Patient questions
Dental FAQs — implants, root canal, braces, whitening and emergencies
Everything Perumbakkam patients ask us most often, gathered in one place. Each section links to the full treatment guide if you want more detail.
Implantology
Is implant surgery painful?
The placement itself is done under local anaesthesia and is not painful. Mild soreness and swelling for two to three days afterwards is normal and controlled with routine painkillers.
How long do dental implants last?
With good hygiene and regular reviews, implants routinely last 15 to 25 years or more. The crown on top may need replacing sooner than the implant itself.
Can I get the implant and crown in one day?
Immediate loading is possible in selected cases with good bone quality, but most patients get a better long-term result with a staged healing period.
Are implants better than a bridge?
In most cases yes, because a bridge requires cutting down two healthy adjacent teeth and does not prevent bone loss under the gap.
Do you take implant patients from outside Perumbakkam?
Yes. Alongside Perumbakkam, implant patients travel to us from Perumbakkam, Sholinganallur, Medavakkam, Karapakkam, Nookampalayam, Semmancheri, Navalur and the OMR residential blocks, and we group appointments where possible to reduce the number of trips.
Read the full guide: Dental Implants in Perumbakkam — Cost, Process and Recovery.
Endodontics
Is a root canal painful?
The procedure is done under local anaesthesia and is comparable to having a filling. The pain patients remember is from the infection beforehand, which the treatment relieves.
How many visits will I need?
One to three. Straightforward teeth are often completed in a single sitting; infected or re-treatment cases need a dressing period.
Can I avoid a root canal by taking antibiotics?
No. Antibiotics can settle swelling temporarily, but the infected pulp stays inside the tooth and the pain returns until the canal is cleaned.
Is extraction cheaper than an RCT?
Extraction costs less on the day, but replacing the tooth later with an implant or bridge costs far more than saving it now.
How quickly can I get a root canal appointment in Perumbakkam?
Call 072002 40570 and in most cases you will be seen the same day for pain relief, with treatment started immediately if the tooth is ready for it.
Read the full guide: Root Canal Treatment in Perumbakkam — Save the Natural Tooth.
Orthodontics
What is the right age for braces?
Most children start between 11 and 14, once enough permanent teeth are through. Adults can be treated at any age provided the gums and bone are healthy.
How much do braces cost in Perumbakkam?
Cost depends on the appliance — metal braces are the most economical, ceramic slightly higher, and clear aligners the most expensive. We give a written quote after the consultation and offer staged payments.
Do braces hurt?
Teeth feel tender for two to three days after fitting and after each adjustment. Soft food and a routine painkiller are usually enough.
How often will I need to travel to the Perumbakkam clinic during braces treatment?
Roughly every four to six weeks for an adjustment. Aligner patients are usually reviewed every six to eight weeks.
Read the full guide: Orthodontist in Perumbakkam — Braces and Clear Aligners.
Teeth whitening
Does whitening damage enamel?
Dentist-supervised whitening at controlled concentrations does not weaken enamel. Problems come from unsupervised high-strength products and DIY acidic remedies.
How white will my teeth get?
Most patients lighten by three to six shades. We record your starting shade so the change is measurable rather than guessed.
Is whitening safe during pregnancy?
Elective whitening is normally postponed until after pregnancy and breastfeeding as a precaution.
Can I get whitening done after work in Perumbakkam?
Yes. In-clinic whitening takes about an hour and evening appointments are available up to 9 pm, Monday to Saturday.
Read the full guide: Teeth Whitening in Perumbakkam — Safe, Dentist-Supervised.
Dental emergency
Can I be seen today?
In almost all cases, yes. Call 072002 40570 and describe your symptoms — emergency slots are held open each working day.
Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?
Often, if it is replanted within an hour. Keep the tooth moist in milk, handle it only by the crown, and come straight in.
Will you extract the tooth straight away?
Extraction is a last resort. We first try to relieve the infection and save the tooth with a root canal wherever the tooth is restorable.
Which areas do you cover for dental emergencies?
We see emergency patients from Perumbakkam, Sholinganallur, Medavakkam, Karapakkam, Nookampalayam, Semmancheri, Navalur and the OMR residential blocks, at Mettu St, Perumbakkam, Chennai 600100. Call 072002 40570 on your way.
Read the full guide: Emergency Dentist in Perumbakkam — Same-Day Pain Relief.
Cosmetic dentistry
Will veneers look fake?
Not if the shade, translucency and length are planned to suit your face. We use photographs and a trial smile so you approve the look before anything permanent is made.
How long do veneers last?
Porcelain veneers typically last 10 to 15 years with good care. Composite bonding usually needs polishing or replacement every 4 to 7 years.
Do I need to whiten before veneers?
Yes, if you plan to whiten at all. Veneers do not change colour, so natural teeth are whitened first and the veneer shade is matched to the final result.
Which areas do your cosmetic patients come from?
Mainly Perumbakkam, Sholinganallur, Medavakkam, Karapakkam, Nookampalayam, Semmancheri, Navalur and the OMR residential blocks. The clinic is on Mettu St in Perumbakkam, open Monday to Saturday until 9 pm.
Read the full guide: Cosmetic Dentist in Perumbakkam — Smile Design and Veneers.
Children's dentistry
When should my child first see a dentist?
By the first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth appearing. Early visits are about prevention and familiarity.
Do cavities in milk teeth need treatment?
Yes. Untreated decay causes pain, infection and early tooth loss, which affects the alignment of the permanent teeth.
Can I stay with my child during treatment?
Yes, parents are welcome in the room and we explain each step as we go.
Is the children's clinic easy to reach from Sholinganallur or Medavakkam?
Yes — we are on Mettu St in Perumbakkam, about ten to fifteen minutes from both, with street parking outside the clinic.
Read the full guide: Pediatric Dentist in Perumbakkam — Gentle Care for Children.
Meet your dentist
How often should I visit the dentist?
Every six months for most people. Patients with gum disease, diabetes, or braces are usually reviewed every three to four months.
Is dental treatment painful?
Modern local anaesthesia makes almost all routine treatment — including root canals — painless. You may feel pressure or vibration, but not sharp pain.
Can I see a dentist after work?
Yes, the clinic is open until 9 pm Monday to Saturday, which suits patients commuting on the OMR.
Where exactly is the clinic in Perumbakkam?
PM Dental Care is on Mettu St, Perumbakkam, Chennai 600100, open Monday to Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm. We regularly see patients from Perumbakkam, Sholinganallur, Medavakkam, Karapakkam, Nookampalayam, Semmancheri, Navalur and the OMR residential blocks.
Read the full guide: Dentist in Perumbakkam — Gentle, Honest Dental Care.
Dental clinic
Do I need an appointment or can I walk in?
Walk-ins are welcome and we keep slots free for pain emergencies, but booking by phone means you are seen with the least waiting, especially in the evening.
What does a consultation cost?
The consultation and examination fee is nominal and is discussed on the phone when you book. Any X-ray or treatment cost is quoted to you before it is carried out.
Which areas do you serve?
Most of our patients come from Perumbakkam, Sholinganallur, Medavakkam, Karapakkam, Nookampalayam, Semmancheri and the nearby OMR residential blocks.
Do you treat children?
Yes. We see children from their first tooth onwards, with preventive check-ups, sealants and gentle behaviour-guided treatment.
Read the full guide: Dental Clinic in Perumbakkam — PM Dental Care.
What patients in Perumbakkam say
4.9 · 925 Google reviews
"Amazing service — very quality customer service and fantastic results."
"Prisilla is a very experienced doctor. Treatment best."
"Staff are all friendly and the clinic maintains 5S quality."
"Got my root canal done in a single sitting with zero pain. Clear pricing explained before starting."
Still have a question? Ask the dentist
PM Dental Care, Mettu St, Perumbakkam, Chennai 600100. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 9 pm.
More reading on our dental health blog.