Welcome to Tropicana Dental Surgery.

Why Choose Us as Your Dentist of Choice

Google 5 Star Rating

We focus on 3 aspects that has made a big difference to our patients. The ‘Dental Experience’. From start to the end! Coupled with our focus on ‘being gentle and caring’ and giving ‘Value’ to our patients as what they see it. Our track record shows we are onto something meaningful.

If these three aspects are important to you, we welcome you to our Dental Clinic. While we do not want to over promise, we hope we can meet or go beyond your expectations to deserve yet another 5 Star rating from you.

You First then Your Teeth

For us, You are a Person! A real person with feelings and concerns. We do not jump to treating your tooth complaint straight away. We like to focus on you first and ‘know you’ and ‘understand you’, then and only then do we start to look at your dental problem.

We like to build long lasting relationships that are built on trust and ‘knowing you’ and NOT just a set a dental records. Our patients have been coming to us since 1984 not because we have their dental records BUT because we have their interest at heart. If you choose us, we like to build that special relationship with you too.

Dental Psychologist

Everyone has a certain level of fear visiting the Dentist. You probably are no different. Dental Anxiety, as it is commonly referred to is a serious Dental condition. And sadly, most common reason being a traumatic experience in the past. Dr. Muruga, our Dentist has a Masters in Psychology and is very good at addressing your dental anxiety and fears.

If Fear or Dental Anxiety is keeping you from visiting the dentist, do give us a chance to help you. We take a Psychological approach and deal with your fears first and often treatment is deferred until your Fears are reduced to a comfortable level.

The Dentist

Dr. Muruga Dentist

Dr. Muruga is an Orthodontic Dentist and a Dental Psychologist apart from being a Dental GP. He has over 35 years of experience having graduated from the globally famous Manipal University, India in 1980. Dr. Muruga is best known for his charming personality and chair side charisma. He is very approachable and easy to talk to either in person or even a quick consult over the phone. Dr. M as he is popularly known is a man who wears many hats and he brings all his experiences from his various fields to serve the best treatment options for you.

With his Masters in Psychology, his approach is very much applying Psychology and Dentistry together for a unique experience. He listens to you and takes time to understand and get to know the ‘real’ you before prescribing any form of treatment. His unorthodox yet conservative approach is very endearing to his patients as they know he has got their best interest at heart. In an era of commercialization and profiteering, he is one dentist who is popular because he always proposes affordable treatment options. He has many a time turned down options of costly dental treatment; advising the patient against it due to his motto - ‘value for money’ to the patient.

He is a Dentist close to you once you are listed as a patient. Access via WhatsApp or a quick call for a quick consultation is a norm in the way he interacts with his patients.

To know Dr. Muruga is to love Dr. Muruga as he has this fatherly, older polished gentleman aura that you would want to unburden your anxieties. Don’t forget he is a Psychologist, a life-coach and Dentist all rolled into one to help you navigate your dental situation. He has developed a reputation for giving some quality tips and advice while you are on the Dental Chair.

It is not surprising then that he is particularly good with dental anxiety patients, helping them to identify and taking baby steps to overcome their fear of dental treatment. Kids love him because he has his way of connecting with them when he demonstrates how playful dental stuff can be.

A vegan, yoga practitioner and spiritual aspirant you can expect to have very interesting conversations with our Dr. M and most people are impressed with his youthful looks despite being in his 60s

Gallery

Dentist for Anxious Patients in Petaling Jaya

An Invitation if you have Fear of Dentist

When any of my patients tell me, “Doctor, I am scared of dentists and I have anxiety,” I take it very seriously. Dental fear or dental anxiety is a serious issue and needs special attention.

If you are one of the many people out there with anxiety or fear of dental procedures, I understand your situation and I have a simple invitation. Let me try and see if I can do something to help you. No promises. Just an option to consider — to see if we can get past the fear that keeps you from getting dental treatment, or if you do need to go through certain procedures, at least reduce the anxiety for you. Your fear and anxiety are real and serious, and it will take time and effort for me to help you overcome them.

I say this because I know the real issue is trust.

After studying and applying many techniques to help patients overcome dental fear, I realised there is one key factor that is needed — building trust. And that is not easy, especially when fear comes from unpleasant past experiences or trauma. I understand that, and that is where I will start.

Many people who come to see me have avoided dentists for a long time, so this is not unusual. I get that. We need to start slow and build a journey of trust and comfort for you.

Often, you may already be in pain or need urgent treatment and have been postponing seeing a dentist. Don’t fret — this too is normal. Pain itself is an issue, but it should not add more stress. I like to think that, as a dental psychologist, I can help.

For many of my patients in Petaling Jaya and surrounding areas, who feel anxious, fearful, or unsure about dental care, this approach is meant to offer a gentler and more respectful starting point.

How I Respond Is Different

To start with, I usually suggest that you do not immediately make an appointment with my front office, but speak with me first. I will make the time. My staff are trained to facilitate this.

Why? Because if trust is the issue, then you need to engage with me — the dentist — directly and get a sense for yourself whether you feel comfortable taking the first step. You need to decide if I am truly the person this website claims, and if you are okay to take a chance with me as your dentist.

The focus is not on commitment. The focus is on whether you are willing to give yourself a chance. There are no obligations.

I know I am good with many patients, but not necessarily with all. And we must consider and accept the humbling conclusion that I may not be that dentist for you. An audio call will be a good first step, rather than an intimidating physical first visit to a totally foreign setting like a dental clinic. Don’t you agree?

We will keep the conversation simple and easy, allowing us to reach a mutual understanding and take small steps in building trust. I will listen to you and see how I can approach your situation in a personalised way. At the very least, we can explore possibilities for you to proceed with another dentist, even if it is not with me at Tropicana Dental.

We must accept the humbling conclusion that I may not be that dentist for you.

What the First Visit Is Usually For

The first visit is not about treatment. It is about relieving pain if possible, often with medication or temporary dressing to help with pain relief. Strictly, there are no major procedures — especially no drilling and no injections.

That is because the main objective is to build trust and comfort levels. Talking and promises of no pain alone do not achieve that. Real action and demonstration are what make the difference.

In many cases, once the pain is no longer an issue and has been settled, it is simply a conversation. Having you sit comfortably in the dental chair and get a sense of control, in a non-threatening experience with the dentist, helps a lot.

We will talk more about what has happened before, what you are anxious about, and what you are not ready for, and how I will design a customised approach for your dental needs. The key point is to build a relationship of trust and gain your confidence to try the procedures needed.

Here is the other key factor: nothing happens without your agreement. We will not start until you feel safe and comfortable. We will even abandon a treatment plan if you decide you are not ready — even if an appointment has been fixed and you are physically present but not mentally ready. This is crucial. These things take time, and we understand that.

A second visit and subsequent visits only serve to anchor the first visit. The policy is strictly no major dental work until you are ready. You come first, then your dental treatment. We live by that motto.

Lastly, you may be concerned about how much this is all going to cost. These visits are typically charged as a consultation, with prices ranging from RM80 to RM150 depending on the complexity of pain-relief solutions. We can usually clarify this during our phone call.

Call us and ask to speak to me directly.

Dr Muruga
📞 +6012 221 2332

 Wisdom Tooth Removal

If you have pain at the back of your jaw behind existing teeth, chances are it's your wisdom tooth acting up. Sometimes it comes and goes. Sometimes it sits there like a dull pressure. Sometimes it flares when you chew, or when you are tired.

If you have “wisdom tooth” concerns, I hope this article helps give you some information that is beneficial for you. I will try to answer a few practical questions quickly: is this really a wisdom tooth problem, is it urgent, and what is the sensible next step.

This article is written in simple language for you to have a better understanding of wisdom tooth problems and challenges.

If you want a quick opinion first

“If you are not sure whether this is really a wisdom tooth issue, you can WhatsApp us and ask for a quick opinion. No obligation. We will tell you the sensible next step.”

— WhatsApp: +6012 385 8332 or +6012 221 2332

Before you assume it’s a wisdom tooth

Common signs that can point to a wisdom tooth issue

Wisdom tooth problems often show up at the very back of the mouth, behind the last molar. The pain can feel dull, throbbing, or pressure-like, and it can come and go.

Common patterns you could be experiencing:
• Pain that worsens when chewing on that side
• Tender gum at the back, sometimes with a gum flap that feels swollen
• A bad taste, food trapping, or gum irritation around the back tooth
• Pain that radiates to the ear, temple, or down the jaw
• Occasional swelling near the jaw angle, especially during flare-ups

Not every one of these means it is definitely a wisdom tooth situation, and it does not automatically mean you need removal. It simply means it is worth getting it assessed properly so you are not guessing.

Is this urgent, or can it wait?

When you should seek same day care

Most wisdom tooth problems are uncomfortable, not dangerous. Still, there are a few situations where it is sensible to be seen promptly.

Consider same day assessment if you have:
• Increasing swelling that is visible on the face
• Fever, chills, or you feel unwell overall
• Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing
• Difficulty opening the mouth that is getting worse
• Pain that is rapidly intensifying, especially with spreading swelling

If breathing or swallowing difficulty is present, do not wait.

When a normal appointment is usually reasonable

If the pain is mild to moderate, you are functioning, and there is no spreading swelling or systemic illness, it is often reasonable to book a normal appointment soon, without rushing in panic.

Many cases are uncomfortable, but not dangerous. The unhelpful pattern is delaying for weeks while hoping it will magically disappear, especially if it has already recurred.

A quick “while you wait” note:

• Avoid chewing hard foods on that side
• Warm salt water rinses can soothe irritated gum tissue
• Keep the area clean gently, without aggressive poking

If you are still not sure, feel free to WhatsApp message us or call me (Dr Muruga, +6012 2212332) directly for a quick response.

Do all wisdom teeth need removal?

When removal is commonly recommended

Removal is commonly recommended when:
• The wisdom tooth is repeatedly inflamed or infected
• There is decay in the wisdom tooth, or the tooth in front is being affected
• Food traps keep recurring and hygiene becomes impractical
• The wisdom tooth is pushing awkwardly and damaging nearby gum or tooth
• The tooth is partially erupted and keeps flaring up

There are other reasons too, but these are the typical real world ones.

When monitoring may be reasonable

Sometimes monitoring is reasonable when:
• The wisdom tooth is present but quiet, no repeated inflammation
• There is enough space to keep it clean
• The pain is actually coming from another source
• The risk of removal outweighs the benefit at this moment

This is why proper assessment matters. It is not always “remove it because it exists.”

Why different clinicians sometimes advise differently

Patients sometimes get confused, one clinician says remove, another says wait.

That can happen because:
• Tooth position and surrounding gum health differ from person to person
• One flare up can look alarming in the moment, but stabilises later
• Imaging can change the interpretation
• The patient’s lifestyle and ability to clean the area matter, and not everyone asks about that

A good dentist should be able to explain their reasoning in plain terms, and you should feel allowed to ask.

What a proper in-visit assessment by the dentist usually includes

What questions matter, and why

A proper assessment usually starts with questions that sound simple, but are very revealing:
• When did it start, and has it happened before
• Where exactly is the pain
• Any swelling, bad taste, or limitation of mouth opening
• Any previous difficult dental experience that affects comfort and pacing
• Any medical factors that affect healing and safety

These questions guide the decision.

What X-ray or imaging is typically used, and what it clarifies

In many cases, an X-ray is used to see:
• The position of the wisdom tooth
• Whether it is pressing against the tooth in front
• Whether there are signs of damage or infection around it

This is not about scaring you with images. It is about clarity.

Patient voice

“He kept me in touch with the whole process and made me feel so comfortable as I had to get my wisdom tooth removed.”

— Shammah Chandran, Google Review

What the dentist is actually deciding, in plain terms

The decision is usually three things:
• Is the wisdom tooth truly the source of the problem
• Is removal likely to solve a recurring pattern, or is monitoring reasonable
• Is this a straightforward case, or does it need more planning, or referral

Simple removal vs impacted removal, what that means for you

What “simple” usually implies

A “simple” removal generally means the tooth is accessible and can be removed in a more routine way after proper numbing. Almost like a normal extraction. This is rarely the case but a good clinical visual check can tell if this is possible.

This does not mean “no discomfort”. It usually means the situation is more predictable, with fewer moving parts.

What “impacted” usually implies, without graphic detail

“Impacted” generally means the tooth is not coming out normally, it may be angled, stuck, or partly trapped. This involves a minor surgery. Don’t get scared by the words but it basically means removal of the tooth by cutting the tooth into parts. This may or may not involve some incision of the gums and minimal bone. All done under local anaesthetic and there is no pain. A very small operation is the best way to describe it.

The important part is not the word, it is what it changes for you:
• It may require more planning
• It may influence healing time
• It may affect whether your case should be handled in a general setting or referred to a specialist who can handle these procedures.

What factors tend to make a case more straightforward or more involved

Common factors include:
• Tooth position and angulation
• Root shape
• Proximity to sensitive structures seen on imaging
• Current infection and swelling status
• Mouth opening and jaw muscle tightness on the day

A brief note, because many websites never mention this: in selected cases, alternatives like coronectomy (removing the crown while leaving the roots) or operculectomy (removing a problematic gum flap) may be considered. These are not “better”, they are simply different options that depend on anatomy and findings, and they can only be judged properly after an in-visit assessment.

Your dentist will advise you on these rarely used options if it is possible.

Patient voice

“I had my right upper impacted wisdom tooth extracted here, the doctor got it removed in less than an hour. Dr Muruga made me feel comfortable throughout.”

— Euphemia Ong, Google Review

Pain, injections, and comfort, what patients usually worry about

What can be managed well, and what varies from person to person

Your concerns are usually, and should be, three things, if I may say so:

Pain or discomfort during the procedure

How long, and how manageable, the recovery period is

Cost of the procedures and post-operative costs.

Those are sensible concerns. They are not overthinking.

In most cases, comfort during the procedure is managed well with proper numbing, but the exact experience still varies. There is no pain during surgery. This is absolutely promised. However, anxiety can amplify sensation and create a false sense of pain and hence calmness matters.

A quiet tooth behaves differently from one that is already inflamed. So it’s best to do it when there is no infection or infection is under control. At times this may not be possible in case of timing.

Recovery is usually 2 to 3 days of being careful rather than a dramatic event, but again, the exact timeline depends on what kind of case it is. Since this is not an inpatient procedure, rest at home and modified diet is enough and typically the dentist gives 2 days MC for the patient.

Cost varies because cases vary, and typically the dentist can give a reasonable estimate if you ask for clarity on the expected fees. Again here dentists may charge differently as senior experienced dentists tend to charge more than younger, less experienced dentists. Cost can typically vary depending on upper or lower wisdom teeth.

Upper wisdom teeth removal cost generally lower - RM 500 to RM 1,000 for simple cases.

Lower Wisdom teeth removal could cost anything from RM 1,300 to RM 2,000 for most cases and could be higher depending on the difficulty and complexity of the impaction.

How numbness is usually checked before proceeding

This does not need a long explanation. A careful clinician checks numbness before proceeding, and if it is not adequate, it is adjusted. If you feel anything sharp or uncomfortable, you say so, and deeper anaesthetic is given.
Rest assured that all through the procedure there will be numbness so there is no pain.

What to do if you need a slower pace

If you know you need a slower pace, say it early, plainly. Communication is important and your dentist will comply.

Examples:
• “Please explain before each step.”
• “I may need short pauses.”
• “I get anxious with injections, give me a moment.”

A good appointment is not a performance. It is a collaboration.

Aftercare and recovery, what the first few days are typically like

What is normal in the first 24 to 72 hours

Most people experience some soreness. Sometimes swelling. Sometimes stiffness. Rarely, even a mild fever.

The intensity varies. The useful mindset is to expect a few quieter days, rather than expecting life to be unchanged.

What helps recovery most

Recovery is usually smoother when you:
• Rest and avoid heavy exertion early on
• Follow hygiene advice without over scrubbing the area
• Eat softer foods and keep hydration steady

When you should contact the clinic

If you feel uncertain about what you are experiencing, or things seem to be worsening instead of settling, contact the clinic. It is better to get clarity early than to sit at home guessing.

Practical planning, time, cost, and appointments

Quick planning note
• Fees vary mainly by case complexity and what is needed on the day
• Some people can do consultation and removal on the same visit, others are better planned in two steps
• If you have a high stakes meeting the next morning, plan your timing sensibly, unless the situation is urgent

Common questions

Can a wisdom tooth cause ear pain or headaches?

It can, because jaw and tooth pain can refer. But ear pain and headaches have multiple causes, so assessment matters.

Can antibiotics solve it without removal?

Antibiotics may calm an infection, but they do not remove the underlying trap if the area keeps collecting bacteria and inflammation. Sometimes they are part of management, sometimes not. The decision should be based on your presentation and findings.

What happens if I delay?

Sometimes nothing dramatic happens, and sometimes flare-ups repeat and become more disruptive. The most useful approach is not fear, it is clarity: assess, understand the pattern, then decide.

How long is recovery usually?

Most people feel noticeably better over days, not hours. Full settling takes longer. The timeline depends on the case and your healing.

Can I do this if I’m very anxious?

Yes, but it should be handled with pacing and clear communication. You do not need to toughen up to deserve good care.

Patient voice

“I tend to be a nervous patient, he made sure I was calm and comfortable. Had tooth extraction and fillings, and I’m looking forward to going back.”

— Dewi Octaviani, Google Review

Next step, a calm first move

Book an assessment, decide after you have clarity

If you are unsure, the most sensible first step is a consultation and assessment. That visit is not an agreement to proceed with removal. It is simply a way to get clear answers, understand options, and decide with less pressure. As an experienced dentist dealing with wisdom tooth situations, most of the damage is caused by procrastination and understandably too, as fear may be a contributing factor. Speak to your dentist to allay your fears and if you do not have a dentist, talk to me. My staff and I are always ready to have this conversation with you.

Ready for the next step, without pressure

“If you want clarity, book an assessment. That visit is simply for answers and options. You decide after you understand the situation.”

— Call or WhatsApp, and ask to speak to Dr Muruga +6 012 2212332 directly if you prefer.

Patient voice

“He calms my nerves every time I’m sat on the reclining chair. He makes me feel comfortable. Every visit is a wonderful experience.”

— Kenneth Yam, Google Review

What our patients say about us