Cavity Treatment FAQ
What’s the flow for a first visit, what should I bring, and roughly how much does it cost?
The flow is: booking → visit → medical interview and examination → X-ray if needed → explanation of your condition and treatment plan. The first-visit fee is about 4,000 yen (an estimate for 30% co-payment), and it varies with the day’s tests and treatment.
Please bring your health insurance card. We accept emergency patients at any time (scheduled appointments take priority), so if you’re in severe pain, please call us first.
I’m worried about pain during treatment. What steps do you take?
If the pain is severe, we prioritize emergency care and use local anesthesia when needed.
We explain your condition before treatment and use a low-stimulus approach. You may have temporary sensitivity or discomfort when biting afterward, but this usually eases within a few days to a week. If symptoms are severe or swelling increases, we recommend coming back in promptly.
How many visits and how long does treatment take?
It depends on how advanced the cavity is and what treatment is needed. A shallow cavity may be finished in just a few visits with a filling, but a larger cavity may need an impression and fitting, which can take several visits.
If the cavity has reached the nerve, we perform root canal treatment, which tends to take more visits. We share your condition at the first examination and suggest a manageable treatment schedule.
About how much does cavity treatment cost? (insurance-covered care)
The first visit costs about 4,000 yen (an estimate for 30% co-payment).
After that, the cost varies with how advanced the cavity is and the treatment needed: roughly 3,000–6,000 yen for early stage, 3,000–10,000 yen for moderate, and 7,000–30,000 yen for severe.
Choosing non-insured options such as ceramic costs extra. We give you the details individually after the examination.
What’s the difference between a silver tooth and a white material, and what payment methods are available?
Depending on the case, you can choose between insurance-covered restorations (resin, metal, etc.) and non-insured options (such as ceramic) chosen for their appearance and fit.
We compare the finish, strength, ease of cleaning, and cost, and make a suggestion. We accept cash, cards, transit IC cards, and PayPay, and a dental loan plan (from about 5,000 yen a month, etc.) is available for non-insured treatment. We explain the individual cost during the counseling session.
How can I tell a cavity apart from tooth sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity usually causes a brief twinge from cold or hot stimuli that fades quickly, while a cavity is more likely to sting with sweets or heat, or to throb and continue. During the examination, we check the affected area visually and with an X-ray if needed.
For sensitivity, we apply a coating and give lifestyle guidance; for a cavity, we remove the infected area and restore the tooth. If symptoms continue or worsen, it’s best to come in sooner rather than later.
Can I be treated while pregnant or breastfeeding?
We adjust treatment to your stage of pregnancy and symptoms. The stable period (weeks 16–27) is generally easier to work with, while the early and late stages call for more care. If pain or infection is severe, we consider the minimum necessary treatment in coordination with your obstetrician.
We can also treat you while breastfeeding, choosing medications carefully. Please be sure to tell us if you are pregnant or breastfeeding when you visit.
How do you approach cavity treatment and prevention for children?
We treat children step by step, at a pace that suits them.
For prevention, building a tooth-brushing habit, controlling sugar and snacks, and managing cavity-causing bacteria are all important. We apply fluoride or sealants as needed and share tips for finishing brushes at home. We work with parents to make care something children can keep up happily.
Is it normal to feel sensitivity or pain when biting after treatment?
Right after a filling or crown, you may have temporary sensitivity or discomfort when biting.
This usually eases within a few days to a week, but please contact us right away if you have strong pain when biting, swelling, fever, or the filling comes out. Appointments take priority, but we’ll advise you on how to be seen the same day depending on your symptoms. We also give you individual guidance on everyday precautions.
What are the tips for preventing recurrence (secondary cavities)?
Daily cleaning (including between the teeth), reviewing your eating habits, and regular checkups and maintenance are the keys.
Regularly checking the fit of fillings and crowns and your bite, applying fluoride, and reviewing your self-care can lower the risk of recurrence. We also have an after-treatment maintenance system in place, so talk with your dentist about how often to come in.