Last Updated on 3週間 ago by prebeau

If you are living in Japan or visiting Tokyo, one of the first questions you may have before making a dental appointment is:

How much does a dentist cost in Tokyo?

The answer depends on an important distinction: whether you are receiving treatment under the Japanese public health insurance system or paying privately.

For international residents, expats, tourists, business travelers and other visitors, understanding this difference can make dental fees in Japan much easier to understand.

This guide explains how dental pricing works in Tokyo, what may be included in your first visit, what happens if you do not have Japanese health insurance, and how to avoid unexpected costs.

If you are looking for a clinic where you can discuss your diagnosis, treatment options and fees directly with the dentist in English, see our English-speaking dentist in Tokyo guide.

Quick Answer: How Much Does a Dentist Cost in Tokyo?

There is no single standard price for a dental visit in Tokyo.

At a dental clinic providing treatment under Japanese public health insurance, eligible treatment is calculated according to Japan’s national medical fee system.

For many insured patients under 70, the patient generally pays 30% of the covered medical cost, although the percentage can differ according to age, income and other circumstances.

Private or self-pay dental treatment works differently.

The clinic determines its own fees, and Japanese public health insurance does not reduce the cost of private treatment.

Your actual first-visit cost can therefore depend on several factors:

• Why you are visiting
• Whether X-rays or other diagnostic tests are required
• Whether treatment is performed during the same appointment
• Whether professional cleaning is required
• Whether your treatment is covered by Japanese public insurance
• Whether you are receiving private dental care

For tourists and other short-term visitors, Japanese National Health Insurance generally does not apply simply because you are receiving treatment in Japan.

If you are visiting Japan temporarily, you may need to pay the clinic directly and then seek reimbursement from your travel or international insurance provider if your policy includes dental coverage.

For a more detailed explanation, read Going to the Dentist in Japan Without Japanese Health Insurance: What Foreigners Need to Know.

Why Dental Prices in Tokyo Can Be Confusing

Foreign patients frequently search questions such as:

• “How much does a dentist cost in Tokyo?”
• “Dentist Tokyo cost”
• “Tokyo dentist prices”
• “Dentist in Japan without insurance”
• “Dental treatment cost in Japan”
• “English-speaking dentist Tokyo price”

It is understandable to expect one simple price.

However, Japanese dentistry essentially operates within two different pricing environments.

1. Dental Treatment Under Japanese Public Health Insurance

When treatment qualifies for Japanese public health insurance and is provided by an insurance-participating dental clinic, the underlying treatment fee is calculated using Japan’s national medical fee schedule.

For many insured patients under 70, the usual patient contribution is 30% of the covered medical cost.

This does not mean that every dental appointment costs the same amount.

A patient who only requires an examination will have a different bill from someone who requires:

• Dental X-rays
• Periodontal treatment
• A filling
• Root canal treatment
• Tooth extraction
• Other diagnostic or therapeutic procedures

The dentist must first determine what treatment is clinically necessary.

Foreign nationality itself does not automatically mean that you cannot use Japanese health insurance.

Your eligibility depends primarily on your residence and insurance status.

2. Private or Self-Pay Dentistry in Tokyo

Private dental treatment is not priced according to the Japanese public health insurance fee schedule.

Each dental clinic determines its own fees according to factors such as:

• The procedure being performed
• Materials used
• Diagnostic requirements
• Equipment and technology
• Clinical approach
• Treatment time
• Professional services included

Examples of dental care that may commonly be provided privately include professional teeth whitening, cosmetic dental procedures and treatments or materials that fall outside the public insurance system.

When comparing private dentist prices in Tokyo, it is therefore important to compare more than the number displayed next to a treatment name.

You should also ask:

What is actually included in that price?

What Can Affect the Cost of Your First Dental Appointment?

Your first dental appointment is not necessarily the same as your treatment appointment.

Before recommending treatment, the dentist may need to understand:

• Your current symptoms
• Your dental history
• Previous dental treatment
• Existing restorations
• Your medical history
• Your medications
• Your allergies
• The condition of your teeth and gums

Diagnostic imaging or additional examinations may also be necessary before an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can be provided.

For example, someone visiting for professional teeth whitening may first need to have cavities, gum inflammation, existing restorations or tooth sensitivity assessed.

A traveler with a broken tooth or dental emergency may require a completely different examination and treatment plan.

This is why it is useful to ask a clinic about both the initial examination cost and the estimated treatment cost instead of asking only:

“How much is the dentist?”

Current Private Dental Fees at PreBeau Oral Care in Tokyo

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

Japanese public health insurance is not used for treatment at our clinic.

Current published fees include the following.

All prices include Japanese consumption tax.

The current limited-offer Office Whitening fee is ¥22,000; the standard listed price before the offer is ¥33,000.

Fees and promotional pricing may change, so we recommend confirming current pricing when making your appointment.

Depending on the reason for your visit, diagnostic imaging, examinations, cleaning or additional treatment may be necessary.

We therefore recommend confirming the expected total cost before treatment begins rather than assuming that the initial visit fee represents the complete cost of your appointment.

What Does “Private Dentist” Mean in Japan?

Private dentistry does not automatically mean that treatment is better than treatment provided under Japanese public health insurance.

It means that the treatment is provided outside the public insurance fee system.

That distinction can be particularly important for international patients.

Some patients choose private dental care because they are looking for:

• A particular treatment
• A particular material
• Preventive care
• Professional teeth whitening
• Cosmetic dental treatment
• Minimally invasive treatment
• More individualized treatment planning

Other patients may simply not be eligible for Japanese public health insurance.

The important question is not whether dental care is labelled “insured” or “private.”

Important questions include:

• Is the treatment appropriate for your condition?
• Have the alternatives been explained?
• Do you understand the expected total cost?
• Do you understand the advantages and limitations?
• Can the treatment realistically be completed during your stay in Japan?
• Will follow-up care be required?

How Much Will My First Visit Actually Cost?

Before your appointment, ask the clinic to distinguish between the initial examination and the treatment itself.

This is especially important if you are visiting Tokyo for only a few days.

A treatment that appears inexpensive may become inconvenient if it requires several appointments after you have already left Japan.

For this reason, visitors should tell the dentist their departure date from Japan before treatment planning begins.

Read What Dental Treatments Can You Realistically Have During a Short Stay in Tokyo? for a more detailed explanation.

What If I Am a Tourist Without Japanese Health Insurance?

Foreign tourists should not assume that Japanese National Health Insurance will cover their dental treatment.

Japan’s National Health Insurance system is designed for eligible residents, and short-term foreign visitors are generally excluded from National Health Insurance eligibility.

If you are visiting Japan as a tourist, you should therefore be prepared to pay the clinic directly unless another payment arrangement has been confirmed in advance.

Your travel insurance or international medical insurance may reimburse certain dental expenses.

This is more likely to apply to circumstances such as:

• Unexpected severe dental pain
• Dental infection
• Dental trauma
• Accidental damage
• Other emergency dental problems

However, every insurance policy is different.

Elective or cosmetic treatments such as professional teeth whitening are generally different from emergency dental treatment from an insurance perspective.

You should therefore check your individual policy rather than assuming that treatment will be reimbursed.

For a detailed guide, see Visiting a Dentist in Tokyo as a Tourist: What to Know Before Your Appointment.

What If I Live in Japan?

Being a foreign national does not by itself determine whether you can use Japanese public health insurance.

Foreign residents who meet the relevant requirements may be enrolled in:

• Employee health insurance
• National Health Insurance
• Another eligible Japanese public health insurance system

However, having Japanese public health insurance does not mean that every dental clinic or every dental procedure will be covered.

You should confirm both:

1. Whether you personally have valid Japanese health insurance coverage
2. Whether the clinic and treatment you are considering are covered by that insurance

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

Can Travel Insurance Pay for Dental Treatment in Tokyo?

Possibly.

Travel insurance policies differ significantly.

Some policies provide benefits for unexpected dental emergencies.

Others provide limited dental coverage or exclude dental treatment entirely.

Reimbursement may also depend on the documentation you provide.

If you intend to make an insurance claim, contact your insurance company before treatment whenever possible and ask exactly what documents they require.

These may include:

• Treatment receipts
• An itemized invoice
• Diagnosis or treatment information
• A medical or dental certificate
• Other insurer-specific forms

At PreBeau Oral Care, preparation of private insurance documentation is available for a fee when required.

Keep all original receipts and treatment documents.

Remember that the dental clinic does not decide whether your insurance company will reimburse your treatment.

Your insurer makes that decision according to your individual policy.

Should I Choose a Dentist Based on Price Alone?

Price matters, particularly when you are paying privately.

But it should not be the only factor.

For an international patient, communication can be equally important.

You may need to understand:

• What your diagnosis means
• Why a treatment is being recommended
• Whether an alternative treatment exists
• What the treatment limitations are
• How many appointments will be required
• Whether treatment can be completed before you leave Tokyo
• What happens if symptoms continue after returning home
• What the expected total cost will be

At PreBeau Oral Care, international patients can discuss their diagnosis, treatment options and expected costs directly with Dr. Kuniyasu Mori in English.

For an overview of our services and approach to international patients, visit our main English-speaking dentist in Tokyo page.

Dental Care for Visitors With Limited Time in Tokyo

Time can sometimes matter more than price.

A tourist staying in Tokyo for four days has very different treatment-planning requirements from an expat living in Japan for several years.

Some preventive, diagnostic or cosmetic services may be completed within a single visit when clinically appropriate.

Other treatments may require:

• Additional diagnostic procedures
• Healing time
• Laboratory work
• Several appointments
• Post-treatment observation
• Long-term follow-up

We recommend telling the dentist how long you will remain in Japan before committing to treatment.

A responsible treatment plan should take your travel schedule into consideration rather than promising that every procedure can be completed in a single appointment.

For more information, read What Dental Treatments Can You Realistically Have During a Short Stay in Tokyo?.

Planning Your Appointment Before You Arrive

Providing useful information before your dental appointment can make it easier for the clinic to understand what you need.

This can be particularly helpful for:

• Tourists
• Business travelers
• Expats
• International residents
• Patients traveling to Tokyo specifically for dental care

When contacting a dental clinic, useful information may include:

• Your full name
• Date of birth
• Telephone number
• The treatment you are interested in
• Your current symptoms or concerns
• Relevant medical conditions
• Current medications
• Allergies
• How long you will remain in Tokyo
• Your preferred appointment dates

For some dental or cosmetic concerns, photographs may also help the dentist understand your situation before you arrive, although photographs cannot replace an in-person dental examination.

For a practical preparation guide, read:

What Should I Bring to a Dental Appointment in Japan? A Checklist for Foreign Patients

Can I Contact PreBeau Oral Care by WhatsApp?

Yes.

International patients can contact PreBeau Oral Care in English by WhatsApp, email or telephone.

English Contact Information

Official WhatsApp: +81-70-2287-4442
Telephone: +81-3-6821-7481
Email: prebeau.oc@gmail.com

When contacting us through WhatsApp or email to request an appointment, please include:

• Full Name
• Date of Birth
• Desired Treatment Option(s)
• Your Question(s)
• Telephone Number

If you are traveling to Japan, it is also helpful to tell us your arrival and departure dates so that we can understand your available treatment window.

WhatsApp can be particularly convenient for international visitors because you can contact the clinic before arriving in Japan and provide the basic information needed for appointment planning.

For a complete booking guide, read How to Book a Dentist in Tokyo in English: Phone, Email, WhatsApp and What to Send.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a first dental appointment in Tokyo?

There is no universal first-visit price in Tokyo.

The cost depends on whether the treatment is covered by Japanese public health insurance or provided privately and whether diagnostic imaging, examination or treatment is necessary.

At PreBeau Oral Care, the current initial visit fee is ¥5,500 including tax. Additional diagnostic examinations or treatment are charged separately when required.

How much does a dentist cost in Tokyo without insurance?

There is no single price for treatment without Japanese public health insurance.

Private clinics establish their own treatment fees, and the total depends on the diagnosis and treatment required.

Before treatment, ask for an explanation of the expected cost and whether examination, X-rays, cleaning or follow-up appointments are charged separately.

Do foreigners pay more at the dentist in Japan?

Foreign nationality itself does not determine your dental fee.

The major factors are your Japanese insurance eligibility and whether your treatment is being provided within the public insurance system or privately.

A tourist without Japanese public health insurance will generally need to pay the applicable clinic fee directly.

Can tourists use Japanese National Health Insurance?

Short-term foreign visitors are generally excluded from Japan’s National Health Insurance eligibility.

Travelers should normally be prepared to pay their dental expenses directly and then check whether their travel or international insurance provides reimbursement.

Does PreBeau Oral Care accept Japanese National Health Insurance?

No.

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

Treatment fees are therefore not reduced through Japanese National Health Insurance.

How much does teeth cleaning cost at PreBeau Oral Care?

The current published fee for AirFlow + PMTC professional cleaning is ¥9,900 including tax.

More comprehensive preventive programs are also available depending on your oral condition and treatment goals.

How much does teeth whitening cost at PreBeau Oral Care?

Current published fees include:

• Office Whitening: ¥22,000 limited offer
• Home Whitening: ¥33,000
• Premium Whitening combining Office + Home Whitening: ¥55,000

Treatment suitability and realistic whitening expectations should be assessed before treatment.

How much does Icon white spot treatment cost?

The current published price for the first Icon resin infiltration treatment is ¥33,000 per tooth.

For a deeper white spot requiring a second Icon treatment on the same tooth at a later appointment, the current published second-treatment fee is ¥22,000.

Individual white spots can differ considerably in depth, cause and appearance, so examination is necessary before determining appropriate treatment.

Can I book a dentist in Tokyo through WhatsApp?

Yes.

PreBeau Oral Care accepts English enquiries through its official WhatsApp at +81-70-2287-4442.

When requesting an appointment, send your full name, date of birth, desired treatment, questions and telephone number.

International visitors should also include their dates in Tokyo whenever possible.

For more information, read How to Book a Dentist in Tokyo in English: Phone, Email, WhatsApp and What to Send.

Related Guides for Foreign Patients in Tokyo

• Going to the Dentist in Japan Without Japanese Health Insurance: What Foreigners Need to Know
• Visiting a Dentist in Tokyo as a Tourist: What to Know Before Your Appointment
• What Dental Treatments Can You Realistically Have During a Short Stay in Tokyo?
• What Should I Bring to a Dental Appointment in Japan? A Checklist for Foreign Patients
• How to Book a Dentist in Tokyo in English: Phone, Email, WhatsApp and What to Send

English-Speaking Dental Care in Akasaka, Central Tokyo

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

The clinic is approximately:

• 2 minutes on foot from Akasaka Station
• 4 minutes from Akasaka-mitsuke Station
• Approximately 6 minutes from Tameike-sanno Station
• Approximately 8 minutes from Nagatacho Station

International patients can communicate directly with the dentist in English about:

• Their dental condition
• Diagnosis
• Available treatment options
• Expected treatment costs
• Treatment limitations
• Treatment planning during a short stay in Japan

For complete information about dental care for international residents, expats, tourists and visitors, please visit our main English-speaking dentist in Tokyo page.

Contact PreBeau Oral Care

PreBeau Oral Care
Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo

Telephone: +81-3-6821-7481
Official WhatsApp: +81-70-2287-4442
English Email: prebeau.oc@gmail.com

About the Author

Kuniyasu Mori, DDS
Director, PreBeau Oral Care

Dr. Mori completed his undergraduate education at the University of Washington, where he studied Physiology with a minor in Chemistry, before graduating from Osaka University School of Dentistry.

He subsequently received postgraduate training at the University of Michigan and completed the ACT Surgical Implant Dentistry residency program at UCLA.

Dr. Mori provides dental consultations directly in English and Japanese at PreBeau Oral Care in Tokyo.

His professional activities include advanced training and education in minimally invasive dentistry, preventive care, implant dentistry and Icon resin infiltration for white spot lesions.

Medical and Pricing Disclaimer

This article provides general information about dental costs and dental care in Japan.

Individual treatment costs and appropriate treatment depend on factors including examination findings, diagnosis, insurance status and the treatment required.

Fees and promotional offers at PreBeau Oral Care may change. Please confirm current pricing before treatment.

Eligibility and benefits under Japanese public health insurance, travel insurance or private international insurance vary depending on the patient’s individual circumstances and policy.

References

Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
National Health Insurance eligibility and information for foreign residents

Japan Health Insurance Association
Information concerning insured medical expenses and patient copayments

PreBeau Oral Care
English-Speaking Dentist in Tokyo – Treatment Menu, Fees and International Patient Contact Information