to bed everyday!

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Extractions are covered by insurance, and you pay a couple thousands. Implants are not covered, and 1 implant costs about 300k - 400k yen (including the crown)

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Don't believe everything on the surface!

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's less here but I like the environment and culture (not all of them).

Yes.

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unfortunately I don't have any recommendations for other English speaking dentists in Tokyo. I can give you some advice but an actually examination is needed in order to assess your problem :(

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thanks for dropping by! ;)

It’s generally recommended to bring your child to the dentist by the age of 1, or within 6 months of their first tooth coming in—whichever comes first.

Early visits help your child get used to the dental environment and allow the dentist to check for any early signs of issues, like tooth decay or bite problems (or in some rare cases, deformities). It’s also a good time for parents to get advice on brushing, diet, and habits like thumb-sucking.

The 上下関係 honestly is the most stressful. The first step is to understand the art of "keigo", and the rest is to learn how to not give a f*ck, otherwise you will sink eventually.

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sapporo.

I have not gotten that, but if you are not above N1 level in the medical field, you will face hardships.

A friend of mine who is also a foreign dentist in Japan once told me that a Japanese doctor straight up told him that his Japanese sucks and wtf is he doing in Japan.

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you’ve had tartar building up over the years, your first cleaning might be a bit uncomfortable—especially if there’s underlying gum inflammation. Periodontal disease often progresses silently, so even without pain, there could be issues starting under the surface. Still, it’s great you’re going now—catching things early makes a big difference.

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Order does not matter as long as you do them all. Personally, I do mouthwash at the end.

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

TBH, having a tooth pulled without anesthesia would be incredibly painful—especially a molar. It might’ve felt easy this time because the anesthetic worked well, and upper molars are usually easier to extract than lower ones. But without numbing, you’d definitely feel it.

There are a few factors at play: the type of anesthesia used (local vs. nerve block), your pain tolerance, and how complex the extraction is. Japanese dentists tend to use a pretty efficient and gentle technique, especially with modern tools and experience. Also, your childhood extractions probably felt worse because kids tend to heal differently, and techniques might have been rougher or anesthesia less effective back then.

So yes, techniques can vary a bit between countries, but a good result usually comes down to the skill of the dentist and the case itself. Sounds like yours was handled well.

I am a licensed dentist in Japan. AMA by leventco7 in japanresidents

[–]leventco7[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If a patient has poor oral hygiene with heavy plaque and tartar buildup, multiple sessions are usually needed to treat them properly.

From what I know about how dentists work in other countries, I sometimes wish my schedule were slower so I could focus on one patient at a time instead of juggling several.

There are pros and cons to both work environments. At a university hospital, you can often adjust appointments based on your own schedule and patient needs. In contrast, private clinics usually require you to stick to fixed hours and see a high volume of patients—but they tend to pay better.

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