Book a dentist in Kigali

Medical emergency? Call 912 (SAMU ambulance, free) or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Facial swelling that spreads towards the eye or neck, or that makes it hard to breathe or swallow, is an emergency. Kigali Clinics is a booking service, not a clinic, and does not give medical advice.

Need a dentist in Kigali? Whether it is a routine check-up, a cleaning, a filling or a tooth that has been aching for days, Kigali Clinics helps you find a suitable licensed dental clinic in Kigali and book an appointment. Tell us what you need, which part of the city suits you, and how you will pay. We do the searching and come back to you with options.

Teeth problems are very common. The World Health Organization estimates that oral diseases affect nearly 3.7 billion people, and that untreated tooth decay in permanent teeth is the most common health condition in the world. Most of it is preventable, and much of it is easier and cheaper to treat when it is caught early.

Dental services we can help you book

Service	When people usually book it
Check-up and examination	Routine visit, or before starting a new job or school
Scale and polish (cleaning)	Tartar build-up, bleeding gums, bad breath
Fillings	A cavity found at a check-up, sensitivity to sweet or cold
Root canal treatment	Deep decay or infection inside the tooth
Extraction	A badly damaged tooth or a problem wisdom tooth
Crowns, bridges and dentures	Replacing broken or missing teeth
Orthodontics (braces)	Crooked teeth or bite problems, often in teenagers
Children's dentistry	First visits, check-ups and treatment for children

Not every clinic offers every service. Orthodontics, for example, is a specialist area. When you send a request, tell us the service you need so we can match you with a clinic that actually provides it.

When you should see a dentist soon

The NHS advises seeing a dentist if you have toothache that lasts more than 2 days, or that does not get better with painkillers. Other reasons to book soon include:

• a fever with tooth pain;
• pain when you bite;
• red or swollen gums, or a bad taste in your mouth;
• swelling in your cheek or jaw;
• a broken, chipped or loose tooth;
• a lost filling or crown.

Go to an emergency department or call 912 if you have swelling around your eye or neck, or swelling in your mouth or neck that makes it hard to breathe, swallow or speak. These can be signs of a spreading infection.

What happens at a dental check-up

A typical check-up follows a similar pattern in most clinics:

1. History. The dentist asks about any pain or problems, your general health and any medicines you take.
2. Examination. They look at your teeth, gums, tongue and the inside of your mouth.
3. X-rays if needed. Not every visit needs X-rays. The dentist decides based on what they find.
4. Advice and plan. You hear what was found and what treatment, if any, is recommended, with a cost estimate.
5. Cleaning. Often done on the same day, or booked for another visit.
6. Next visit. The dentist recommends when to come back, based on your own risk of problems.

Ask for a written estimate before any larger treatment, such as a root canal, crown or braces. It helps you compare options and check what your insurer will cover.

Looking after your teeth between visits

The WHO recommends a few simple habits that prevent most problems:

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. WHO advises toothpaste containing 1,000 to 1,500 ppm fluoride. Check the label.
• Cut down on sugar. Sweet drinks, sweets and sugary snacks between meals feed the bacteria that cause decay. WHO advises a diet low in free sugars and high in fruit and vegetables.
• Drink water. WHO recommends water as your main drink.
• Do not smoke. Tobacco harms gums and raises the risk of oral cancer.
• Help children brush until they can do it well on their own.

Paying for dental care in Kigali

• RSSB medical scheme. RSSB lists dental care, including prosthesis, among its covered services. RSSB pays 85% and you pay 15%, at accredited facilities contracted with RSSB.
• Private insurance. Dental cover depends on your policy. Check for an annual limit, a waiting period, and whether cosmetic treatment such as whitening is included.
• Paying yourself. Fees vary between clinics and treatments. Contact us for a current quote for the treatment you need.

Our health insurance guide explains how RSSB, Mutuelle and private cover work in more detail.

Choosing a dental clinic: checklist

• The dentist is licensed by the Rwanda Medical and Dental Council (RMDC).
• The clinic offers the specific treatment you need.
• The clinic accepts your insurance, if you have it.
• You get a clear estimate before treatment starts.
• The clinic is easy to reach from your home or office, for example in Remera, Kacyiru, Kimihurura or the city centre.
• The clinic explains how to reach it if you have a problem after treatment.

Related appointments

Many people combine a dental visit with other routine care. You can also request an eye test, a general health check-up, or a visit to a children's doctor for your family.

Book your dental appointment

Use the form on this page, choose "Dentist", and tell us your preferred area, date and payment method. Add a short note, such as "check-up and cleaning" or "toothache, lower left, 3 days". We will come back to you with options. For severe swelling or breathing problems, call 912 instead.