Emergency Dental Care in Singapore
Toothache, swelling, a broken tooth, or a dental injury can worsen quickly. An early assessment helps identify the cause and guide the next step.
Need an urgent dental appointment?
Choose the fastest way to reach us. Same-day appointments are subject to availability.
If swelling is spreading, you have fever, or difficulty swallowing/breathing, seek urgent medical attention.
Choose your concern:
What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is any dental problem involving significant pain, swelling, bleeding, trauma, or a sudden change in a tooth or gum that should be assessed sooner rather than later. Some emergencies are caused by decay or infection, while others involve cracked teeth, broken restorations, or injury.
Common reasons people seek urgent dental care include:
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Toothache that is worsening or affecting sleep
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Swelling of the gum, face, or jaw
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A cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
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A loose tooth after an injury
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A lost filling or crown with pain or sensitivity
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Pain after recent dental treatment that does not settle
If you’re unsure whether it’s urgent, you can WhatsApp us and we’ll advise the next step.
Emergency symptoms and what to do next
Toothache or persistent tooth pain
Toothache may feel sharp, throbbing, or constant. It may worsen when chewing, lying down, or drinking hot or cold liquids. Pain that affects sleep, concentration, or eating should be assessed promptly.
Possible causes may include:
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Deep decay close to the nerve
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Inflammation or infection
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A cracked tooth
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Gum inflammation around a tooth
Next step:
For the earliest available assessment, contact the clinic.
If infection is suspected, one option to save the tooth may be root canal treatment.
Gum or facial swelling
Swelling along the gums, cheek, jaw, or under the chin may indicate inflammation or infection. Warmth or tenderness may be present. Swelling that is spreading or worsening should be assessed promptly.
Important:
If swelling is accompanied by fever, feeling unwell, or difficulty swallowing/breathing, seek urgent medical attention.
Read more about common causes of facial or gum swelling.
Cracked, chipped, or broken tooth
A cracked or broken tooth may cause sensitivity, pain when biting, or a sharp edge that irritates the cheek or tongue. Even if discomfort is mild, early assessment helps prevent further damage.
Depending on the tooth, next steps may include:
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Smoothing sharp edges or protecting exposed surfaces
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Stabilising the tooth where needed
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Restoring with a filling or crown when appropriate
If the tooth is weakened, a dental crown may be recommended to protect it. If a filling or crown has come off or fractured, see broken filling or crown for what to do next.
Dental injury, loose tooth, or knocked tooth
Dental injuries from accidents or sports can involve the tooth, gums, or supporting bone. A tooth that feels loose, displaced, or painful after an injury should be assessed promptly.
If a tooth feels loose after trauma, see loose tooth after injury for common causes and what to do next.
What you can do before you visit
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Avoid chewing on the affected side.
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Keep the area clean with gentle brushing.
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If a crown or filling has come off, keep it safe and bring it with you.
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If there is swelling, avoid applying heat to the area.
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If you feel unwell, swelling is spreading, or you have difficulty swallowing/breathing, seek urgent medical attention.
What happens during an emergency dental consultation
During an emergency appointment, the dentist will assess the affected area, review your symptoms, and may perform clinical tests or take X-rays to investigate the cause.
The goals are to:
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Identify the cause of pain, swelling, or damage
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Stabilise the tooth or tissues where possible
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Provide initial treatment or explain the next step clearly
If further treatment is needed, follow-up appointments will be discussed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How soon should I come in for toothache or swelling?
If pain is persistent, worsening, affecting sleep, or swelling is present, an early assessment is recommended.
Can treatment be done on the same day?
Depending on the diagnosis and clinical findings, some treatment may begin on the same day. If additional visits are required, the timeline will be explained.
Will I need an X-ray?
X-rays are commonly used to assess the tooth roots, surrounding bone, and possible infection. The dentist will advise if needed.
What if my tooth is cracked but not painful?
Some cracks do not hurt immediately, but the tooth may still be weakened. Early assessment helps reduce the risk of the crack worsening.
What if I’m not sure it’s an emergency?
If you’re unsure, you can WhatsApp us a short description of your symptoms and we’ll advise the next step.
Do you accept insurance panels?
You can view participating panels here: insurance panels.
Arrange an Emergency Dental Assessment
For appointment availability, you may WhatsApp or call the clinic, or book an assessment online.