About Seoul Korea Dental Clinic
Our Approach
We see the difficulties of getting to treatment
as part of care itself.
There are many reasons why it can be hard
to visit the dentist, even when a tooth hurts.
Some people have put off necessary care because of fear of treatment, difficulty cooperating, or multiple health problems. Seoul Korea Dental Clinic looks at these difficulties along with the oral condition, and creates a treatment plan that patients and caregivers can understand.
Orthodontic expertise combined with a view of the whole mouth
Even treatment to improve tooth alignment must take into account cavities and gum condition, the patient's level of cooperation, and their care environment. Seoul Korea Dental Clinic reviews the treatment needed and its order from the perspective of a specialist in orthodontics and Advanced General Dentistry.
- Graduated & Master's degree, School of Dentistry, Seoul National University
- Intern · Orthodontics Resident, Seoul National University Dental Hospital
- Board-certified orthodontist, certified by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare
- Specialist in Advanced General Dentistry, certified by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare
- Former Head, Chungbuk Dental Care Center for People with Disabilities, Cheongju Hankook Hospital
Representative Director, Seoul Korea Dental ClinicDr. Ahn Tae-hoonView Our Doctors
When planning treatment, we check four things together.
We create treatment plans based on examination results, health condition, and level of cooperation.
Treatment needed now
Based on examination results, we distinguish areas that need treatment from areas to monitor.
How treatment can be received
We review a suitable treatment approach considering anxiety, cooperation, and general health.
A treatment plan we understand together
We explain the treatment order, expected process, and precautions to patients and caregivers.
Care after treatment
We explain check-ups and oral care methods to help maintain treatment results.
For first-time visitors
On your first visit, this is how we prepare for treatment.
- 01Initial consultationWe first listen to your concerns, past treatment experiences, and worries.
- 02Oral examinationWe examine the teeth, gums, and bite.
- 03Checking general health & cooperationWe check systemic conditions, medications, allergies, communication methods, and level of cooperation.
- 04Explaining the treatment planWe explain the treatment order, expected process, and precautions to patients and caregivers.
- 05Booking & preparation guideAlong with your appointment schedule, we let you know what to prepare before your visit.
Treatment approach for each patient
We do not treat every patient
in the same way.
Some patients benefit from thorough explanation and adjustment, while for others sedation or general anesthesia needs to be considered. After checking the treatment needed and the patient's health, we recommend a suitable approach.
- Standard treatmentWhen communication and basic cooperation during treatment are possible
- Behavior managementWhen time is needed to adjust to an unfamiliar environment
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)When help is needed to reduce anxiety and tension
- Conscious sedationWhen fear is strong or treatment is difficult with behavior management alone
- General anesthesiaWhen cooperation is very difficult or multiple teeth need treatment, and safe treatment is difficult by other means
※ This is not a fixed sequence of steps; the approach considered differs for each patient.
About anesthesia
We prepare to reduce discomfort during anesthesia.
Worries about anesthesia can also be a reason to put off treatment.
While watching the patient's tension and responses, we explain the pain-relief methods that can be used.
Methods to support local anesthesia
Whether they are used depends on the treatment area and the patient's condition.
Local anesthesia
- Topical anesthesiaBefore the injection, we use a gel or rinse-type anesthetic that numbs the surface of the gums.
- Needle-free anesthesia deviceWe use a device that delivers the anesthetic solution to the mucosa using pressure.
- Computer-controlled anesthesia deviceThe device controls the speed and pressure at which the anesthetic solution is delivered.
- Intraosseous anesthesiaWhen needed, we consider injecting the anesthetic solution into the bone.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
A mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide is inhaled through the nose, while consciousness and communication are maintained.
※ These methods are intended to help reduce the burden of pain; they do not mean that all sensation is eliminated. Whether they are used is decided after checking the treatment area and the patient's condition.
Conscious sedation for patients with strong anxiety
Conscious sedation is a method that uses medication to ease anxiety and tension about dental treatment.
It is a different treatment method from general anesthesia; whether it can be used and how to prepare are explained after checking the patient's health and treatment details.
Prior check
We check systemic conditions, respiratory condition, medications, allergies, and previous sedation or anesthesia experiences.
Spontaneous breathing maintained
Treatment proceeds while you breathe on your own and can respond to simple words and instructions.
Medication delivery
Intravenous medication is delivered at a steady rate using a syringe pump.
Monitoring
We check pulse, blood pressure, ECG, oxygen saturation, and end-tidal CO2.
If standard treatment is difficult,
we assess whether general anesthesia may be an option.
When cooperation is very difficult or treatment is hard to carry out by other means, dental treatment under general anesthesia may be considered. We assess the scope of treatment and general health, and plan after fully explaining the possible benefits, risks, and recovery process.
