The Best Bangkok Dentist?

[dunks]

I've been here for several years now but have been reluctant to go to the dentist after my first two experiences which consisted of the usual rude, retarded staff and poor quality dentistry.

Is there anywhere that has American standard Dentists and service in Bangkok?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[richard_smith237]

I've always been very satisfied with Thantakit Dentists - situated in All Seasons Place (next to Conrad Hotel).

Having used them for years after an initial recommendation from a friend, I've never found reason for issue and always left completely satisfied.

[thaiexpat21]

"Is there anywhere that has American standard Dentists"

They are to be found in America!

[lovesomtam]

Asavanant Dental Clinic, corner of Thonglor and Sukhumvit are excellent. Not the cheapest, but you won't be dissapointed. Truly top class. - pretty sure their staff gained their qualifications in America

Edited October 18, 2013 by lovesomtam

[jellydog]

Asavanant Dental Clinic, corner of Thonglor and Sukhumvit are excellent. Not the cheapest, but you won't be dissapointed. Truly top class. - pretty sure their staff gained their qualifications in America

Agreed, a very professional place. I had my teeth cleaned there a few months back and top notch. As good or better than any cleaning I ever had in the states, but expect to pay about $3,000 Thb.

[Pacificperson]

I was impressed with the staff and dentists at http://www.dentalhospitalbangkok.com.

[JAS21]

I have recently changed to The World Medical Centre in Chaeng Watthana ... near Central CW. The Dr I saw only works Sundays and Tuesdays there. Have had four crowns fitted!! I was hugely impressed with her work and so was my wife. She is very through and I am a difficult patient!! If you want her name PM me and I'll look it up

[ghworker2010]

I recommend DC1 dental clinic in bkk....http://www.dc-one.com/

Its a posh dentist and whenever I go there I see farang there. The dentists there are of a very high standard and they have specialist dentists that come on certain days covering the more complicated work when necessary.

I highly recommend them.

[lopburi3]

Most qualify dental work here is done in large clinic/hospital type settings with specialists doing only there specialty rather than trying to be all things to all. In my opinion a much better and less painful experience than US dental visits. Suspect you may have tried the one man soi clinic (often at lower price and can be hit and miss) if not happy with service here. The idea of "the best dentist" among thousands is impossible to answer; other than it can not be answered.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

It seems to me that the dental business here is a lot like the local hospital industry -- tons of specialists, but it's relatively hard to find a good general practitioner, which is what most people really need most of the time.

When I look thru the various farang oriented dental clinics around BKK, they're filled with various --ontists, for things like crowns, dentures, implants, cosmetic veneers, etc etc. And it's certainly good to have those kinds of specialists available when they're needed.

But what most people need most of the time is a really good (knowledgeable, skilled, communicative) general practitioner who's going to not scare you away from doing regular 6 month or annual dental checkups and cleanings -- which is probably the best thing a person can do to keep their mouth in good health.

Yet recommendations here of such quality general dentists seem very few and far between.

Edited October 1, 2014 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[Issangeorge]

I just had a route canal yesterday in the local district hospital, very professional, gave me a needle for pain, took an xray after to make sure they got everything, ฿1,150, have to go back for a second appointment.

[lopburi3]

It seems to me that the dental business here is a lot like the local hospital industry -- tons of specialists, but it's relatively hard to find a good general practitioner, which is what most people really need most of the time.

When I look thru the various farang oriented dental clinics around BKK, they're filled with various --ontists, for things like crowns, dentures, implants, cosmetic veneers, etc etc. And it's certainly good to have those kinds of specialists available when they're needed.

But what most people need most of the time is a really good (knowledgeable, skilled, communicative) general practitioner who's going to not scare you away from doing regular 6 month or annual dental checkups and cleanings -- which is probably the best thing a person can do to keep their mouth in good health.

Yet recommendations here of such quality general dentists seem very few and far between.

Because the specialists are general dentists before they become specialists and the cost of using a specialist is no more than most general dentists - there will always be Periodontics on staff of such a clinic for normal cleaning and exams even if you do not need there advanced treatments- no reason they should scare you more than basic a drill handler. I consider the specialist choice here to be a major advantage as I know they are less likely to go beyond there own expertise. I have also seen two and three consult when there are questions. Highly recommend clinic approach.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

You're missing my point.

My point is, a lot of times, the major dental clinics relegate the cleaning appointments to the junior staff, meaning -- at least at some of the places that I've visited including Bangkok Dental Hospital, that you won't even get to see a senior dentist, or even have them check/review your teeth, unless you go in with some major issue like a crown or implant or such that rates their attention.

For me, I want a more experienced dentist to at least look at my teeth at my regular appointments, even if they don't do the cleaning themselves, as it's an opportunity to discuss how things are going, any issues to attend to, etc etc. In my experience, the junior staff who typically do the cleanings at the major clinics treat it as an assembly line procedure and aren't particularly interested or even have the time to do anything other than their appointed task.

I have a dentist I particularly like at BDH, and she's done some work on my mouth in the past. But she doesn't do cleanings, and they won't even schedule an appointment with her until/unless I have a cavity or something else requiring an "operative" dentist.

Likewise, I was emailing the other day with Bangkok Smile asking about an appointment with a dentist there who comes very highly recommended. I asked if she was available for checkups or cleanings, and they emailed back saying they'd only schedule an appointment with her if I needed a crown, implant or veneer.

Bottom line - you're only getting the more senior, skilled dentists once something big has already gone wrong in your mouth. In my book, I want to be seeing a more senior, skilled dentist to help PREVENT anything big from going wrong in my mouth. The regular, routine cleaning staff dentists just don't provide the same level of attention/focus -- even if they do a fine job of cleaning.

[lopburi3]

If you have a cleaning appointment you make it with the dentist of your choice (if they perform cleaning) and are not provided an inexperienced novice. That happens in training facilities, with low prices, but not in the better clinics (where everyone is an expert).

What you seem to be saying is they will not schedule a routine cleaning with there specialist in crowns or whatever? Why should they? They have experienced dentists for exam/cleaning who they will schedule. Periodontics are specialists and expect most of them accept cleaning appointments (mine does).

[Issangeorge]

In Canada a Dental Hygienist cleans your teeth, not a dentist.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

In Canada a Dental Hygienist cleans your teeth, not a dentist.

Yes, back in the States, before I left, my family dentist switched from doing the cleanings himself to having hygienists do it.

But the difference was, after the cleaning was complete, my family dentist would come and check every patient, look at the Xrays, check all the teeth inside the mouth, talk to the patient about any issues, etc etc.

I never had a problem with that, and indeed was perfectly fine with it. Because, it still meant that I'd get to see my own dentist and the same dentist of my choosing with each cleaning appointment, someone who knew me and my mouth.

Here, at a lot of the bigger farang oriented clinics, the young dentists doing the cleanings may not be much more than the equivalent of western hygienists, from what I've seen.

I just don't like a system that is used here by a lot of the bigger places where one person does the cleanings, a different person does any fillings, and a different person still would do any crowns, implants, etc.

And in those kinds of situations, the dentist doing either the fillings or the more advanced stuff may not even be a dentist you've ever seen before or who has ever seen you or your mouth before.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

If you have a cleaning appointment you make it with the dentist of your choice (if they perform cleaning) and are not provided an inexperienced novice. That happens in training facilities, with low prices, but not in the better clinics (where everyone is an expert).

If you look at the CV data for the cleaning dentists at some of the very well known dental clinics around BKK, I think you'll find a lot of them are straight out of dental school here, not more than a year or two.

But my point beyond that was, based on personal experience, even if you have a more experienced cleaning dentist at a lot of these places, they operate on kind of an assembly line principle. They have a half hour slot to finish the job, they're focused on doing that and not much else, and there's always someone waiting next in line behind you.

Even IF you get a quality cleaning job, I've gotten the impression from personal experience here that a lot of them don't see it as their place to deal with anything more than their appointed task, cleaning. It strikes me as a noticeably lower level of attention/care compared to a situation where you're seeing a dentist who's responsible for you as a patient overall...and not just your cleaning.

[mike324]

I was impressed with the staff and dentists at http://www.dentalhospitalbangkok.com.

Bangkok Dental Hospital is ok for cleaning and minor work, avoid at all cost for major work like root canal. I have heard and know many horror stories of getting major work done there. Doctors may speak good English with nice facilities and all, but avoid at all cost for major work!

They are more expensive than other average dental clinics.

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

I was impressed with the staff and dentists at http://www.dentalhospitalbangkok.com.

Bangkok Dental Hospital is ok for cleaning and minor work, avoid at all cost for major work like root canal. I have heard and know many horror stories of getting major work done there. Doctors may speak good English with nice facilities and all, but avoid at all cost for major work!

They are more expensive than other average dental clinics.

I've never had any major work done there. But I can say, in a recent conversation, the assistant director there told me their price for a single tooth inplant could run up to 120,000 baht. Needless to say, I was a bit floored to hear that.

[mike324]

I was impressed with the staff and dentists at http://www.dentalhospitalbangkok.com.

Bangkok Dental Hospital is ok for cleaning and minor work, avoid at all cost for major work like root canal. I have heard and know many horror stories of getting major work done there. Doctors may speak good English with nice facilities and all, but avoid at all cost for major work!

They are more expensive than other average dental clinics.

I've never had any major work done there. But I can say, in a recent conversation, the assistant director there told me their price for a single tooth inplant could run up to 120,000 baht. Needless to say, I was a bit floored to hear that.

That is one of the horror stories I have from a family member, ended up going back to our home country to finish the procedure. There are several success stories from there too, but there are just too much horror stories that they are simply not reliable.

I found out it would be cheaper to get implants done in countries such as Taiwan, South Korea where prices range from $1500 to $2000 and you actually get guarantee if something goes wrong unlike Thailand, they will just blame your teeth or screw it up even more.

In Japan, it ranges from $2500 to $4000. So all in all it would be cheaper to fly out to have it done and fly back. I know if you have complications, you might be screwed

[lopburi3]

In Thailand it is only about 40k (baht not dollars) if you use Korean made implants (they are the cheapest AFAIK). Most implants seem to be about 60-80k range but there are more expensive options. Most of the cost is for the imported medical grade implants, which like so many such things are very expensive..

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Most implants seem to be about 60-80k range but there are more expensive options.

That's the typical range I found in checking around at several private dental clinics around BKK, after hearing the "as much as" 120K quote from BDH. I have a follow-up appt. this coming week with BDH, so I suspect I'll come away from that with a more refined estimate than the original "up to" price they quoted me last week.

The lowest estimate I found, in the western-oriented places I was looking, was 40-50K from a Chula Univ. esthetic dental clinic where those procedures are performed by their dental faculty -- not students. I didn't go looking for quotes or prices from any government hospitals direct.

It also depends on whether the implant price being quoted either includes or doesn't include the ultimate crown that they'll place on the implant, and crown prices can vary depending on the type of material used. Some places seem to include the crown price in their implant estimate, while others exclude it as an added cost.

Edited October 4, 2014 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[maxme]

Best to stick to big hospitals or clinics in terms of quality control and communication, these big clinics or hospitals they sure do not want their reputation tarnished. Living in Thailand for some years i kinda learn how things work here. I have used Bangkok Smile Dental for years and have no problems recommending them to anyone seeking quality dental services.

[sipidan]

I was impressed with the staff and dentists at http://www.dentalhospitalbangkok.com.

Bangkok Dental Hospital is ok for cleaning and minor work, avoid at all cost for major work like root canal. I have heard and know many horror stories of getting major work done there. Doctors may speak good English with nice facilities and all, but avoid at all cost for major work!

They are more expensive than other average dental clinics.

This is so true, the first clean, polish & check up seemed great! But after 2 further visits for treatment I'll never never ever go back here! I hated it in the dentist chairs both times, they take too long & extremely expensive more the uk & Australia prices! Avoid this place

[NYGuy816]

Another vote for Thantakit Dental. Have always been very satisfied with my treatments done by their dentists. They're very professional, not to mention fluent in English. Impressive, modern building and facilities too. One of the very few dental places in Bangkok that's trustworthy enough.

[Lumbini]

Asavanant Dental Clinic is really amazing and one reason is because the owner is there and a true artist . If one wants cheapest price this is not the place but prices are reasonable for the level of care . Having the owner there and him being so meticulous is quite remarkable I must say . I started my work somewhere else because the implantologist I wanted was there but could see myself finishing things at this quite amazing operation .

[DogNo1]

My treatment at Thantakit for a three-tooth bridge and several crowns a few years ago was a real nightmare! Worst of all, besides the endless waits, was the bridge and crowns made by a truly inept technician. I was patient through it all and paid the entire very expensive bill but from my point of view it is a rip-off joint with poor quality dental care. I suppose it depends on the dentist that you get. I don't want to name names but suggest that everyone avoid this clinic at all costs!

[taxout]

I've had extensive work done at Thantakit and have no complaints.

[alecko19]

I'd wager for Dr. Sunisa of Bangkok Smile at Asoke. I went to the clinic with my girlfriend so we can both get our teeth done. It turned out I only needed a bit of cleaning and a tooth filling done. However, my girlfriend needed a more extensive procedure (tooth extraction and a 3-unit bridge to replace it). Dr. Sunisa really explained everything in details, and believe it or not, with excellent English! The staff as well didn't seem to have any problem talking to us with the universal language, and I believe that good communication is essential when it comes to any health care service. To top it all, the results were amazing. I can hardly notice the replacement tooth when my girlfriend smiles and I assume she was quite comfortable during the treatment, otherwise she would've nagged me already right from the start, considering how a nagger she could be with such little things.lol

[pedro01]

Thaniya Dental is fantastic - http://www.thaniyadental.net/Aboutus.htm - but the are general practitioners, so will bring in specialists for root canals or refer you elsewhere for major stuff.

My whole family go there every 6 months, the dentists are all women, all really friendly & put you at ease and the speak Thai and English.

I'm a complete pu$$y when it comes to dentists but I have to say, I have gotten over my fear at this one. They always load you up on novocaine if they have to do any drilling so it's painless.

It's cheap too.

Edited February 10, 2016 by pedro01