Preventive Dentistry FAQ
What’s the purpose of preventive dentistry? What does it involve?
Preventive dentistry works to stop cavities and periodontal disease before they start, protecting healthy teeth for life. The basic approach combines professional care at the clinic (examinations, cleaning, brushing guidance, fluoride application, and so on) with self-care at home. Since everyone’s mouth and lifestyle are different, we work with you on individual advice to build a routine you can keep up.
Please tell me how a visit works.
We first check your teeth and gums, the condition of any fillings or crowns, the amount of plaque, tartar, and bad breath, the depth of your periodontal pockets, and take an X-ray if needed, in an oral examination. We then proceed in the order tartar removal (scaling), PMTC (biofilm removal), brushing guidance, and fluoride application to finish. If a cavity is found, we move it to treatment first.
How often should I come in?
We recommend about 3 to 4 professional care visits a year.
Cleaning (scaling) is usually spaced about every 3 to 6 months as a guide, but we adjust it individually to the condition of your mouth. Repeating examinations and cleaning regularly lets us catch changes early and keep your mouth in good condition.
What’s the difference between scaling and PMTC?
Scaling uses a special instrument to remove tartar (hardened buildup) and lowers the risk of cavities and periodontal disease. PMTC is a cleaning in which a dental hygienist uses a machine to remove plaque and biofilm and smooth the tooth surface.
It also reaches spots that are hard to brush yourself and stains, so besides prevention, it can be expected to improve appearance too. We combine the two as appropriate.
What are the tips for fluoride application and fluoride toothpaste?
To finish, we apply a high-concentration fluoride to the tooth surface to help remineralization.
At home, spread fluoride toothpaste over your whole mouth, and one rinse with a small amount of water for about 5 seconds is enough. Leaving fluoride in your mouth boosts its effect. Keeping up both daily self-care and regular professional care is the key.
What should I focus on for care at home?
The basics are “remove all the plaque” and “don’t let bacteria build up.”
Check for spots you’ve missed using a mirror, and practice the brushing method you’ve been taught every day. Use cleaning aids such as floss or an interdental brush for places a toothbrush alone can’t reach, and keep your diet and lifestyle in order too. Keeping up the method you learned at the clinic is the surest shortcut.
What’s the difference between cleaning and whitening?
Cleaning (scaling / PMTC) is a preventive treatment that removes plaque, tartar, biofilm, and staining to put your mouth in good condition. Whitening, on the other hand, is a cosmetic treatment that bleaches from inside the tooth to make it whiter than its natural shade. Building that foundation with cleaning first reduces unevenness and tends to raise how satisfied you are with the whitening result.
How do I book, and what are the hours and access?
24-hour online booking is available. We’re open weekdays 10:00–14:00, 15:00–19:00 (last appointment accepted up to 1 hour before the end of each session), closed Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.
Access: a 1-minute walk from Toranomon Hills Station (Hibiya Line), a 6-minute walk from Toranomon Station (Ginza Line).
The location and hours make it easy to visit even for busy people.
Is preventive cleaning covered by insurance? About how much does it cost?
Whether cleaning is covered by insurance depends on its purpose and content.
Treatment-oriented procedures, such as for periodontal disease or tartar removal, are covered by insurance (roughly 2,000–3,000 yen as a guide for 30% co-payment). Procedures aimed at appearance, such as PMTC, on the other hand, are often treated as non-insured.
This varies by clinic and content, so please check beforehand.
Is it okay to go for preventive care even when I have pain or discomfort?
We first check the cause with an examination and prioritize treatment if needed.
Even within the preventive care process, if a cavity is found, we move you to treatment first. Pain can make brushing harder, but keeping your mouth clean itself helps prevent things from getting worse.
If you notice anything concerning, please tell us rather than putting up with it.