If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, dental swelling, a broken or knocked-out tooth, dental infection or dental injury, prompt dental assessment may be required.

Polygems Dental Care provides emergency dental care in Yishun and Sengkang, with two dental clinic locations in Yishun and one clinic in Fernvale/Sengkang.

Same-day emergency dental appointments may be available, subject to clinic schedule and appointment availability.

Contact our clinic as early as possible if you require an urgent dental assessment.

Need an Emergency Dentist in Yishun?

Dental emergencies can occur unexpectedly. Severe toothache may develop overnight, a tooth may fracture while eating, swelling may develop from a dental infection, or a tooth may be injured following an accident.

If you require an emergency dentist in Yishun, Polygems Dental Care has two Yishun dental clinic locations at Blk 507 Yishun Avenue 4 and Blk 675 Yishun Avenue 4.

Our dentist will assess the cause and severity of the problem, determine whether immediate treatment is required and explain the available treatment options.

Patients in Sengkang and surrounding areas may also contact our Fernvale dental clinic for emergency dental appointment availability.

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is a dental problem that requires prompt assessment because delaying treatment could result in worsening pain, infection, bleeding, dental damage or loss of a tooth.

You should consider seeking urgent dental assessment if you experience:

• Severe or rapidly worsening toothache
• Facial, jaw or gum swelling
• A suspected dental abscess or dental infection
• A knocked-out permanent tooth
• A broken, fractured or severely cracked tooth
• Dental trauma following a fall, accident or impact
• Persistent or significant bleeding from the mouth
• Severe wisdom tooth pain or swelling
• A loose or displaced permanent tooth
• A broken filling, crown or bridge causing significant pain or exposing the tooth
• Dental pain that prevents you from sleeping, eating or carrying out normal activities

Not every dental problem requires emergency treatment. However, severe, worsening or unexplained symptoms should not be ignored.

When Should I Seek Emergency Dental Care?

Some dental problems can wait for a routine appointment, while others should be assessed more promptly.

Seek urgent dental assessment if your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, associated with swelling or infection, caused by trauma, or significantly affecting your ability to eat, sleep or carry out normal activities.

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Severe Toothache

Severe, persistent or throbbing tooth pain may be associated with deep tooth decay, inflammation of the dental pulp, a cracked tooth, dental infection or other dental conditions.

Pain that develops spontaneously, wakes you from sleep, becomes increasingly severe or occurs together with swelling should be assessed.

Severe toothache does not automatically mean that the tooth requires root canal treatment or extraction. The source of the pain should first be identified through a dental examination and, where appropriate, diagnostic tests or dental X-rays.

For a more detailed explanation of dental pain, see our Tooth Pain & Toothache Treatment in Yishun guide.

Dental Abscess or Facial Swelling

Swelling around a tooth, gum, jaw or face may be associated with a dental infection or abscess.

Symptoms may include:

• Localised gum swelling
• Facial or jaw swelling
• Throbbing dental pain
• Tenderness when biting
• Pus or an unpleasant taste
• Fever or feeling unwell

A suspected dental abscess should be professionally assessed so that the source of the infection can be identified and treated appropriately.

Do not attempt to puncture or drain a dental abscess yourself.

If facial or neck swelling is rapidly increasing or causes difficulty breathing or swallowing, seek urgent medical attention immediately.

Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth

A knocked-out permanent tooth is a time-sensitive dental emergency.

If a permanent tooth has been completely knocked out:

1. Pick up the tooth by the crown — the white part normally visible in the mouth.
2. Avoid touching or scrubbing the root.
3. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it without scraping or removing attached tissue.
4. If possible and you are confident doing so, gently reposition the permanent tooth into its socket.
5. If this is not possible, keep the tooth moist, preferably in milk, and bring it with you.
6. Contact a dentist immediately.

Do not attempt to reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth.

Prompt assessment is important because the management of a knocked-out permanent tooth is time-sensitive.

Broken or Cracked Tooth

A tooth may crack or fracture because of dental trauma, biting something hard, existing decay, a large restoration or structural weakness.

Symptoms may include:

• Sharp pain when biting or chewing
• Sensitivity to hot or cold
• Pain when pressure is released after biting
• A rough or sharp tooth edge
• Loss of part of the tooth
• Persistent toothache

Rinse your mouth gently and avoid chewing on the affected side until the tooth has been assessed.

Treatment depends on the location and extent of the fracture and may include a dental filling, dental crown, root canal treatment or tooth extraction.

Dental Trauma

Dental injuries can occur following falls, sports injuries, accidents or direct impact to the mouth.

Dental trauma may result in:

• Chipped or fractured teeth
• Loose or displaced teeth
• Knocked-out teeth
• Injuries to the gums, lips or surrounding tissues
• Damage to the supporting structures around a tooth

Even if an injured tooth appears intact, dental assessment may still be appropriate because some injuries are not immediately visible.

Broken or Lost Filling

A filling may fracture or come out because of wear, decay or damage to the underlying tooth.

If this occurs:

• Avoid chewing hard foods on the affected side.
• Keep the area reasonably clean.
• Arrange a dental assessment if the tooth becomes painful or sensitive.

If you develop severe or worsening pain, see our guidance on Emergency Dental Care in Yishun.

Loose or Broken Crown or Bridge

A dental crown or bridge can occasionally become loose, fracture or come off.

If this occurs:

• Keep the restoration if it has come out.
• Avoid chewing hard foods on the affected side.
• Keep the area clean.
• Arrange a dental assessment.

Do not use household glue or super glue to reattach a dental crown or bridge.

The dentist will assess the underlying tooth and determine whether the restoration can be recemented or repaired, or whether replacement or another treatment is required.

Wisdom Tooth Pain or Swelling

Pain and swelling around a partially erupted wisdom tooth may occur when the surrounding tissues become inflamed or infected.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain at the back of the mouth
• Swollen or tender gums
• Difficulty chewing
• An unpleasant taste
• Difficulty opening the mouth

The dentist can assess the wisdom tooth and surrounding tissues and determine whether local treatment, monitoring or wisdom tooth removal should be considered.

Bleeding From the Mouth

Minor bleeding may sometimes occur following dental treatment, trauma or irritation to the gums.

Where appropriate, apply firm pressure using clean gauze.

If bleeding is heavy, persistent, difficult to control or associated with significant facial or dental trauma, urgent professional assessment may be required.

What Should I Do During a Dental Emergency?

The appropriate action depends on the type of emergency, but several general measures may help while you arrange professional care:

• Contact a dental clinic and explain your symptoms.
• Avoid chewing on the affected side.
• Keep the mouth reasonably clean.
• Use a cold compress externally if swelling has developed following trauma.
• Keep a knocked-out permanent tooth moist and seek dental attention immediately.
• Do not place aspirin, medicated oils or other substances directly against the tooth or gum.
• Do not attempt to puncture or drain an abscess yourself.
• Do not use household adhesives to repair broken dental restorations.

These measures provide temporary first aid while arranging professional assessment and do not replace diagnosis or dental treatment.

When Should I Go to A&E Instead of a Dentist?

Most toothaches, broken teeth and other dental problems are appropriately assessed by a dentist.

However, some situations may require urgent hospital medical attention, particularly if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Rapidly increasing facial or neck swelling
• Significant facial or jaw trauma
• Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
• Loss of consciousness or other significant injuries following an accident
• Severe systemic illness associated with a facial or dental infection

If your symptoms appear severe or potentially life-threatening, seek urgent medical care rather than waiting for a routine dental appointment.

Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments in Yishun

If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, dental swelling, a broken tooth, dental infection, wisdom tooth pain or another urgent dental problem, same-day dental appointments may be available at Polygems Dental Care in Yishun.

We have two dental clinic locations in Yishun:

Polygems Dental Care Yishun Y2 — Blk 675 Yishun Avenue 4

and

Polygems Dental Care Yishun — Blk 507 Yishun Avenue 4

Contact the clinic as early as possible so our team can advise you on available appointment times.

Same-day emergency dental appointments are subject to clinic schedule and appointment availability.

What Happens During an Emergency Dental Appointment?

The first priority during an emergency dental appointment is to determine what is causing the problem and whether immediate treatment is required.

1. Assessment of Your Symptoms

The dentist will ask about the location, severity and duration of your symptoms and whether you have experienced swelling, trauma, fever, sensitivity, spontaneous pain or pain when biting.

2. Dental Examination

The affected tooth, gums and surrounding tissues will be examined for signs of decay, fractures, infection, swelling, mobility or trauma.

3. Diagnostic Tests Where Required

Depending on the clinical findings, tests may be performed to assess tenderness, biting response, tooth vitality or sensitivity.

Dental X-rays may also be recommended where clinically indicated.

4. Diagnosis and Explanation

The dentist will explain the likely source of the problem and discuss whether immediate treatment, temporary management or further treatment is appropriate.

5. Emergency Treatment Where Appropriate

Where clinically appropriate and feasible, treatment may be carried out during the same appointment.

In other situations, the immediate priority may be to manage the urgent problem before arranging definitive treatment at a subsequent appointment.

Emergency Dental Treatment Options

There is no single treatment for a dental emergency. The appropriate treatment depends on the underlying diagnosis and condition of the affected tooth and surrounding tissues.

Dental Filling

A damaged or decayed tooth may sometimes be restored with a dental filling when sufficient healthy tooth structure remains.

Root Canal Treatment

If the dental pulp becomes irreversibly inflamed or infected, root canal treatment may be considered to retain the tooth where clinically appropriate.

Management of Dental Infection

Dental infections require assessment of their source.

Depending on the clinical situation, treatment may involve local dental treatment, drainage where indicated, root canal treatment or extraction. Medication may be prescribed when clinically appropriate.

Dental Crown or Restoration

A significantly weakened or fractured tooth may require restoration with a dental crown after the condition of the tooth has been assessed and stabilised.

Tooth Extraction

When a tooth cannot be predictably restored or retained, tooth extraction may be considered.

Wisdom Tooth Treatment

Painful or infected wisdom teeth may require local management or wisdom tooth removal, depending on the position of the tooth and the clinical findings.

Dental Trauma Management

Treatment for dental trauma depends on the type and severity of the injury.

Management may include repositioning or stabilisation of an injured tooth, restoration of fractured tooth structure or other treatment based on the clinical findings.

Emergency Dentist for Severe Tooth Pain

Severe toothache is one of the most common reasons patients seek urgent dental care.

However, tooth pain is a symptom rather than a diagnosis. Dental decay, pulp inflammation, infection, cracks, gum problems, wisdom teeth and other conditions can produce similar symptoms.

The appropriate treatment therefore depends on identifying the source of the pain.

For more information about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of dental pain, read our Tooth Pain & Toothache Treatment in Yishun guide.

Emergency Dental Fees, CHAS & MediSave

The cost of emergency dental treatment depends on the cause of the problem, the investigations required and the treatment performed.

An emergency dental appointment may involve a clinical examination and, where clinically indicated, dental X-rays or other diagnostic tests. Additional treatment costs depend on whether the condition requires a filling, root canal treatment, extraction, wisdom tooth surgery or another procedure.

Where applicable, CHAS subsidies may be available for eligible dental treatments.

MediSave eligibility depends on the procedure performed and prevailing requirements. Routine dental consultations and many non-surgical dental treatments are generally not MediSave-claimable, while certain eligible surgical dental procedures may qualify.

Our team will explain the recommended treatment and applicable fees before proceeding where practicable.

For more information, see our guide to MediSave for Dental Treatment.

Our Emergency Dental Clinics in Yishun

Patients experiencing severe tooth pain, dental swelling, dental trauma or another urgent dental problem can contact either of our two Yishun dental clinics to check appointment availability.

Polygems Dental Care Yishun Y2 — Blk 675

Address:
Blk 675 Yishun Avenue 4, #01-04
Singapore 760675

Telephone:
6362 2204

WhatsApp:
9489 4439

Emergency Appointments:
Same-day emergency dental appointments may be available, subject to clinic schedule and availability.

For transport, directions and further clinic information, visit Polygems Dental Care Yishun Y2.

Polygems Dental Care Yishun — Blk 507

Address:
Blk 507 Yishun Avenue 4, #01-06
Singapore 760507

Telephone:
6909 0888

WhatsApp:
9489 4439

Emergency Appointments:
Same-day emergency dental appointments may be available, subject to clinic schedule and availability.

For transport, directions and further clinic information, visit Polygems Dental Care Yishun.

Emergency Dental Care in Sengkang & Fernvale

Patients in Sengkang, Fernvale and surrounding areas who experience severe tooth pain, dental swelling, a broken tooth, dental trauma or another urgent dental problem may also contact our Fernvale clinic.

Polygems Dental Care Fernvale

Address:
Blk 417 Fernvale Link, #01-04

Singapore 790417

Telephone:
6909 0889

WhatsApp:
9489 4439

Emergency Appointments:
Same-day emergency dental appointments may be available, subject to clinic schedule and availability.

For complete address, transport and clinic information, visit Polygems Dental Care Seletar / Fernvale.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Emergencies

Can I Get a Same-Day Emergency Dentist in Yishun?

Same-day emergency dental appointments may be available at our Yishun clinics, subject to clinic schedule and appointment availability.

Contact the clinic as early as possible and explain your symptoms so our team can advise you on available appointment times.

What Is Considered a Dental Emergency?

Severe or worsening tooth pain, dental or facial swelling, a knocked-out permanent tooth, significant dental trauma, uncontrolled bleeding and certain dental infections may require urgent assessment.

The urgency depends on the symptoms and individual clinical circumstances.

Is Severe Toothache a Dental Emergency?

Severe, persistent or rapidly worsening toothache may require prompt dental assessment, particularly when associated with swelling, fever, trauma or difficulty eating or sleeping.

Is a Dental Abscess an Emergency?

A suspected dental abscess should be assessed because the underlying source of infection usually requires dental treatment.

Seek urgent medical attention if swelling is rapidly increasing or causes difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Is Facial Swelling a Dental Emergency?

Facial swelling associated with a dental problem should be assessed promptly.

If the swelling is rapidly increasing, extends towards the neck or affects your ability to breathe or swallow, seek urgent medical attention.

What Should I Do if My Permanent Tooth Is Knocked Out?

Handle the tooth by the crown rather than the root.

If it is dirty, gently rinse it without scrubbing. If possible and you are confident doing so, reposition the permanent tooth into its socket. Otherwise, keep it moist, preferably in milk, and seek immediate dental attention.

Do not attempt to reinsert a knocked-out baby tooth.

What Should I Do if I Break or Crack a Tooth?

Rinse your mouth gently, avoid chewing on the affected side and arrange a dental assessment.

If you can locate a broken tooth fragment, keep it and bring it to your appointment.

What Should I Do if My Crown or Filling Falls Out?

Keep the crown or restoration if you can locate it and avoid chewing hard foods on the affected side.

Do not use household glue or super glue to reattach it.

Arrange a dental assessment, particularly if the underlying tooth is painful or sensitive.

Will I Need an X-Ray During an Emergency Dental Appointment?

Not every dental emergency requires an X-ray.

The dentist will determine whether a dental X-ray or other diagnostic test is appropriate based on your symptoms, dental history and clinical examination.

Can Emergency Dental Treatment Be Done on the Same Day?

Treatment may sometimes be carried out during the emergency appointment when clinically appropriate and feasible.

In other situations, initial management may be provided before further or definitive treatment is arranged.

Do I Need A&E for a Dental Emergency?

Most toothaches and dental problems are managed by a dentist.

However, difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly increasing facial or neck swelling, significant facial or jaw trauma, heavy uncontrolled bleeding or other potentially serious medical symptoms require urgent medical assessment.

Can CHAS Be Used for Emergency Dental Treatment?

CHAS subsidies may apply to eligible dental procedures for eligible patients. The amount and eligibility depend on the treatment performed and prevailing CHAS requirements.

Our clinic can advise you after the required treatment has been determined.

Can MediSave Be Used for Emergency Dental Treatment?

MediSave eligibility depends on the procedure performed and prevailing requirements.

Routine dental consultations and many non-surgical dental treatments are generally not MediSave-claimable. Certain eligible surgical dental procedures may qualify.

Our clinic can advise you on applicable payment and claim options once the required treatment has been determined.

Need Emergency Dental Care in Yishun or Sengkang?

If you are experiencing severe tooth pain, dental swelling, a broken or knocked-out tooth, dental infection, wisdom tooth pain or another urgent dental problem, contact Polygems Dental Care for an assessment.

We have two dental clinics in Yishun and one clinic in Fernvale/Sengkang.

Same-day emergency dental appointments may be available, subject to clinic schedule and appointment availability.

Contact us as early as possible so our team can advise you on available appointment times.

Clinical Review

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chua Jin Ting
Clinical Director, Polygems Dental Care (Dental Group)
Dental Surgeon, National University of Singapore (NUS) graduate

Last clinically reviewed: October 2026

A Clinical Note from Dr. Chua Jin Ting

In a dental emergency, the first priority is to determine the source and severity of the problem, rather than assuming that pain alone identifies the diagnosis.

For example, severe toothache may arise from dental decay, inflammation of the dental pulp, a cracked tooth, infection or pain referred from another tooth. Similarly, swelling may represent a localised dental problem or, in more serious situations, an infection extending into the surrounding tissues.

Dental trauma also requires careful assessment because the extent of an injury may not always be obvious from appearance alone.

During an emergency dental assessment, we consider the patient's symptoms together with the clinical examination and, where indicated, dental X-rays or other diagnostic tests. This allows us to determine whether immediate treatment is required and to discuss the appropriate next steps with the patient.

Dental Information Disclaimer

The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace a dental examination, diagnosis or personalised treatment advice.

If you are experiencing severe or worsening dental symptoms, arrange an appropriate professional assessment.

For potentially serious or life-threatening symptoms, including difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly increasing facial or neck swelling, significant trauma or uncontrolled bleeding, seek urgent medical attention.

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