Departments and Specialties

Departments

Community Based Comprehensive Dentistry　

Our Department was established in April 2009 to further deepen the cooperation with medical institutions in the region.

We aim to achieve cooperation through face-to-face communication.
The number of patients with serious diseases who wish to receive dental treatments has been increasing due to advances in medicine and aging of society. Our Department accepts the treatment of patients who are difficult for dental clinics in the region to treat, and aim to provide safe, painless and comfortable treatment.

To deepen the cooperation with medical institutions in the region and achieve cooperation through face-to-face communication, we will coordinate between clinics and hospital for patients who are difficult to treat, and work to provide better treatment.

Comprehensive Dentistry

Periodontics

In periodontal disease, plaque (dental plaque, germs inside the oral cavity) causes inflammation of the gingiva which supports the tooth, making the gingiva swell and the tooth wobble. If left unattended, the tooth will have to be extracted. Since this is the foundation part that supports the tooth, it is essential that the periodontal disease is treated, not only so that the tooth will not start decaying but also so that the tooth can be treated with a good artificial tooth or crown. In addition, it takes time for the gingiva to heal, as it cannot be ground and filled like a decayed tooth. Brushing the teeth means not just polishing the tooth white but also removing the germs at the base of the teeth. Since many factors are involved, including the number of times one normally brushes the teeth, how well one does it, and occlusion, treatment may finish with a few appointments, or it may take nearly 1 year depending on the case. Although dentists do their best, much may also depend on the maintenance by the patients themselves.
Problems are not cured by only sitting in the examination chair and being treated by the dentist. It is essential that the patient learns how to brush properly so that they can remove the plaque from the oral cavity and teeth every day and continue the careful brushing. Periodontal disease starts getting better only with both proper treatment and careful brushing habit.
Recently, periodontal disease was named the sixth complication of diabetes, and more reports are being published that the germs and their components entering from the periodontal tissue due to severe periodontal disease may be affecting arteriosclerosis and diabetes more than previously realized.
We should take more care not only for the teeth and mouth but also for the health of the entire body.

Endodontics

Our Department specializes in performing endodontic treatments (root canal therapy) for general patients of outpatient service and those referred by dental clinics in the region. Even for a tooth in which caries (decay) has advanced, it is possible to let it keep functioning for a long time by preserving the tooth root by root canal therapy and covering it with a crown. While it is extremely important to conduct appropriate root canal therapy in order to preserve the tooth, the root canal has a complex shape and is difficult to directly see, which often makes the treatment difficult. Our Department accepts the treatment of intractable apical periodontitis which is difficult to cure even when root canal therapy is repeated, and requests for diagnosis on whether tooth preservation is possible or not, etc. from dental clinics in the region. It has become possible to discover problems inside and outside the root canal, which had been difficult to grasp with conventional methods, and conduct fine-tuned treatments including diagnosis as to whether preservation is possible, by combining stereoscopic microscopes and dental CTs.

Aesthetic Dentistry

The purpose of our Department is to provide treatment which centers on caries treatment and minimizes the damage. We also consider maintenance of a natural, good-looking oral cavity by minimizing the treatment marks, and recommend so-called whitening to make the teeth whiter.

Prosthodontics

The term “prosthodontics” (prosthetic dentistry) may be unfamiliar to most people, but prosthetics in dental treatment means using artificial matter such as crowns and artificial teeth to compensate in case the teeth become chipped or lost (Japan Prosthodontic Society).
Loss of teeth reduces the quality of life (QoL) as it impairs the esthetics (appearance) around the mouth and functions that are essential to daily life such as mastication and pronunciation. In addition, leaving a tooth missing for a long period may cause the positions of the remaining teeth to change, and thus cause the dentition to become worse or change the occlusion, resulting in secondary decayed teeth, periodontal diseases, or temporomandibular joint disorder. It may also affect the systemic health, since loss of function of the oral cavity as a digestive organ caused by loss of teeth can affect other digestive organs. It has been reported that maintenance of healthy mastication also helps activate the brain.
To respond to many different needs, we will provide the latest treatments while closely coordinating with other special outpatient services at Showa University Dental Hospital. In addition to providing medicine centered on the patients based on sufficient informed consent, we aim to provide high-quality treatments as an outpatient department specialized in prosthodontics. Please feel free to come to our Hospital.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery conducts diagnosis and treatment of diseases occurring in the stomatognathic region that are difficult to handle at dental clinics in general. In this region, various diseases occur, including tooth-related diseases, jaw deformity, trauma and oral cavity cancer. There are also medical diseases such as oral mucosal diseases in addition to the above surgical diseases. An abnormality in the stomatognathic region may inhibit functions such as eating, speaking, and swallowing. In addition, the patient may suffer considerable mental pain if the face is deformed and if esthetics deteriorate. Supported by the skills we have learned and the results of constant research, we will strive to provide the best medicine for each patient while coordinating with other medical institutions in the region and other departments within the Hospital.

Oral Oncology

The oral cavity is an important part which is related to mastication, swallowing, taste, breathing and the shape of the face. The treatment of tumors inside the oral cavity may disturb these functions and shape, and so must be done by specialists.
The characteristics of the Department of Oral Oncology include that we provide safe and secure medicine by compensating for the treatments given only by otolaryngologists or treatments given only by dental surgeons through a tie-up between otolaryngologists specialized in head and neck cancer and dental surgeons specialized in oral cavity cancer.
The diseases we handle are oral cavity cancer and benign tumors occurring in the oral cavity in general. We work to preserve the functions and shape in treatments by combining chemotherapy, molecular targeted drugs, radiation therapy, and surgery instead of only using surgery. We coordinate with the Head and Neck Oncology Center, Showa University Hospital (Hatanodai) and provide safe and advanced medicine when patients are admitted to the hospital or receive surgery or radiation therapy (chemotherapy).

Orthodontics

True compassion backed by an innovative spirit
To improve the quality of medicine, it is important to develop and popularize excellent treatment methods, as well as to establish relationships of trust with our patients.
The dentists of our Department provide advanced orthodontic treatments that only Showa University is capable of, through dedication to medical services and utilizing various outcomes of scientific research.
We offer world-leading techniques such as three-dimensional diagnosis and devices that are low in visibility, and use them with kindness.

Pediatric Dentistry

The oral environment of a child changes day by day, and may lead to various different outcomes. A healthy mouth without decayed teeth will lead to a robust body. Solid occlusion will have good effects on the development of motor functions. White teeth that last from deciduous teeth to permanent teeth should give the child a source of confidence in various situations. However, it may not always be possible keep the mouth in good condition, perhaps because your child is not good at brushing the teeth, because he or she trips and hits the teeth somewhere, or because of congenital issues. We can handle any oral troubles your child may have. We provide the best method of treatment for each child, from general outpatient treatment to inpatient care under general anesthesia. Please seek a consultation with us.

Geriatric Dentistry

The patients we treat at the Department of Geriatric Dentistry often have underlying diseases even when they appear to be healthy. Our Department provides advanced dental care in a comprehensive manner to ensure a healthy and rich life while taking into account the diseases that often occur in the elderly and the changes in their physical and mental conditions.
The characteristic of our Department is that we provide integrated care including an evaluation of oral functions (movements and force of the mouth, etc.) and mastication/swallowing functions (biting and swallowing), dysphagia rehabilitation, and dietary counseling, in addition to dental treatments using dentures and implants. We also provide visiting dental care at facilities and homes to those who have difficulty visiting the hospital, in coordination with other special outpatient services and dental clinics in the region.

Implant Dentistry

If you lose teeth because of decay, periodontal disease, an accident, etc., you may begin to suffer from troubles such as:

1. Problems in mastication such as having trouble biting food or choking on food
2. Problems in lowered esthetics such as poor appearance or looking bad
3. Problems in speech such as not being able to speak clearly
4. Problems in malalignment with the opposite tooth or movement of the tooth adjacent to the lost one, etc.

Clinic for Persons with Disorders

Our Department is a general department for troubles with the teeth and mouth of people of various ages from children to the elderly with various disabilities or diseases who require special consideration (special needs) in dental care.
Various problems of the mouth may not be easy to solve for people with different levels of disability, and some people may suffer greatly. We will provide a comprehensive diagnosis on not only dental diseases such as decayed teeth and periodontal disease but also eating function disorders in which the person has difficulty eating or swallowing, and will treat the entire oral cavity in consideration of systemic diseases as well as the subsequent health management.
Treatments can be provided as general outpatient treatments or inpatient care with general anesthesia, and we will select the best method in consideration of the physical and mental state of the patient.
Please feel free to seek a consultation with us.

Oral Rehabilitation

Our Department provides diagnosis and treatment of functional disorders in the oral cavity, jaws and face, including dysphagia, speech impediment, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, other types of oral cavity functional disorders, and abnormal habits.
The characteristics of our Department include that we can handle a wide range of functional disorders in the oral cavity from dysphagia to speech impediment, and that we have a system in which specialized staff such as speech-language-hearing therapists and dental hygienists can work with dentists in diagnosis and treatment at any time.
If you have a problem with functional disorders in the oral cavity such as eating and talking, please feel free to seek a consultation with us.

Temporomandibular Disorders Clinic

The Temporomandibular Disorders Clinic was opened in April 2012 when the Department of Temporomandibular Disorders, which had been established at this Hospital in September 2004, was renamed in a reorganization. Diseases called temporomandibular disorders have been featured in TV programs, and many hits appear when we search the term on the internet. Just as the words describe, it is a disease in which one feels painful symptoms in the joints and areas around them when moving the jaws. A person suffering from a temporomandibular disorder may not be able to open the mouth wide, or may have difficulty eating or speaking in daily life because it is painful to move the jaws. Leaving the problem unattended may result in being able to open the mouth only by the width of a finger or chronic pain, which will make treatment difficult. Approximately 40% of the patients who receive treatment at our Department have been referred from dental clinics in the region, orthopedic surgery department, otorhinology department, etc. We will conduct various tests on the day of your first visit, explain the conditions of the disease, and make a treatment plan to provide the latest treatments. If you are aware of any of the above symptoms, you may have a temporomandibular disorder. We recommend seeking a consultation with our Department as soon as possible.

Oral Radiology

To treat diseases of the teeth, jaws, etc. including decayed teeth and periodontal disease, it is necessary to find the cause, identify its range and select the appropriate treatment. To do so, various diagnosis and test methods are employed. Image examination is used to grasp the cause and range of the disease through images, and the Department of Radiology is in charge of this image examination and diagnosis.
We conduct special examinations such as cone beam CT for dentistry, CT examination, and ultrasonography in addition to dental radiographic examination to take images by inserting a small film into the mouth, as well as panoramic radiography which can observe the entire jaw at once. We also accept requests for general radiography and image examination with cone beam CT for dentistry from other medical institutions.
In cooperation with the requesting doctor, we conduct diagnosis and treatment with the goal of providing efficient and advanced image examination, including reduction in radiation exposure, and accurate diagnosis.

Anesthesiology

We use our teeth every day. They are an important part of the body which allows us to enjoy meals every day and live a healthy life. The role of dentists is to keep these teeth and jaws healthy.
It is a problem if our teeth, which apply forces of several kilograms every day, break. They must be treated. However, dental treatments often require complex procedures or take a long time. Surgery may be required in some cases. This makes patients more reluctant to receive dental treatments. However, leaving tooth troubles untreated can make them worse, and sometimes it becomes too late to save them.
Anesthesia in dentistry helps those who need major oral surgery and those who are afraid of dental treatment, by using the techniques of anesthesiology so that they can be treated without fear.
Many dental anesthesiologists trained in the specialty of anesthesiology work at the Department of Anesthesiology, Showa University Dental Hospital. We use anesthesiology techniques so that many patients can receive dental treatments by performing anesthesia in the central operating room or dental office.
The Department of Anesthesiology considers the optimum treatment and anesthesia methods for the patients with various systemic diseases. We are in charge of diagnosing before the operation and planning to help the patients recover comfortably after the operation.
We hope to contribute to the health of our patients through anesthesia.

Diagnostic Pathology

The Department of Diagnostic Pathology is in charge of pathological diagnosis at our Dental Hospital in general. We conduct histopathology, cytologic diagnosis, and operative rapid diagnosis.
We also accept consultations for "second opinions," in which we evaluate objectively and give explanations on cases that were diagnosed at other hospitals, and conduct histopathology on samples requested from dentists who practice in dental clinics.

Specialties

Implant Dentistry

Implant treatments have become an important approach when a tooth is lost (dentures and bridges). Leading-edge treatments such as inserting the implant as soon as the tooth is extracted (immediate implant placement with tooth extraction) and a technique to prepare the tooth on the day of the surgery (instant loading) are now available in Japan. On the other hand, many implant troubles including surgical troubles such as neuroparalysis caused by bone graft or implant surgery and inflammation or infection after surgery, prosthetic and mechanical troubles such as occlusion failure and breaking of the implant body, and biological troubles such as periodontal disease on the implant (peri-implantitis) have also been reported.
In order to provide safe and secure advanced implant treatments and recovery treatments for various implant troubles, our Implant Dentistry provides diagnosis for each patient and comprehensive diagnosis, ranging from implant surgery and implant prosthetics (upper structure treatment) to maintenance, as well as advanced implant treatment by bringing together diverse skills, with specialists from oral surgery, dental prosthetics, geriatric dentistry, etc. in addition to radiology and anesthesiology.
Furthermore, Implant Dentistry also functions as the gateway for implant consultation certified by the Japanese Society of Oral Implantology. Please feel free to seek a consultation with us.

Oral Health Care Clinic

Thorough Dental Checkup

Showa University Dental Hospital commenced the "Thorough Dental Checkup" in September 2002.
The purpose of this thorough dental checkup is to examine the conditions of oral health. We offer this to people who think they are healthy, and those who wish to maintain or improve their healthy condition achieved after completion of treatment.

Sports Dentistry

In the outpatient service at our Department, we manufacture sports mouth guards for athletes and sport lovers. Although ready-made mouth guards can be purchased inexpensively in sports shops, they may cause temporomandibular disorders, as they are not adjusted for the person’s occlusion, in addition to being uncomfortable due to their large size and difficulty of talking with. Led by medical advisers certified by the Japanese Society for the Temporomandibular Joint who are familiar with the shapes and functions of the jaws, and medical advisers certified by the Japan Prosthodontic Society who are specialists in occlusion, the dentists belonging to the Japanese Academy of Sports Dentistry will manufacture custom-made sports mouth guards. Our patients can wear mouth guards of appropriate styles by undergoing tests on occlusion, occlusal force, etc. in consideration of the category, level and position of the sports they play. We also manufacture mouth guards to improve physical abilities in addition to injury prevention.

Comprehensive Internal Medicine

We handle a wide range of diseases in outpatient services as the only medical department in a dental hospital.
Department Director Koba provides diagnosis and treatment of internal medicine in general and mainly handles high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and geriatrics medicine, Dr. Ando mainly handles respiratory and allergic diseases, and Visiting Professors Inoue, Tachibana, and Sakai provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment from the standpoints of specialists.
We maintain a safe and secure care system with the support of other doctors from the Department of Cardiology, Showa University Hospital. We conduct medical management before the procedure or operation with a focus on primary care in coordination with the Department of Anesthesiology. We also participate in diagnosis and treatment of patients who are receiving inpatient treatments mainly at the Departments of Oral Surgery and Oral Rehabilitation. We coordinate with various departments and examination rooms at Showa University Hospital to provide leading-edge medicine.
To ensure that patients with multiple diseases can receive dental treatments safely based on our founding philosophy of Shisei Ikkan, we take into account the psychosomatic diseases in the oral cavity as well as the head and neck region. Please feel free to seek a consultation with us about the symptoms that are troubling you.