Pattaya Dental Hygiene Cost Guide – Real Prices Locals Pay

Pattaya Dental Hygiene Cost Guide – Real Prices Locals Pay

Thinking about a teeth cleaning while you’re in Pattaya? Good call. The city has plenty of modern clinics, friendly hygienists, and prices that won’t make your wallet cry. Below is a practical, straight-talking guide to what locals actually pay for dental hygiene in Pattaya, what affects the bill, and how to save without cutting corners.

Quick price snapshot in Pattaya (THB)

- Standard scaling and polishing (routine clean): 800–1,500 at neighborhood clinics; 1,200–2,000 at international-style clinics; 400–800 at government hospital clinics (longer queue).

- Deep cleaning for gum disease (scaling and root planing): 1,500–3,000 per quadrant; 6,000–12,000 for full mouth depending on severity and whether a periodontist is involved.

- X-rays: 250–400 per small film; 900–1,500 for a panoramic.

- Fluoride treatment add-on: 400–800.

- Airflow/prophy-jet stain removal add-on: 500–1,000.

- Consultation or registration fee: often 0–200 (many private clinics include it).

What affects dental cleaning prices in Pattaya

- Clinic type and location: A clinic on Soi Buakhao or Naklua often charges less than a glossy international clinic near Beach Road or in Jomtien. Same same service, but different ambiance and language support.

- How much tartar you’ve got: If it’s been more than a year, expect a longer session and possibly a higher fee. Heavier staining (coffee, tea, cigarettes) sometimes leads to an airflow add-on.

- Hygienist vs dentist: Many clinics let hygienists handle routine cleans at the lower end of the range; if a dentist does it, or if you need gum treatment, the price goes up.

- X-rays and extras: First-timers who haven’t had an exam in a while may need x-rays before a deep clean. Fluoride or desensitizing gel is optional but commonly offered.

- Sterilization/PPE fees: Some clinics itemize 50–150 baht for sterilization or PPE. Not a scam—just check the estimate before you sit down.

Real-world examples around town

- Soi Buakhao / South Pattaya neighborhood clinics: Locals report 900–1,200 for a routine scaling and polish. Add 300–500 if you want fluoride. X-ray, if needed, around 300 per film.

- Jomtien and Pratumnak mid-range, expat-friendly clinics: 1,400–1,800 for cleaning, usually includes polishing. Promos like check-up + cleaning + x-ray pop up around 1,800–2,300.

- Naklua area family clinics: Similar to Soi Buakhao, 800–1,200 for a clean, with simple, no-frills service and straightforward receipts.

- Government hospitals (e.g., Pattaya City Hospital, Banglamung Hospital): 400–800 for scaling, but you’ll likely queue, and appointments can be limited. Thai speakers and locals who aren’t in a rush tend to go this route.

Deep cleaning for gum issues

If you’ve got bleeding gums, deep pockets, or haven’t cleaned in years, a standard polish won’t fix it. You may be quoted for scaling and root planing (SRP):

- Per quadrant: 1,500–3,000 baht, depending on depth, anesthesia, and whether a periodontist handles it.

- Full-mouth SRP: 6,000–12,000 baht. Severe periodontitis may require multiple visits, chlorhexidine rinses, and follow-ups every 3–4 months at 1,000–1,500 per maintenance clean.

Expected add-ons and small print

- Registration/consult fee: 0–200 baht. Many clinics waive it if you proceed with treatment.

- X-rays: 250–400 per small film; panoramic 900–1,500 if the dentist needs a full view before deep cleaning.

- Polishing pas

te/airflow: Polishing is usually included, airflow for heavy stains is 500–1,000 more.

- Credit card fee: Some clinics add 2–3% for card payments; cash or PromptPay often avoids that.

- After-hours surcharge: Rare, but clinics open late may charge a bit extra for walk-ins after 7 pm.

What your appointment is like

- Time: Routine cleaning takes 25–45 minutes. If tartar is heavy, it may stretch to an hour.

- Process: Quick check, ultrasonic scaling to remove tartar, hand instruments for fine areas, polish, and sometimes fluoride. Expect a little sensitivity, especially near the gumline.

- Deep cleaning: Usually done with local anesthesia, quadrant by quadrant. You might get a home-care plan, salt-water rinses, or chlorhexidine for a week. Avoid very hot, spicy, or highly colored foods for a few hours after fluoride.

How locals save money (without sacrificing quality)

- Watch for promos: Facebook pages and Line accounts of clinics often post check-up + cleaning bundles. Message them for a quote—Pattaya clinics are responsive on Line.

- Go a bit off the tourist strip: A 5–10-minute ride by songthaew (baht bus) away from Beach Road can shave a few hundred baht off the bill.

- Government clinics if you’re patient: Cheapest option but expect Thai-language intake and slower service.

- Social Security reimbursement: If you work in Thailand and pay into Social Security, you can usually claim up to around 1,500 baht per year for dental (including scaling). Keep the official receipt with your name in English/Thai and clinic license number.

- Maintenance beats treatment: Cleaning every 6 months keeps you at the 800–1,500 baht level, rather than needing SRP later at several thousand.

Do clinics have “tourist prices”?

Reputable Pattaya clinics post fees clearly. Prices are typically the same for locals and foreigners at the same clinic tier. The difference is mostly clinic style and location, not nationality. If you want “Thai-level” pricing, choose a local clinic with Thai signage and ask for a basic scale and polish—straight to the point, no fancy add-ons.

Language, booking, and payment tips

- Language: Many dentists and receptionists speak English, especially in expat areas. Photos and messages via Line help if you’re unsure of terminology—send “routine scaling and polish, no x-ray unless necessary?”

- Booking: Walk-ins are possible, but weekend slots go fast. Weekday late morning is usually sabai sabai (less crowded).

- Payment: Cash and PromptPay are common; card accepted at many places (check if fee applies). Always ask for a printed receipt for insurance or Social Security claims.

How Pattaya compares to other Thai cities

- Bangkok neighborhood clinics: Similar or slightly higher for international clinics; local clinics about the same.

- Chiang Mai: Often 10–20% cheaper for routine cleans.

- Phuket: Typically a bit higher than Pattaya, especially near tourist beaches.

Bottom line

- Routine dental cleaning in Pattaya usually runs 800–1,500 baht at local clinics and 1,200–2,000 baht at international-style clinics. Government clinics can be 400–800 baht if you don’t mind the wait.

- Deep cleaning for gum disease is quoted per quadrant (1,500–3,000), adding up if multiple areas are involved.

- To pay what locals pay, choose a neighborhood clinic slightly off the beach, confirm the fee beforehand, and skip optional extras you don’t need.

Keep it regular, and your teeth (and budget) will thank you.