Uemura Dental welcomes questions from our patients.

General Dental Treatment

I am afraid of the pain and the sound of dental treatment.

We use local anesthesia and make every effort to provide comfortable treatment. We also help reduce anxiety by offering options such as watching videos during treatment. Please feel at ease discussing any concerns with us.

My teeth are sensitive.

The first step is to determine the cause. We recommend scheduling a dental examination.

I am concerned about bad breath.

Bad breath can have many causes. We recommend identifying the underlying cause first and then determining the appropriate treatment or management.

Is wisdom tooth extraction difficult?

We generally perform wisdom tooth extractions under local anesthesia. We follow up by phone the next day, and more than 90% of our patients report no significant discomfort.

Dental Treatment During Pregnancy

Can I receive dental treatment while pregnant?

Please tell your dentist if you are or may be pregnant. An examination can generally be performed at any stage. However, if morning sickness makes it difficult to keep your mouth open comfortably, it may be better to postpone elective treatment until the more stable stage of pregnancy, generally after about five months. Routine dental treatment may be possible during this period, although X-rays and local anesthesia require appropriate precautions. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can also make the gums more susceptible to inflammation, so regular examinations and professional cleanings are especially important.

Pediatric Dentistry

At what age can my child start seeing a dentist?

Children can be seen at any age. However, we do not believe in forcing treatment in a way that could create lasting fear. Around age two or three is often a good time to begin regular dental visits, but the appropriate timing depends on each child’s personality and circumstances.

Orthodontics

At what age can a child begin orthodontic treatment?

There are many different types of orthodontic treatment, and the appropriate timing depends on each child’s individual condition. Please ask us about orthodontic evaluation during a routine dental examination.

I am an adult. Is there an age limit for orthodontic treatment?

In principle, orthodontic treatment can be considered at almost any age, and an increasing number of adults are choosing treatment. However, the condition of the jawbone, gums, and other oral structures may make orthodontic treatment unsuitable in some cases. Please discuss your options with us during an examination.

I only want to straighten my front teeth.

Limited orthodontic treatment may be an option. Porcelain veneers may also be appropriate in certain cases. Please consult your dentist to determine which approach is best for you.

Teeth Whitening

I am interested in teeth whitening.

There are several types of teeth whitening. (See Cosmetic Dentistry: Teeth Whitening.) Results and how long they last vary by method and by patient. Whitening also does not change the color of existing fillings or other restorations, so large restorations on the front teeth may affect the final appearance. Please consult your dentist to determine the whitening approach most appropriate for you.

Other Questions

Can I be seen the same day?

Although we generally operate by appointment, we make every effort to accommodate same-day visits for patients in pain or those who have lost a filling or restoration. Please call us first.

I live far away from the office.

Many of our patients travel to us from neighboring states, and we also receive appointment requests from Japan. In these situations, we try to minimize the number of visits by planning treatment efficiently and scheduling longer appointments whenever practical.

I have heard that medical and dental care is expensive in the United States.

Because the insurance systems are different, direct comparisons can be difficult. For many routine treatments, Japan may feel less expensive because patients generally pay a standardized portion of covered costs. With U.S. dental insurance, however, preventive services may be covered at 80% to 100%, and some tooth-colored restorations or crowns that may not be covered under Japanese insurance can receive partial coverage. Orthodontic fees and insurance benefits also vary, so depending on the treatment and insurance plan, care in the United States may sometimes be less expensive.

Are payment plans available?

We can discuss payment arrangements when needed. Please feel free to ask our front desk staff.

I have heard that dealing with U.S. insurance companies is difficult.

With your authorization, our office handles communication with the insurance company directly. Please feel free to rely on us for assistance with the process.

I do not know when I will return to Japan. What happens if I am still in the middle of treatment?

When appropriate, we can pause treatment at a suitable stage and provide X-rays and a treatment progress report so that care can be continued in Japan.

I still maintain Japanese health insurance. Can you help with that?

We prepare Japanese-language social insurance documentation required for Japan’s overseas medical expense reimbursement program.