Dental FAQs

A: Dr Jun Kim is the principal dentist at Prahran Family Dental. He holds a Bachelor of Dental Science from the University of Melbourne (2008), is a Fellow of the Australian Society of Implant Dentistry (FASID), and a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists (ICOI). Dr Jun has close to 20 years of clinical experience and is particularly recognised for surgical wisdom tooth extraction, having performed over 6,000 cases. To book a consultation, call (03) 9533 2288.

A: Yes, there is free and paid parking within a short walk of Prahran Family Dental. Commercial Road has 1-hour free street parking directly in front of the practice. Izett Street and Grattan Street both offer 2-hour free street parking, which suits longer appointments. For all-day or extended parking, the paid car park on Elizabeth Street behind Prahran Market is a short walk away. The practice is also accessible by tram along Commercial Road and a short walk from Prahran Station.

A: Yes. We stay open until 7pm on Wednesday and Thursday evenings and open early at 8am on Friday mornings, which suits working professionals, parents, and students in Prahran, South Yarra, and Windsor. These slots fill quickly, so book ahead on (03) 9533 2288 or through the online booking form. For urgent pain outside of these hours, call the practice and follow the voicemail instructions.

A: Yes, most fillings at Prahran Family Dental are completed in a single visit. Small to moderate cavities are prepared and filled in under an hour using white composite material matched to the colour of your tooth. Larger restorations may require a crown or inlay — Dr Jun Kim will explain the options before starting work. For front and back teeth alike, white composite fillings look natural and bond directly to the tooth for a strong seal.

A: A crown covers the entire visible tooth, while a veneer covers only the front surface. Crowns are used where a tooth is weakened, broken, or has had root canal treatment. Veneers are used for cosmetic changes to healthy teeth — colour, shape, or minor alignment. Crowns require more tooth preparation, veneers require less. At Prahran Family Dental, Dr Jun Kim recommends whichever suits the tooth's condition and your goals. Book a consultation on (03) 9533 2288.

A: Results from professional teeth whitening typically last six months to two years, depending on diet, habits, and home care. Coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking shorten how long your whitening stays bright. Top-up treatments with take-home trays can extend results indefinitely. At Prahran Family Dental we offer both in-chair whitening for fast results and custom take home trays for gradual whitening with more control. Dr Jun Kim will help you choose the right option.

A: Porcelain veneers are a long-term cosmetic solution, typically lasting 10 to 15 years or longer with good care. Because a thin layer of enamel is removed to bond the veneer, the process is irreversible — the tooth will always need a veneer or crown covering it from that point forward. Composite veneers are a less permanent, more conservative option. Dr Jun Kim will explain both so you can make an informed choice at your consultation.

A: Signs your wisdom teeth may need removal include pain at the back of the jaw, swelling around the wisdom tooth gum, bad breath or a bad taste, difficulty opening your mouth, or repeated infection. Sometimes there are no symptoms but an X-ray shows impaction or damage to the neighbouring tooth. At Prahran Family Dental, Dr Jun Kim takes an in-house OPG and 3D Cone Beam CT to assess all four wisdom teeth and recommend whether removal is needed.

A: The extraction itself is performed under local anaesthetic, so you won't feel pain during the procedure — only pressure. Most patients have swelling, mild to moderate soreness, and some bruising for the first few days afterward, managed with simple pain relief and ice packs. Dr Jun Kim's surgical technique minimises tissue trauma, which often reduces recovery time. Written aftercare instructions are provided. Call Prahran Family Dental on (03) 9533 2288 if concerns arise post-surgery.

A: A straightforward single wisdom tooth extraction usually takes 30-60 minutes including setup and aftercare. Removing all four wisdom teeth in one appointment typically takes 60 to 90 minutes. Complex or impacted cases take longer, and Dr Jun Kim will estimate your specific time at the consultation. Plan to rest for the rest of the day. Call (03) 9533 2288 to book.

A: Most patients recover from wisdom tooth removal within 5 to 7 days. Expect swelling and mild discomfort for the first 2 to 3 days, managed with ice packs, simple pain relief, and rest. Stick to soft foods, avoid straws (which can dislodge the healing blood clot), and use gentle saltwater rinses starting the next day. Dr Jun Kim provides written aftercare instructions after every extraction. For heavy bleeding, severe pain, or fever, call Prahran Family Dental on (03) 9533 2288.

A: A standard single-tooth dental implant is typically completed across two stages. The implant placement takes around 60 to 90 minutes. The implant then heals and integrates with the jawbone over 3 to 6 months before the final crown is fitted. In some cases a temporary tooth can be placed on the same day. Dr Jun Kim will explain the exact timeline after your initial assessment, which includes an in-house 3D CT scan.

A: Most healthy adults with enough jawbone to support an implant are suitable candidates. Smoking, uncontrolled diabetes, or insufficient bone can reduce success rates, though bone grafting can often build up the site. Dr Jun Kim uses the in house 3D Cone Beam CT at Prahran Family Dental to assess bone volume, density, and nerve position precisely. This gives you a reliable answer at the first visit without being sent elsewhere for imaging.

A: Common signs of gum disease include gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, receding gums, and loose teeth. Early gum disease (gingivitis) is reversible with professional cleaning and good home care. Advanced gum disease needs more involved treatment to stop further bone loss. Prahran Family Dental checks for gum disease at every routine visit. Call Dr Jun Kim on (03) 9533 2288 if you notice any signs.

A: Yes, Prahran Family Dental processes Medicare Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS) claims for eligible children aged 0 to 17. The scheme covers a capped benefit over two consecutive calendar years for services including check-ups, X-rays, fillings, and extractions. Bring your child's Medicare card and our reception team will check eligibility and outline any out-of-pocket costs in advance. Call (03) 9533 2288 before your visit and we can confirm what's covered for your child's treatment.

A: Yes. Prahran Family Dental offers same-day emergency appointments for patients in severe pain, with facial swelling, or with a knocked-out tooth. Phone us as early as possible on (03) 9533 2288 so we can arrange a slot and advise what to do before you arrive. Our emergency care covers toothache, broken teeth, lost fillings or crowns, abscesses, and trauma. You don't need a referral to be seen for a dental emergency.