Dental treatment in Japan

Hi everyone!

Me and my friend visit Japan for 5 weeks. :-)

My friend is concerned about one tooth, which sometimes hurts a little bit. She has already visited her dentist, but he told her that there can be nothing seen on the x-ray/roentgen.

We will be in in Japan during New Year's holidays and in quite remote areas in Northern Japan.

My question: do hospitals in major cities (like Sapporo) provide dental treatment too? Or are there dentists, who provide emergency medical service during holidays? I have a travel issurance which pays for dental treatment too - but I have to pay in advance. How expensive can such a treatment be? Anyone has helpful experiences?

In Japan, most dentists have their own office outside of the hospital and in holiday season, they take turns providing emergency services.

If your friend needs to see the dentist, I suggest you to ask your hotel to let you know the dentist open for the day.

Considering that you are a tourist, however, I don't think a dentist gives her major treatment. Probably, he/she prescribes pain killers and antibiotics to control the pain. You're asked to pay about 3000 yen as "first visit fee" and cost for specific treatment. My guess is 10,000-20,000 yen.

Thanks a lot for that information! Hopefully we won't need any doctors :-)