I recently returned from the US where I found out that I have a lot of dental work that was overlooked by my dentist in Tokyo. I would greatly appreciate information from anyone who has received good dental care in Tokyo. Shibuya and Shinjuku are convenient to where I live. Thanks

I recently visited the Shoji Dental Clinic on the recommendation of a friend and it was definitely one of the better dental experiences of my life!

They are open from 9 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 18:30. Closed on Saturday afternoons, Sundays and holidays. The phone number is 03-3495-0811. His wife is the receptionist and she also speaks English well. The address is:
Shimada Bldg. 4F 1-25-4 Nishi-Gotanda, a 5 minutes walk from Gotanda Station.

He takes Japanese Health Insurance too.

Dr. Tanaka is actually a periodontist but he did a great check up and cleaning while I was pregnant. Dr. Tanaka speaks English and does accept public insurance.

Tanaka Dental Clinic
1-1-1 Minami-Aoyama, Minato-ku
Tel: 03-3475-1188

Many of the dentists here aren't used to American-style check-up and cleanings. I think that most Japanese individuals go to the dentist only when a problem arises. However, Dr. Tanaka had no problems doing a check-up and his hygenist did a thorough cleaning.

I find all of my health info in the Japan Health Handbook, which I can't recommend highly enough; it should be an essential for all foreign residents - I've used it many, many times!

Karen

Tanaka-sensai is my dentist too and I've been happy with him. He is on the 3rd floor of Aoyama Twin Towers (it's the tower on the corner opposite Honda Building).

Hello,
My husband is in urgent need of root canal treatment, it seems his filling has come out and he is bleeding too. Can anyone please suggest a good English speaking doctor accepting National Health Insurance. Someone told him that in Japan the filling they do is silver/gold, hubby wants a simple looking porcelain filling/cap. Anyone has any experience here regarding root canal treatment, please share your experience. Hubby is really scared of visiting adentist here.
Thanks
Rachel

If you live in Tokyo, I go to a dentist in Ginza. He speaks English, uses lasers to kill bacteria (it's painless) and uses porcelain fillings/implants. I had to do a root canal with only one visit and a follow-up. It was painless! It was my first root canal. I think he accepts Japanese insurance but call to make sure. His name is Dr. Kitamura at Ginza Dental Clinic 5-7-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku (03)5568-7987 Mon-Sat 9am-9pm. On the Hibiya line, get off at Ginza station, take exit A2. Walk straight ahead, the 2nd or 3rd building on your right. Take the outside elevator to the 3rd floor.
Good Luck!

By Natalie B on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 09:39 pm:
Just another note on Dr Kitamura (dentist). Here is a map to his clinic. http://plaza27.mbn.or.jp/~implant/map.html
The building name is Ginzadaikokuya.

Thankyou Natalie for the info. I would checkout the dentist today. Could you give me some idea on how much the treatment and consultation cost?
Thanks
Rachel

Can anyone recommend an English-speaking dentist that is either a pediatric specialist or is experienced in working with children?
Thanks in advance, Karen

Hi Karen,
My son is 4 yrs old and he goes to TIS (Tokyo International School). In his school, they have a dental check up twice a year and the lady doctor who comes speaks English and is good with the kids. I am sending you her details:
Lily Dental Clinic
1-12-16, Wako Bldg 3F Jinnan. Shibuya, Tokyo
Tel - 03-3462-0273/ 3487-2256 (English Line)
Hope it helps.
Regards, Sraboni

If you have overseas insurance coverage then I would highly recommend Dr Maori Kaku in Hiroo, Tokyo. Both she and her husband studied dentisty in California and Boston. My boys loving visiting them. I have trouble getting them to leave:) They don't accept Japanese health insurance though. Check out their webpage for more info.

http://drskaku.com/

We go to a husband/wife pediatric dental clinic in Hiro-o called, "Kaku Dental Clinic", 5-9-23 Hiro-o. tel: 03-5449-3308. They serve mainly a foreign clientele, probably because they do NOT take Japanese Health Insurance.
But , for a child's first dental experience, it is a great place. Cheerful, lots of games to play while waiting, and kids can watch a video while they are getting their teeth worked on. I paid about 5000 yen for my son's check-up and cleaning, but since we had such a bad first experience at the ward dental check-up, it was worth it. The free check-ups done through the wards are a good deal if you child is the "easygoing" type, but for something more serious, and if you can't speak Japanese well, I recommend paying a little extra for the comfort of the Kaku clinic.

Sraboni,

Thank you for posting the details of the Lily Dental Clinic (above). It's across from Tower Records in Shibuya and the office is nice. The staff is friendly, there's no wait, they accept NHI and, most importantly, the dentist was kind and thoughtful. She even mentioned that she has no problems with 'happy visits' where you can just drop in with your child for a ride on the chair to get him or her used to the environment and not grow fearful.

Thanks again! Karen

If you are in Yokohama (or Sangenjaya, which is almost a straight shot on the train down there):
Dr. Akio Maeda
1-10-9-201 Ushikubo Nishi, Tsuzuki-ku, Yokohama 224-0015
tel/fax: 045-913-4180

There is a pay car park right across the street if you go by car.

I've been getting my teeth cleaned here about 4 times a year. He will do the top and the bottom in one visit which is very nice, and though he doesn't speak English very well, his wife/assistant does. You can make an appointment and confirm that she will be there on that day.

On the Yokohama Shiei Subway line one stop (or 2?) from end station Azamino.
http://www.welcome.city.yokohama.jp/eng/tourism/walking/1090_1.html

Urgent!

Can anyone recommend a tried and tested pediatric dentist in the Azabu Juban/Nishi Azabu/Hiroo area? Someone who accepts National Health Insurance?

Many thanks.

Hello,

I would be very thankful if someone could recommend me a good dentist based in Tokyo, trained in the US and specialized in restoring missing or damaged teeth.

Thank you
Anne

Hi: This dentist is amazing...a wonderful wonderful man who knows what he's doing. He's in Hiroo and I've been going to him for about 6 years now. He was trained in the States and speaks excellent English. He also uses lazer so the procedures are quick and painless. Here's his website...

http://www.ryodental.com/index.html

He used to be in Ginza but has now moved to his wife's building...she has an international school there. It's a bit hard to find the first time around but the website has a very interesting interactive map which makes it easier to locate him.

Lea Watson
www.scooterwally.com

We are moving to Tokyo in the fall and are in need of an orthodontist. Does anyone have a recommendation?

Hi Meg,

You can call this number 03-3708-2013, and look for Naho, the husband is an orthodondist and can speak english. Hope this could be of help.

Drs. Kaku mentioned above by Natalie B specializes in orthodontics. The office is hugely popular with the expat community.

Check out all the fine recommendations, though and make your own call based on what you see and feel. It becomes a relationship. In the case of orthodontics for kids, the location is very important because the patient has to keep visiting very regularly over a period of time. http://drskaku.com/
Scott

Hi Meg,

There are a number of orthodontists in the Tokyo area. You have not said whether treatment has already been started, or just an assessment has been made. Either way, bring with you whatever X-rays and records you have. This may save you on what the orthodontists refer to as a "records fee". Most will charge you an initial consultation fee, which does not include the cost of X-rays, impressions, etc. which may be necessary.
You really ought to get at least two opinions as treatment methods and fees vary widely. You also need to consider whether you will stay in Japan to finish the entire treatment. Dr. Kaku has already been recommended, but there are three other English speaking orthodontists that I can recommend.

Hillside View Orthodontic Clinic (Daikanyama, Tokyo) - Dr. Kazumi Ikeda
http://www.hillsideview.com

Dr. Fumio Yogosawa, Yogosawa Orthodontic Office
Phone: 03-3499-3441, Fax: 03-3499-3914
From First Bldg. #303, 5-3-10 Minami Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0062

Nezu Orthodontic Clinic (in Kawasaki 1 min from the station)
Dr. Hiroshi Nezu
Phone: 044 211-1623, Fax: 044 244-8729

In my experience, it is usually best to send a fax or e-mail with your details, including e-mail if you have, and often the doctor or English speaking assistant will write you back in English. Many have English maps available as well.

Hi! Does anyone know of a western dentist in the tokyo or yokohama area? I've been going to several English speaking dentists but they have all given me different advice. I might need to undergo oral surgery and am very hesitant to do that in Japan. Please help! Thank you!!

Recommended by Robin Lancien 2004 July 1 and mistakenly sent to Admin instead of being posted here:

Dr. John Kaku & Dr.Maori Kaku
5-9-23 Hiroo, Shibuya-ku
and
1-28-3-3F Kabuki-cho, Shinjuku-ku
Hours: Hiroo -- Wednesday and Thursday 10:30 - 19:00.
Shinjuku -- Tuesday 10:30 - 19:00
Friday, Saturday and Sunday: opening hours change (please call)
Closed: Monday, Appointment system
Tel: 03-5449-3308 and 03-3200-8661, http://drskaku.com/

Hi, Can anyone let me know the composition of silver filling used for tooth cavities in japan. Do they use mercury as one of its constituents, if so how much percentage of mercury is used in the silver filling.

Thanks
A.Roy

The dentists I know here do not use amalgam (silver) fillings at all. If you need the name of a dentist please post again.

Hi, But I went to a dentist in kamiyacho last week, and after checking my lower jaw molar teeth he said that I needed a silver filling to be done. But after seeing the internet I find that silver filling like the amalgam filling also contains mercury. Though my dentist told me that silver filling is different from amalgam and couldnot confirm me whether silver filling in japan contains mercury or not. It would be nice if I could find a website/link that gives composition of this type of filling in japan. Also please let me know of a good english speaking dentist.

In Tokyo there is Dr. Ward at Tokyo Clinic Dental Office which is located in the same building as Tokyo Medical and Surgical. Tel: 03-3431-4225

In Yokohama there is Dr. Julie Yoshida Her office is located at the Bluff Clinic.
Tel:045 641 6961

Here is a column written I think in 1996 by the (author of Japan For Kids) but still very pertinent. I've included the bare bones below, but read the column for details!
Your Family Dentist (column by Diane Wiltshire) http://www.weekender.co.jp/LatestEdition/961115/kids.html

In Roppongi - Dr. Takehiko Ono of the Royal Dental Clinic in Roppongi.4-10-11, Roppongi, in Minato-ku. Tel: 3404-0819. accepts Japanese national health insurance.

In Shinjuku - Shinjuku Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry is located a 1-28-3, Kabuki-cho in Shinjuku-ku. Tel/fax 3200-8661. husband-and-wife team of Drs. John and Maori Kaku (orthodontics and pediatric dentistry). 10:00-19:00 Tu, We, Fri, Sa and every other Sunday.

In Shiba Koen: The Tokyo Clinic Dental Office, Mori Building #32, 2nd floor, at 3-4-30, Shiba Koen in Minato-ku. Tel/fax, 3431-4225. 9:00 to 18:00 M-Sa, closed Tu and Su. Across the street form Tokyo Tower. Dr. Thomas Ward, an American, Dr. Hirokazu Enatsu 3 days each week at his own clinic in Hachioji and three days at the Tokyo Clinic. Dr. Yoshimi Okuda Wed. at the Tokyo Clinic. The rest of the week he's at his clinic in Azabu Juban, which accepts national health insurance.

In Roppongi: Dr. Kazuya Nakashima tel: 3479-2726 10:00-18:00 M-F(periodontics (oral surgery) and cosmetic dentistry).

In Meguro: Dr. Kazumi Ikeda, tel, 3710-7441 (orthodontics). Dr. Jason Wong, tel, 3472-2901 (orthodontics).

In Akasaka: Dr. Kenji Tsubota, tel 3585-8519 (cosmetic dentistry). Dr. Harry Okamoto, tel, 3505-5647 (general dentistry).

In Ebisu: Dr. Narisawa, tel, 3476-5585 (general dentistry). Kyoritsu Dental Associates, tel, 3770-5515 (orthodontics, pediatrics, oral surgery)

In Gotanda: Dr. Yoshinobu Shoji, tel, 3495-0811 (general dentistry).

In Shinjuku: Dr. Yoshinobu Kubo, tel, 3356-2910 (general dentistry).

By the way, if you eat salmon, you are likely to be ingesting more mercury then you could possibly leach out of a silver filling.

I just visited an English speaking dentist in Omiya Saitama (near LOFT) who I highly recommend. He was educated in Japan and at Southern California University. He was very thorough and explained what he was doing at all times. For a filling (clear) and cleaning (tops and bottoms) it cost 8000 yen. His name is Yoshihiko Hasumi and telephone number 048-641-7275. I highly recommend him. Amy

I'm looking for a new dentist for myself
(for a
checkup, cleaning, possible wisdom tooth
removal, and continual preventive care.) I
don't mind if Japanese is the language
used, but do have a bit of a wish list: (1)
an office with newer x-ray equipment,
which I understand uses lower doses of
radiation and is also more accurate,
reducing the need for multiple x-rays; (2)
a dentist who thinks holistically (or at least
respects patients who think this way) and
therefore is conservative in recommending
x-rays and extractions, offers lead shields
before x-rays as a matter of course, etc.;
and (3) a dentist and hygienist
keen on preventive care. Hoping to hear
some recommendations in Tokyo. NHI
acceptance (or prices that are not too
steep) and a location on the Denentoshi
(Hanzomon) or Odakyu train line would be
ideal.

TOKYO: This dentist has been recommended to me. Not only does he speak English well, but his support staff also speak English fairly well. NHI OK.

Dr. Toyoda
Toyoda Dental Clinic
3-3-7-3F Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0032
tel: 03-3582-4731
There is a Family Mart on the ground floor inbb the same building.

The closest subway station is Roppongi Ichome on the Namboku line. Also not too far is the Roppongi 4-chome bus stop not too far from the Roppongi Prince Hotel. It's a bit longer a walk from Roppongi station.

I've tried 2 different dentists near Myogadani (Marunouchi) station, but I really can't recommend either one of them. Actually the one had a good routine with kids (in that my daughter was not upset by it), however, they missed finding a cavity. I found it 2 months later in the USA with our dentist there (who does x-rays. Has anyone got a dentist that does x-rays in Japan?). Also, coating the permanent teeth with a cavity resistance coating costs about 3000+ yen per tooth here in Japan (it's optional so not covered by NHI). Our dentist in Virginia does it for something like 10 USD per tooth. But then we have to pay for the whole visit too whereas in Japan the visit is partly covered by NHI.

I hesitate to recommend this marvelous dentist for fear he'll be booked so tightly that I'll never get another appointment, but my conscience requires me to share. Dr. Kota Kanematsu is in Aoyama (see his website www.tokyodentalcare.com: it's bilingual, includes a map, and gives you a good sense of his demeanor). Dr. Kanematsu has treated me and my son with utmost care and zero pain; my son has absolutely no fear of going to the dentist clinic, as long as it is "SMILE" (this dentist's clinic's cheerful name). Dr. Kanematsu speaks fluent English, does X-rays, is a second-generation dentist, accepts NIH and other plans, and his office is tiny, but uncluttered and very modern. Enjoy, and tell him I sent you (so I can squeeze in an appointment, maybe, in the future!)

Hello, Does anyone know about the issue of silver and amalgam fillings and the controversy about whether the mercury in those types of fillings can be dangerous to health? There is quite an extensive documentation that in the US the use of such materials for fillings can contribute to Alzheimers Disease. So when I took our kids to dentist here we enquired and apparently they use a type of amalgam and or silver that is required by the Ministry of Health to have a much lower amount of mercury than in the US, by comparison. Does anyone know of any dentists who will discuss this issue frankly, and also offer alternative approaches to cavity fillings that do not contain any mercury? Thank you.

Does anyone have Fumio Yogosawa's email address? I worked with him in MD when he was here studying under Dr Suyehiro in the 70's.

My daughter will be needing orthodontic treatment soon but I am dreading the prospect given that this is apparently not covered by the Japanese medical insurance. However, someone recommended the ASAKI Dental CLinic in Suginami-ku which does take the NHI for orthodontic treatment, meaning that total treatment costs are ridiculously low. Does anyone know of other orthodontists that take the NHI?
I will call/visit Asaki Clinic and report back on my findings soon...

Hi, does anyone know of a holistic dentist in Tokyo? My son had an accident in the pool, but I feel he is too young to have a root canal treatment. Thanks