Many of our patients live in the Gulf, Europe, the UK, the US or elsewhere in India, and come home to Pathanapuram for a few weeks a year. They often want dental work done while they are here, to be treated by a family dentist they trust, and often at a lower cost than abroad. With a little planning, a short trip is enough for a lot of treatment.
Plan before you fly
The single most useful thing you can do is contact us before you travel.
- Send recent X-rays or reports from your dentist abroad if you have them, and a short description of what’s bothering you. Photos of your teeth taken on a phone help too.
- Tell us your dates. We will book your first appointment for the first few days of your trip, so there is time to finish treatment before you leave.
- Mention any medical conditions and the medicines you take, especially blood thinners or diabetes medication.
What can usually be done in one trip
With two to three weeks at home, most of these are realistic:
- Check-up, X-rays and cleaning: one visit.
- Fillings: usually one visit per tooth, several teeth per appointment.
- Root canal treatment: often one or two sittings, with rotary instruments.
- Crowns and bridges: two visits roughly a week apart, to allow lab time.
- Extractions (including most wisdom teeth): one visit, with a follow-up check before you leave.
- Teeth whitening: a single in-clinic session.
- Dentures: usually four or five visits across two to four weeks.
What needs two trips
- Dental implants. The implant is placed on your first trip; the bone needs about three to six months to bond to it; the crown is fitted on your next trip home. A temporary tooth can usually be worn in between.
- Braces and aligners. Orthodontic treatment needs regular reviews over 12 to 24 months. If you are home only once a year, talk to us about whether we can coordinate with a dentist where you live.
Tips for a smooth visit
- Don’t leave it to the last week. If a root canal needs a second sitting or a crown needs adjusting, you want time in hand.
- Avoid booking extractions or implant surgery right before a long flight. Give yourself at least a few days to heal.
- Ask for your records. We’re happy to give you copies of X-rays and a written summary of what was done, for your dentist abroad.
Ask us before you book flights
Message or email us with your dates and what you need, and we’ll tell you what can realistically be completed during your stay.
