Last Updated on 2 weeks ago by prebeau

Living in Tokyo comes with plenty of practical adjustments, and dental care is one of them.

For international residents and expats, the main challenge is often not finding a dental clinic. Tokyo has many of them. The more difficult part is understanding how dental care in Japan works, whether treatment is covered by insurance, how private dentistry differs, and whether you can discuss your treatment directly with the dentist in English.

This guide explains what international patients should know before visiting a dentist in Tokyo.

Written and medically reviewed by Kuniyasu Mori, DDS, Director of PreBeau Oral Care in Akasaka, Tokyo.

How Dental Care in Japan Works

Dental care in Japan generally falls into two broad categories:

Treatment covered by Japanese National Health Insurance

and

Private, self-pay dental care

The difference is important because it affects the treatments available, materials that can be used, appointment structure, and cost.

Japanese National Health Insurance covers many necessary dental treatments according to defined rules and fees.

Private dental treatment, known as jiyu shinryo (自由診療), is provided outside the national insurance system.

Neither system is automatically better for every patient.

The right choice depends on what treatment you need, what options you want to consider, and whether you are eligible for Japanese National Health Insurance.

Do Expats in Japan Need Japanese National Health Insurance?

Many long-term residents in Japan are enrolled in Japanese public health insurance through either National Health Insurance or an employment-based health insurance plan.

If you are enrolled, eligible dental treatment may be partially covered.

However, some dental treatments and materials are not covered by the public system.

International patients should therefore ask the clinic before treatment:

• Is this treatment covered by Japanese health insurance?
• Is the clinic providing this treatment privately?
• What is included in the quoted fee?
• Are diagnostic tests charged separately?
• Could additional treatment be necessary?

At PreBeau Oral Care, all treatment is provided on a fully private, self-pay basis.

Japanese National Health Insurance is not accepted.

For an overview of our treatment options and current fees, please visit our English-speaking dentist in Tokyo page.

What Is Private Dentistry in Japan?

Private dentistry gives patients access to treatments, materials, and appointment structures that may fall outside the Japanese National Health Insurance system.

This may include certain preventive, aesthetic, restorative, or minimally invasive treatment options.

Because treatment is self-pay, costs vary between clinics.

Before beginning private dental treatment, it is reasonable to ask:

• What is included in the treatment fee?
• Are X-rays or examinations included?
• Will medication cost extra?
• How many appointments are expected?
• Could the treatment plan change after examination?
• Are there alternative treatment options?

Clear communication about both treatment and cost is especially important when you are unfamiliar with the Japanese dental system.

Can I Find an English-Speaking Dentist in Tokyo?

Yes.

Tokyo has dental clinics that provide different levels of English support.

However, “English available” can mean different things.

In some clinics, English support may be provided by reception staff or translation software.

In others, the dentist can discuss your symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, risks, limitations, and costs directly with you in English.

For international patients making treatment decisions, direct communication with the treating dentist can be particularly useful.

At PreBeau Oral Care, international patients can communicate directly with Dr. Kuniyasu Mori in English.

If your primary concern is finding a clinic where you can discuss dental treatment directly in English, see our main English-speaking dentist in Tokyo guide.

Bring Information About Previous Dental Treatment

International patients often arrive in Japan with dental work completed in another country.

You may have:

• crowns
• bridges
• veneers
• implants
• root canal treatment
• orthodontic retainers
• clear aligners
• previous periodontal treatment

If you have relevant dental records, X-rays, implant information, or treatment summaries, they can sometimes help your new dentist understand your history.

You do not need to have every previous record before seeing a dentist.

However, if you know the approximate date of previous treatment, the type of treatment performed, or the reason it was done, tell the dentist.

Dental Treatment May Differ From What You Experienced at Home

Dental practice can vary between countries.

Materials, terminology, insurance rules, treatment sequences, and expectations about follow-up appointments may not be identical to what you are familiar with.

This does not necessarily mean one system is better than another.

It does mean that you should feel comfortable asking why a particular treatment is being recommended.

Useful questions include:

• What is the diagnosis?
• Does this need treatment now?
• Can it be monitored?
• Are there alternatives?
• What happens if I wait?
• How invasive is the procedure?
• How many appointments will it require?
• What are the expected costs?

Understanding the reason behind treatment is an important part of making an informed decision.

What If I Prefer a Minimally Invasive Approach?

Some international patients specifically look for conservative or minimally invasive dentistry.

At PreBeau Oral Care, our clinical philosophy emphasizes preserving healthy natural tooth structure whenever clinically appropriate.

This does not mean that conventional restorative or surgical treatment is avoided when it is necessary.

Instead, when more than one clinically appropriate option exists, we consider whether prevention, monitoring, or a less invasive approach may reasonably achieve the treatment goal.

The appropriate choice depends on the individual diagnosis.

Preventive Dental Care for Expats in Tokyo

Preventive dental care can be particularly useful for people living abroad.

Unexpected dental treatment can be difficult to manage when you travel frequently, move between countries, or receive care from more than one dentist.

Preventive care may include:

• dental examination
• professional cleaning
• periodontal assessment
• maintenance of implants and restorations
• oral hygiene guidance
• monitoring of early changes

The appropriate frequency of preventive visits varies according to individual risk.

For more information, see our guide to preventive dental care in Tokyo.

What If I Need Emergency Dental Care in Tokyo?

Dental emergencies can happen even when you normally receive treatment in another country.

Common urgent problems include:

• sudden toothache
• swelling
• broken or chipped teeth
• loose crowns
• lost fillings
• damaged retainers or mouthpieces

PreBeau Oral Care provides same-day emergency dental appointments Monday through Friday when availability allows.

Emergency dental care starts from ¥33,000 including tax.

Additional fees may apply depending on the care required, including prescription medication, X-rays, additional procedures, restorations, appliance-related treatment, or insurance documentation.

If you need urgent dental care, please see our same-day emergency dentist in Tokyo page.

If you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly spreading facial or neck swelling, significant uncontrolled bleeding, major facial trauma, or other potentially life-threatening symptoms, seek appropriate emergency medical care.

Can Tourists Also Visit a Dentist in Tokyo?

Yes.

You do not need to be a resident of Japan to visit a dental clinic.

For tourists and short-term visitors, however, treatment planning may need to take your travel schedule into account.

Tell the dentist:

• when you are leaving Japan
• whether you can return for another visit
• whether you plan to continue treatment at home
• whether temporary treatment would be more practical
• whether your travel insurer requires documentation

A treatment plan that is appropriate for a long-term Tokyo resident may not be practical for someone leaving Japan in two days.

Can I Use Travel or International Insurance for Dental Treatment?

Possibly.

Coverage depends entirely on your insurance policy.

Some plans reimburse emergency dental treatment, while others exclude dentistry or impose strict limits.

Many policies operate on a reimbursement basis, meaning the patient pays the clinic first and submits documents to the insurer afterward.

Ask your insurer:

• Is dental treatment covered?
• Is emergency dental treatment covered?
• Is preauthorization required?
• Is there a reimbursement limit?
• What documents must I submit?

At PreBeau Oral Care, receipts can be provided and documentation for private or international insurance claims can be prepared when required.

Private insurance documentation: ¥5,500 including tax.

Whether treatment is reimbursed is determined by your insurance provider.

Professional Teeth Whitening in Tokyo

International residents sometimes prefer to complete cosmetic dental treatment while living in Japan.

Professional teeth whitening is one option for patients who want to improve the appearance of their natural tooth color without removing healthy enamel.

The appropriate whitening method depends on the patient’s dental condition, sensitivity, goals, and treatment schedule.

Learn more about professional teeth whitening in Tokyo.

White Spots on Teeth

White or chalky areas on the tooth surface can have several possible causes.

Not all white spots require treatment, and not all are suitable for the same treatment.

For selected cases, Icon resin infiltration may be considered as a minimally invasive option that does not require conventional drilling.

An examination is necessary to determine whether this approach is appropriate.

For more information, see our guide to white spot treatment with Icon resin infiltration.

Choosing a Dentist in Tokyo as an Expat

Language is important, but it should not be the only consideration.

When choosing a dentist, consider:

• whether you can communicate comfortably
• the dentist’s education and clinical background
• the clinic’s treatment philosophy
• whether fees are clearly explained
• whether the clinic provides the treatment you need
• how follow-up appointments are handled
• whether the location works for your schedule
• whether your insurance requires documentation

A good dental consultation should leave you understanding not only what is being recommended, but also why.

About Dr. Kuniyasu Mori

International patients at PreBeau Oral Care are treated by Kuniyasu Mori, DDS.

Dr. Mori completed his undergraduate education at the University of Washington before graduating from Osaka University School of Dentistry.

His postgraduate dental education includes training at the University of Michigan and UCLA.

Having studied in both Japan and the United States, he can discuss dental conditions, available treatment options, limitations, and expected costs directly with patients in English.

His clinical approach at PreBeau Oral Care emphasizes prevention and preservation of natural tooth structure whenever clinically appropriate.

For more information about his education, publications, and professional background, see Dr. Kuniyasu Mori’s professional profile.

PreBeau Oral Care in Akasaka, Tokyo

PreBeau Oral Care is located in Akasaka, Minato-ku, central Tokyo.

PreBeau Oral Care
Urbane Akasaka 5F
3-15-5 Akasaka
Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052
Japan

Nearest stations include:

• Akasaka Station — approximately 2 minutes on foot
• Akasaka-mitsuke Station — approximately 4 minutes on foot
• Tameike-sanno Station — approximately 6 minutes on foot
• Nagatacho Station — approximately 8 minutes on foot

Office Hours

Monday–Friday

9:30 AM–1:30 PM
2:30 PM–6:30 PM

Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays.

PreBeau Oral Care is a fully private, self-pay dental clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Expats Visit Any Dentist in Tokyo?

Yes. International residents can visit dental clinics in Japan. Whether Japanese National Health Insurance applies depends on your insurance eligibility and whether the clinic and treatment operate within the public insurance system.

Are There Dentists in Tokyo Who Speak English?

Yes. Tokyo has clinics offering different levels of English support. If direct communication is important to you, confirm whether the treating dentist can discuss your diagnosis and treatment options directly in English.

Does PreBeau Oral Care Accept Japanese National Health Insurance?

No. PreBeau Oral Care is a fully private, self-pay dental clinic.

Can Tourists Receive Dental Treatment in Tokyo?

Yes. Tourists can receive dental care in Japan. Tell the dentist when you will leave Japan so that your travel schedule can be considered when discussing treatment.

Can I Use Travel Insurance for Dental Treatment?

Some travel insurance policies cover certain emergency dental expenses, while others do not. Coverage, reimbursement limits, and documentation requirements depend on your individual policy.

Can I Get a Same-Day Dental Appointment in Tokyo?

PreBeau Oral Care provides same-day emergency dental appointments when availability allows. Contact the clinic as early as possible if you have an urgent dental problem.

Dental Care in Tokyo Doesn’t Have to Be Confusing

The Japanese dental system may be different from the one you are used to, but the basic questions remain the same.

You should understand:

what the problem is,

whether treatment is necessary,

what your options are,

how much treatment will cost,

and

what happens next.

For international patients who would like to discuss their dental care directly in English, PreBeau Oral Care provides private dental care in Akasaka, central Tokyo.

For a complete overview of treatments, fees, insurance information, and services for international patients, visit our English-speaking dentist in Tokyo page.

About the Author

Kuniyasu Mori, DDS
Director, PreBeau Oral Care

• University of Washington
• Osaka University School of Dentistry
• Postgraduate training at the University of Michigan
• Postgraduate dental training at UCLA

Read Dr. Kuniyasu Mori’s professional profile.

This article provides general information about dental care in Japan and does not replace an individual dental examination, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation.