DENTAL CLINIC

The Kadena Medical Clinic houses PACAF's largest dental clinic with a staff of 27 dentists and 130 total personnel completing 48,000 patient visits annually. The squadron provides comprehensive dental services including prevention and general dentistry, as well as five dental specialties: orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, and endodontics with an oral surgery referral source available. In addition, the squadron also provides dental laboratory services to 48 tri-service dental treatment facilities with over $800K in dental prosthesis within the Pacific Command.

The Kadena Dental Clinic Appointment Line is open from 6:30am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday (excluding Federal Holidays, PACAF Family Days and Down Days). For appointments and for answers to all of your oral health care questions, please call us at:

Cell: 098-960-4817 (option 2, then option 1)
On Base: 630-4817 (option 2, then option 1)

Location
The dental clinic is located on the third floor of the medical clinic (Building 626)

Sick Call
For a sick call appointment, please call the phone number listed above

For Dental Related Emergencies on Kadena Air Base:
If you need to speak to a 18 MDG representative but do not face imminent loss of life, limb, or eyesight after hours; please dial 630-4817(base), option 2, or 098-960-4817(cell), option 2 for dedicated advice and instruction. We have personnel on-call 24/7 to hear your concerns and provide personalized guidance depending on your need.

FAQ's from the American Dental Association
For more information on how to better care for your mouth, please visit the American Dental Association's new website for consumers at www.MouthHealthy.org 

Q: What do I do if I knock out my tooth?
A:
 For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that's not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums, or in milk. Get to your dentist's office right away. For a knocked out primary or baby tooth do not place the tooth back in the socket.

Q: What if I crack my tooth?
A:
 For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on the face to keep any swelling down. See your dentist as soon as possible.

Q: How do I treat a toothache?
A:
 For toothaches, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between your teeth. Do not put aspirin on your aching tooth or gums; it may burn the gum tissue. If the pain persists, contact your dentist.

Q: What if I think my jaw is broken?
A:
 If you think your jaw is broken, apply cold compresses to control the swelling. Go to your dentist or a hospital emergency department immediately.

Q: How do I remove an object that's stuck in my mouth or teeth?
A:
 For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with a sharp or pointed instrument. See your dentist or go to the emergency room as soon as possible.

Q: I have some sensitivity to hot or cold foods after dental treatment. What should I do?
A:
 Dental work may inflame the pulp or nerves inside the tooth causing temporary sensitivity. Wait 2-4 weeks and if the pain persists or worsens, contact your dentist.

Q: I just had a root canal, what should I expect afterwards?
A
: It is normal to feel some tenderness in the area over the next few days. You may also feel some tenderness in your jaw from keeping it open for an extended period of time. These symptoms are temporary and usually respond well to over the counter pain medications. Your tooth may continue to feel slightly different from your other teeth for some time after the root canal is completed. Contact your dentist if you develop any of the following: a visible swelling inside or outside your mouth, an allergic reaction to medication (nausea is not an allergic reaction), return of original symptoms, or your bite feels uneven.

Q: I just had a tooth removed and it is still oozing or has started bleeding again. What do I do?
A
: Slight bleeding after the removal of a tooth is normal. Application of pressure with gauze to the extraction site should be performed to slow down bleeding and aid in the formation of a clot. If bleeding persists, wet a teabag and place it on the extraction site and bite on it. If bleeding is not stopped, see your dentist or go to the emergency room as soon as possible.

Tips for making recovery after extractions easier:
          ·  Avoid anything that might prevent normal healing ( For example: Tobacco and alcohol use ).
          ·  Do not smoke or rinse your mouth vigorously or drink through a straw for 24 hours.
          ·  Do not skip meals and stay hydrated
          ·  After 24 hours, rinse the area with warm salt water after eating to keep the site clean
          ·  Take medications as prescribed

TRICARE DENTAL FOR FAMILY MEMBERS
We highly encourage you to maintain your dental insurance for your family while being stationed overseas. For more information regarding Tricare dental program benefits and how to enroll please go to http://www.tricare.mil/Dental/TDP.aspx

TRICARE DENTAL FOR RETIREES
If you are a retiree and would like more information regarding TRICARE Retiree Dental Program please go tohttp://www.tricare.mil/Dental/TRDP.aspx

TRICARE ONLINE
TRICARE Online TRICARE Online features secure access to beneficiary appointments, prescriptions, and personal health data. To register go to www.tricareonline.com click on the "Register Now on TOL" link located under the Login area on the Home page. From there, follow the instructions to complete your account registration.

Our goal is to help YOU manage your oral health.

Updated Jan 2016