At a glance
Who it is for
What happens
Visits and time
Cost
Explore the difference between routine cleaning and treatment for gum disease, and why ongoing care matters.
Overview
Gum disease affects the tissues supporting your teeth. Early gum inflammation is called gingivitis; periodontitis involves damage to the deeper supporting tissues and bone.
Tokyo Expat Dental provides gum care in-house. We explain the findings in English and plan treatment around the areas affected, your health history and a home-care routine that works for you.
Reasons to seek care
Arrange an assessment for gums that bleed easily, persistent bad breath, gum recession or changes in how your teeth feel when biting. Gum disease can also develop without noticeable pain.
If you have marked swelling, worsening pain or a newly loose tooth, tell us when arranging your visit so we can consider the urgency.
What care involves
The assessment includes checking the gums and measuring the spaces around the teeth. X-rays may help assess the supporting bone. Please share relevant medical conditions and medicines with your dentist.
Care may include cleaning above and below the gum line, advice on brushing and cleaning between teeth, and a review of the response. Deeper cleaning is different from a routine polish and may be planned over several visits.
Care process
Understand your gum health
Your dentist explains the gum measurements, any imaging and factors that may affect your treatment.
Plan treatment together
Together, we agree on the cleaning needed, comfort measures, home-care priorities and costs.
Treat and reassess
After the agreed care, your dentist reviews how your gums respond before discussing any further treatment.
Maintain the improvement
We plan ongoing reviews and supportive cleaning at intervals based on your gum health.
Why patients choose Tokyo Expat Dental
Explained in English
Care planned with you
Instrument hygiene
Easy to reach
Risks and limitations
Treatment aims to control inflammation and protect the remaining support around your teeth. It cannot promise to restore support already lost. Ongoing cleaning and home care are important because the condition can recur.
Soreness and sensitivity may follow deeper cleaning. As swelling settles, teeth can look longer or spaces may become more noticeable. Some teeth may have a poorer outlook despite treatment.
Alternatives
The appropriate approach depends on the stage of disease and the response to initial care. Further treatment or specialist input may be discussed if needed. A routine polish alone may not address deeper gum disease.
Fees and treatment time
Private dental care at Tokyo Expat Dental is planned around your needs, with treatment options and fees explained in English before you decide. Japanese public health insurance does not cover treatment here.
Costs depend on the areas requiring treatment and the planned maintenance. We will distinguish the assessment, active treatment, reassessment and ongoing visits in your estimate.
In Tokyo for a short time?
Tell us your travel dates when you book so we can discuss what fits your stay and whether further appointments will be needed. We provide reports to support international insurance claims; cover depends on your policy.
After your visit
Follow the care and review instructions your dentist gives you. Please contact the clinic if you have a question or your symptoms change.
For difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading facial or neck swelling, or uncontrolled bleeding, call 119 for an ambulance. Seek urgent care from a service that is open rather than waiting for an online reply.
Related treatments
Professional teeth cleaning
Professional cleaning and a gum-health check, with plaque, tartar and surface-stain removal.
General dentistry and dental checkups
Checkups, tooth-coloured fillings and advice for keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Dental implants
Replacement teeth held by dental implants, including Osstem and Straumann options.