At Baseside Dental Office in Fussa, Tokyo, we believe the most powerful form of dental care is the kind that keeps problems from developing in the first place. Our check-up and cleaning appointments are built around that belief — combining comprehensive diagnostic imaging with professional cleaning protocols that are gentle on your teeth and effective at removing the bacteria that cause disease.
We recommend a check-up and cleaning every six months for most patients, and our first-visit examination is designed to give you a complete, honest picture of your oral health from day one.
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What Makes Our Check-up & Cleaning Different
Comprehensive Diagnostic Imaging at Every New Patient Visit
Your first visit at Baseside Dental Office includes a full suite of diagnostic records: intraoral photography, bite-wing X-rays, a dental CT scan, digital impressions, an oral cancer screening, and an airway screening. We review every finding with you using your own images, so you leave with a clear understanding of your oral health — not just a printout.
This level of detail allows us to identify issues that standard exams might miss: bone loss that isn’t yet causing symptoms, airway narrowing that could affect your sleep, or early-stage decay hidden between teeth. The goal is never to alarm you — it’s to give you the information you need to make decisions that are right for you.
GBT Airflow Cleaning — Gentle, Thorough, Evidence-Based
We use the EMS Airflow Prophylaxis Master system to perform our professional cleanings according to the Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) protocol. Rather than scraping the tooth surface with traditional hand instruments, GBT uses a fine powder spray to disrupt and remove biofilm — the bacterial community that, if left undisturbed, leads to cavities and gum disease.
The result is a cleaning that is more comfortable than most patients expect, gentler on tooth surfaces, and effective at removing biofilm even from below the gumline. For patients with sensitive teeth or a history of uncomfortable cleanings elsewhere, this approach tends to be a welcome change.
What’s Included in Your Exam
| Intraoral Photography | Visual record of teeth, gums, and soft tissue |
| Bitewing X-Rays | Detection of decay between teeth and assessment of bone levels |
| Dental CBCT Scan | 3D evaluation of bone, jaw joints, sinuses, and airway volume |
| Intraoral Scan | Digital record of bite relationship and tooth positions |
| Oral Cancer Screening | Visual and tactile assessment of soft tissues for abnormalities |
| Airway Screening | Evaluation of upper airway volume and shape using CT data |
Airway Dentistry — Why We Screen for It
Airway Dentistry is an emerging area of dental practice that focuses on the relationship between oral structures — teeth, jaw position, tongue posture — and the quality of breathing during sleep. Conditions like obstructive sleep apnea, upper airway resistance syndrome, and chronic mouth breathing have documented connections to dental findings including tooth wear, grinding, and jaw joint problems.
By including airway screening in our routine examination, we are able to identify patients who may benefit from further evaluation or intervention — often before they have connected their sleep symptoms to their dental health. If you have been told you snore, if you wake unrefreshed, or if your partner has noticed pauses in your breathing, please mention it at your appointment.
How a Cleaning Works at Our Office
Our professional cleaning follows the GBT (Guided Biofilm Therapy) protocol.
The Airflow device is used to remove biofilm from tooth surfaces and from within the gum pocket using a fine, warm powder spray. If calculus (tartar) is present, targeted scaling is performed to remove it ;and a polishing step completes the appointment.
The entire process is designed to minimize discomfort. Most patients find GBT cleanings significantly more comfortable than conventional cleaning method. If, however, you prefer otherwise, feel free to let us know what kind of cleaning you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a first appointment take?
Your initial check-up, including all imaging, airway screening, and a review of findings, typically takes approximately 75-90 minutes. Please plan accordingly when booking.
Is the cleaning painful?
GBT Airflow cleaning is gentler than traditional scaling in most cases. Patients with significant tartar buildup or gum inflammation may experience some sensitivity during the cleaning, but we always work at your comfort level. Let us know if you need us to slow down or stop.
Is my check-up covered by insurance?
We do not currently accept Japanese National Health Insurance (NHI). All examinations and treatments are provided on a self-pay basis. We provide documentation for out-of-network insurance claims.
Does everyone receive the airway screening?
No — airway screening is included as part of every new patient examination; however, participation is entirely optional based on your preference. Even patients without symptoms can benefit from understanding their airway anatomy, and the CT data collected during your first visit allows us to establish a baseline for future comparison. If you prefer not to undergo the airway screening, please let us know in advance.