Dentistry in Kuala Lumpur

Dentistry, also known as oral medicine and dental medicine, is a branch of medicine that comprises the study, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disorders, diseases, and conditions of the teeth, supporting structures, and the soft tissue of the mouth. Although the field of dentistry is mainly associated with teeth among the general public, it is actually not limited to teeth but also encompasses the treatment and conditions of the jaws and oral cavity, such as cleft palate.

In addition to general practice, dentistry has a number of specialties and subspecialties, including:

• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics – this involves the straightening of teeth and the modification of midface and mandibular growth. While orthodontics involves the management of tooth movement, dentofacial orthopedics entails the guidance of facial growth and development, which mostly occur during childhood.
• Pediatric dentistry – also known as pedodontics, pediatric dentistry is a dental specialty dealing with the care of children’s teeth.
• Periodontics – this dental specialty is concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the periodontal membrane, as well as related tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth.
• Prosthodontics – this dental specialty involves the restoration and maintenance of oral appearance, function, and comfort using prostheses, such as crowns. This specialty also provides oral prostheses to correct deformities, such as cleft palate.
• Endodontics – this involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases of the dental pulp, as well as the surrounding tissues.
• Public health dentistry – this dental specialty’s primary concern is the prevention of dental decay and periodontal disease (disease of tissues that surrounds the teeth). On a larger scale, it involves the improvement of oral health in large populations.
• Oral and maxillofacial surgery – this involves the extractions, implants, and surgery of the mouth, jaws, and face.
• Oral and maxillofacial radiology – this involves the study and radiologic interpretation of oral and maxillofacial diseases.
• Oral and maxillofacial pathology – this involves the study, diagnosis, and, in some cases, treatments of oral and maxillofacial related diseases.
• Special needs dentistry – this specialty deals with dental treatments for those with developmental and acquired disabilities.
• Geriatric dentistry – also known as geriodontics, this specialty delivers dental care to older adults and involves the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of problems associated with age-related diseases.

Dental treatments are performed by a dental team, which usually consists of dentists and dental auxiliaries (dental hygienists, dental assistants, dental technicians, and dental therapists).

What does the Procedure Involve?

A range of medical and cosmetic procedures are used to diagnose and manage issues that affect the jaws, teeth, and oral cavity. The following are some of the most common dental procedures:

• Comprehensive examination – this type of procedure evaluates your overall oral health. A comprehensive dental exam typically includes dental evaluation, dental health assessment, bite and jaw examination, cavity check, restoration examination, teeth cleaning and stains removal, dental X-Rays, oral cancer screening, medications review, and a lesson on oral hygiene. A general dentist will discuss with you your current oral health, including your risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and any other oral health problems they may have seen through the examination. If any potential issues are found, your dentist will give you their prevention recommendations.
• Routine cleanings – this type of procedure is carried out to remove the buildup of tartar and bacteria that accumulate in between your teeth and gums. Routine mouth cleaning is important to maintain good oral health.
• Dental bonding – this procedure is used to repair decayed, chipped, discolored, or fractured teeth, as well as to reduce gaps between teeth. It can also be used to build up older teeth in order to make them appear younger. The goal of the procedure is to improve a person’s smile. During this procedure, your dentist will apply a tooth-colored resin to your teeth. Then, the resin is hardener under an ultraviolet laser or light. Afterward, the resin material is shaped and polished to ensure the result looks natural and smooth.
• Braces – a dental brace is a device used to correct crooked or misaligned teeth. It can improve the health and appearance of your smile. It works by exerting steady pressure over time to gradually move your teeth into alignment.
• Crowns and caps – a dental crown or cap is a tooth-shaped cover that is placed over a decayed, broken, badly stained, or misshaped tooth to improve its size, shape, strength, and appearance. Dental crowns can be made of porcelain fused to metal, metal, ceramic, or resin. Before a crown is placed, the existing tooth is filed down. Then, the crown is applied over it using special cement, thus fully encasing the tooth. The whole process is usually performed under local anesthetic.
• Bridges – Dental bridges are used to close (or bridge) the gaps in your teeth if you have missing teeth. A dental bridge is a false tooth held in place by abutment teeth on either side of the gap. It can be made from a wide variety of materials, even gold. However, dental bridges are typically made from porcelain to make it blend in with your natural teeth.
• Implants – Dental implants are replacement tooth roots made of titanium that provide a strong foundation for the attachment of removable or permanent crowns. It is done to replace damaged or missing teeth. Dental implants can look and function much like real teeth. The process of placing a dental implant can be done under local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
• Extractions – a severely damaged tooth due to excessive tooth decay or tooth infection that cannot be saved needs to be pulled out. Tooth extractions may also be done to resolve crowding, as well as for those who get braces. Tooth extraction procedure can be simple or surgical, depending on the state of your tooth. Simple tooth extraction is usually performed under local anesthetic, while surgical tooth extraction may involve general anesthesia.
• Dentures – dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth. They can be complete or partial. Partial dentures are used when some of your natural teeth still remain, while complete dentures are used when all of your teeth are missing.
• Gum surgery – mostly known as periodontal surgery, this type of procedure is often required to treat certain gum conditions and diseases, such as periodontitis or gingivitis. Its goal is to treat the gum disease and any damage it may have caused.
• Filling and repairs – to treat a cavity, the decayed portion of the tooth can be removed and then “filled.” Fillings can also be done to repair broken or cracked teeth.
• Veneers – Dental veneers are custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. They can change the color, size, shape, and length of your teeth to improve your appearance. It can be made from resin composite or porcelain. However, the most popular material is porcelain as they look more natural than composite veneers.
• Root canals – this procedure is done to repair and save a tooth that becomes infected or badly decayed. The root canal procedure involves removing the pulp and nerve from a tooth. The inside of your tooth is then cleaned and sealed. This procedure can prevent the tissue that surrounds the tooth from being infected.

How Long Should I Stay in Kuala Lumpur?

Your length of stay depends on the type of procedure you get. For most dental procedures, you can leave the clinic or hospital on the same day. However, if you undergo a surgical procedure, then you may need to stay in the hospital for a few days. Note that most dental procedures require multiple appointments to complete. Therefore, although you can leave the hospital on the same day, you may need to stay in Kuala Lumpur for several days or weeks until all of your appointment is completed. In some cases, you may need two separate travel to Kuala Lumpur.

What's the Recovery Time?

Recovery time can be different from one person to another, depending on the procedure you undergo, the reason you need the procedure, and your general health. Your dentist will give you a recovery timeline, which includes the time frame when you can go back to work, resume your normal routine, and perform vigorous activities, such as exercise.

What About Aftercare?

Your dentist will give you aftercare instructions that you will need to follow. The instructions may include diet, restrictions, and how to care for the treated area. You may feel some discomfort and pain for the first few days and your dentist may prescribe pain medications. Make sure to take the medications as instructed.

To maintain the result of your procedure, it is important that you practice good oral hygiene. Always brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and rinse your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash every day. It is also important that you have dental examinations regularly. In addition, you need to avoid damaging habits, such as biting your nails or chewing hard items.

What's the Success Rate?

The field of dentistry is constantly improving and advancing. Experienced and skilled dentists should be able to provide high success rates for the procedures they perform. Still, risks and side effects are possible. These include nerve injury, infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding structures. To avoid these risks and side effects, make sure to choose a certified dentist with proven track records.

Are there Alternatives to Dentistry?

Any problems in your jaw, teeth, and oral cavity are diagnosed, treated, and prevented by the practice of dentistry. Therefore, there are no other alternatives than to see your dentist. However, if your problem is found to be caused by other diseases, your dentist may refer you to the relevant doctors.

Dentistry in and around Kuala Lumpur

About Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia and often cited as the Food Capital of Asia. The city is modern on one hand and at the same time exhibits a rich cultural legacy.

Recognized globally, Kuala Lumpur is fast becoming a favored choice for medical tourism. Many individuals making the journey to this bustling metropolis can expect to conserve anywhere from 60% to 80% in medical expenses compared to the astronomical fees seen in the United States. The appeal doesn't end at affordable prices, the city's hospitals are reputed for their outstanding post-surgery care, ensuring patients feel comfortable and well-looked after. Supplementing the exemplary healthcare, these hospitals offer luxurious accommodation comparable to a five-star hotel suite, signaling a new standard for medical facilities worldwide.

Here is why Kuala Lumpur scores high in medical tourism.

• Extremely affordable and the quality of all treatments are of a high standard
• The Doctors are all certified and the teams are well trained
• Hospitals are world-class with the best amenities and modern surgical equipment
• Excellent post-operative care facilities to help with recuperating

Medical procedures including breast augmentation, varicose vein surgery, laser eye surgery, dental procedures, fertility treatments, oncology treatments and spinal surgeries are highly demanded in Kuala Lumpur. With state-of-the-art facilities, hospitals notably Pantai Hospital, HSC Medical Center, and Sikarin Hospital lead in providing these sought-after services.

Additionally, distinct local clinics situated in and around Kuala Lumpur, such as Dr. Cheong Plastic Surgery Clinic and KTOP Clinic, are particularly renowned in the field of breast augmentation. These institutions, aptly combining professionalism with empathy, embody the heightened standards of medical care in the city.

Popular areas in Kuala Lumpur

This city boasts a plethora of iconic attractions, spanning both naturally occurring wonders and impressive manmade structures:

• The Petronas: Hailed as the Twin Jewels of Kuala Lumpur, it is an 88-story twin tower. Thousands visit every day to walk over the sky bridge that connects the two towers to see the excellent bird’s eye view of the city. On a clear day, you can see as far as Indonesia.
• The Menara KL towers: This is the fifth tallest structure in the world today. Its observation deck is a hundred feet higher than the sky bridge that rests between the Petronas twin towers; What’s more, is that the ticket to the observation deck is completely free. Make sure that you reach there early because it has time slots to control the visiting number of people.
• China town: Is on Petaling Street and is surrounded by many very old historical shophouses and temples and is home to many local street food sellers. This 24-hour vibrant market township is the best place to shop if you love a bargain.
• The Batu Caves: is a limestone hill comprising three major caves and a number of smaller ones. The 100-year-old temple has idols and statues erected inside the main caves and around it. the temple is considered an important religious landmark by Hindus.
• The Open Aviary: Ever imagined an aviary where birds are not caged? That is the KL Open Aviary for you. Visitors are free to interact, feed, and even take photographs with the uncaged birds. It is one place you must not miss if you are a bird lover. There are more than 150 varieties to see and learn about.

Weather and Climate in Kuala Lumpur

In this city, residents and tourists alike encounter a tropical climate. Its persistent heat and humidity manifest in daily temperatures that typically fall between 29 and 35 degrees centigrade. Nighttime brings a touch of relative coolness, as temperatures drop to roughly 26 to 29 degrees centigrade.

While post-rain chills can occur, the city remains largely resilient to the monsoon winds coming from both the west and east. These sporadic showers pose minimal inconvenience as the city boasts well-structured covered walkways. A variety of indoor recreational complexes, inclusive of massive malls, guarantees an enjoyable pastime that doubles as shelter from the rain.

Getting around in Kuala Lumpur

The standard of public transportation within the city is second to none. A comprehensive network of buses and subway lines ensures swift and comfortable travel throughout the city, with affordable taxis providing an alternative for both longer and shorter journeys.

Showcasing their discipline, taxi drivers adhere meticulously to all road traffic rules and signs. For visiting tourists, the Hop-on-Hop-off service proves a favorite, offering a convenient tour that traverses the city, accompanied by an informative radio guide.

Tourist Visas in Kuala Lumpur

Citizens of 35 countries and the citizens of Commonwealth countries, including British protected citizens, Citizens from Ireland, Netherlands, Switzerland, San Marino, and Liechtenstein do not require a visa to enter Malaysia for up to 90 days.

Citizens of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and other countries will need to obtain a visa in advance before entering Malaysia. Visas can be obtained online or at a Malaysian embassy or consulate.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The currency is the colorful Malaysian Ringgit. Further divided are cents or what the locals call as Sen. Coins are easy to handle. Ensure you carry enough local currency for the duration of your visit, as it is convenient to use shopping malls and local businesses. However, make sure to spend all the money you have exchanged before exiting the country because Malaysian Ringgit is not traded internationally.
2. Money and payments: All retail outlets, restaurants, and eateries accept Master and Visa cards. You will also find ATMs, placed conveniently at all of the major tourist and shopping locations around the city.
3. Local language: The Locals speak Malay and Arabic is also spoken widely. Nearly all of the population will understand and talk basic English.
4. Local culture and religion: A large number of the population follow Islam and the second most popular religion in the city is Buddhism, there is also a small percentage of Christians and Hindus in the city. The culture is tolerant, and the people are extremely warm and friendly towards each other.
5. Public holidays: The locals celebrate the Gregorian New Year, the Islamic New Year and the Chinese New Year. Apart from these, the other holidays include international May Day or worker’s day and the days connected with the Coronation of the Monarchy.