A chipped tooth before a big presentation. A sudden, throbbing ache that makes it impossible to focus. A filling that falls out during lunch. Dental problems rarely happen at a convenient time. In these moments, waiting days or weeks for an appointment isn’t just inconvenient—it’s stressful and can often make the problem worse.

This is where a same-day dentist comes in. At Shuang Dentistry in Yishun, we understand that some dental needs can’t wait. That’s why we reserve time in our schedule every day to accommodate patients who need to be seen urgently. But what qualifies for a same-day appointment, what treatments can be done on the spot, and how do you book one?

This guide explains everything you need to know about accessing same-day dental care in Yishun, so you can get the relief you need, right when you need it.

What is a Same-Day Dental Appointment?

A same-day dental appointment is exactly what it sounds like: an appointment that is booked and attended on the same day. It’s designed for urgent but not necessarily life-threatening dental issues that require prompt attention.

This is different from a true dental emergency (like a knocked-out tooth or uncontrollable bleeding), which requires immediate, after-hours care. A same-day appointment fits in between routine check-ups and full-blown emergencies. It’s for those times when you know something is wrong and you need it addressed quickly.

At Shuang Dentistry, we prioritize these appointments because we know that prompt care can prevent a minor issue from becoming a major, more expensive problem.

When Should You Seek a Same-Day Appointment?

How do you know if your problem warrants a same-day visit? Here are some common situations where you should call your dentist right away:

1. Moderate to Severe Toothache: Pain that is persistent, throbbing, or sharp enough to disrupt your daily activities needs to be evaluated quickly. It could be a sign of deep decay, an abscess, or an infected nerve.

2. Chipped, Cracked, or Broken Tooth: A fractured tooth can be painful and leave sharp edges that cut your tongue or cheek. More importantly, the inner layers of the tooth may be exposed to bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. Getting it treated the same day can often save the tooth.

3. Lost Filling or Crown: When a filling or crown falls out, the underlying tooth structure is exposed and vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. It’s important to have it replaced or covered promptly to protect the tooth.

4. Swollen, Bleeding, or Painful Gums: Sudden gum swelling or persistent bleeding can be a sign of a localized infection or a foreign object trapped under the gum line. It’s important to have this checked out to prevent the infection from spreading.

5. Abscessed Tooth: A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. It often appears as a pimple-like swelling on the gum and can cause severe, throbbing pain. An abscess is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment to prevent the infection from spreading to your jaw or other parts of your body.

6. Sudden, Extreme Tooth Sensitivity: While mild sensitivity is common, a sudden onset of severe sensitivity to hot, cold, or pressure can indicate a new cavity, a cracked tooth, or a dying nerve.

If you’re experiencing any of these issues, don’t wait. Call your dentist and explain the situation. Even if you’re unsure if it’s urgent, it’s always better to ask.

What Can Be Done in a Same-Day Appointment?

The goal of a same-day appointment is twofold: diagnose the problem and provide relief. Depending on the issue, treatment may be completed in one visit, or it may require a follow-up.

Treatments Often Completed in a Single Visit:

• Simple Fillings: If you have a cavity that’s causing pain, it can often be filled in a single appointment.

  
  

• Dental Bonding: Minor chips or cracks on front teeth can often be repaired with composite bonding in one visit.

  
  

• Recementing a Crown: If a crown has fallen off but is still in good condition, it can often be cleaned and cemented back in place.

  
  

• Temporary Fillings or Crowns: If a permanent restoration can’t be done the same day, a temporary filling or crown can be placed to protect the tooth and relieve sensitivity.

  
  

• Draining an Abscess: For a painful abscess, the dentist can drain the pus to provide immediate relief from pressure and pain. You will likely still need further treatment (like a root canal) to address the source of the infection.

  
  

• Simple Extractions: In some cases, a non-surgical extraction of a severely decayed or broken tooth can be performed the same day, especially if it’s causing significant pain.

  
  

Treatments That Typically Require a Follow-Up:

• Root Canal Treatment: While the first stage of a root canal (removing the infected nerve to relieve pain) can often be done on the same day, the full procedure is usually completed over two visits.

  
  

• Crowns and Bridges: These require impressions and lab fabrication, so they typically take two appointments. A temporary crown will be placed during the first visit.

  
  

• Surgical Extractions: Complex extractions, like impacted wisdom teeth, often require more planning and a dedicated surgical appointment.

  
  

• Dental Implants: This is a multi-stage surgical procedure that takes several months and cannot be done in a single day.

  
  

In a same-day appointment, even if the final treatment can’t be completed, you will leave our clinic with a clear diagnosis, a plan for follow-up care, and relief from your immediate pain or discomfort.

How Shuang Dentistry Makes Same-Day Appointments Possible

Accommodating same-day appointments requires a flexible schedule and an efficient workflow. Here’s how we do it at Shuang Dentistry:

1. Reserved Appointment Slots: We intentionally leave buffer time and dedicated slots in our daily schedule to handle urgent cases. This ensures we can see you without disrupting care for our other scheduled patients.

2. Efficient Communication (WhatsApp Booking): We make it easy to get in touch. You can call us or send a message on WhatsApp at +65 6203 0010. Our team is trained to ask the right questions to assess the urgency of your situation and find a time for you to come in.

3. In-House Advanced Technology: Our clinic is equipped with digital X-rays and a CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) scanner. This allows us to get detailed 3D images of your teeth and jaw on the spot, leading to a faster, more accurate diagnosis without needing to refer you elsewhere for imaging.

4. Experienced and Decisive Team: Dr. James Yap and our clinical team have the experience to quickly diagnose problems and determine the most effective course of action. This allows us to move from diagnosis to treatment efficiently.

5. Patient-Centered Approach: Your comfort and well-being are our top priorities. We listen to your concerns, explain your options clearly, and focus on getting you out of pain as quickly as possible.

How to Book a Same-Day Appointment in Yishun

If you need to be seen today, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Contact Us as Early as Possible. The earlier in the day you call or message, the more flexibility we have to fit you in. Don’t wait for the pain to become unbearable.

Step 2: Be Specific About Your Symptoms. When you contact us, clearly explain what’s wrong. For example:

• "I have a severe, throbbing pain in my lower right molar."

• "I chipped my front tooth and have a work event tomorrow."

• "My crown fell off while I was eating."

  
  

This information helps us understand the urgency and prepare for your visit.

Step 3: Be Flexible with Timing. While we do our best to accommodate your schedule, same-day appointments often need to be fit in between existing bookings. Being flexible can increase the chances of being seen quickly.

Step 4: Have Your Information Ready. If you’re a new patient, having your personal details and any relevant medical history ready can speed up the registration process.

Contact Shuang Dentistry:

• Call: +65 6203 0010

• WhatsApp: +65 6203 0010

  
  

We are conveniently located near Yishun MRT, making it easy to get to us from anywhere in North Singapore.

What About Cost and MediSave?

Cost is a valid concern, especially for unexpected dental visits. The cost of a same-day appointment depends on the diagnosis and the treatment provided.

• Consultation and Diagnosis: There will be a consultation fee, which includes the examination and any necessary X-rays or scans.

  
  

• Treatment Cost: The cost of the treatment itself will be explained to you before we proceed. We believe in transparent pricing with no surprises.

  
  

Can You Use MediSave for Same-Day Treatment?

MediSave can be used for certain surgical procedures, such as surgical extractions or dental implant placement. While many same-day treatments (like fillings or bonding) are not MediSave-claimable, if your urgent issue requires a surgical procedure, we can help you process your MediSave claim.

CHAS Subsidies: If you are a CHAS cardholder, you may be eligible for subsidies on your consultation and certain treatments. Please bring your card with you to the appointment.

We will always provide a clear cost estimate and discuss all payment and subsidy options with you before starting any treatment.

Don’t Wait in Pain—We’re Here to Help

Dental pain and problems can be disruptive and frightening. You don’t have to endure the discomfort or worry about waiting for an appointment. At Shuang Dentistry, we are committed to providing prompt, compassionate care for our Yishun community.

If you’re experiencing a dental issue that needs urgent attention, don’t hesitate. Call or WhatsApp Shuang Dentistry at +65 6203 0010 now. We will do everything we can to see you today and get you back to feeling comfortable and confident.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What if I need an appointment outside of your regular hours?

   For true dental emergencies like a knocked-out tooth, severe facial swelling, or uncontrollable bleeding, we offer 24/7 emergency dental services. For less severe but still urgent issues, a same-day appointment during our regular clinic hours is the best option.

   
   

2. I’m very anxious about dental visits. Can you still see me the same day?

   Absolutely. We understand dental anxiety is common. Please let us know about your concerns when you book. Our team is trained to provide gentle, reassuring care, and we can discuss options to help you feel more comfortable during your visit.

   
   

3. Do I need to be an existing patient to get a same-day appointment?

   No. We welcome both new and existing patients for same-day appointments. Our priority is to help anyone in our community who is in pain or needs urgent care.

   
   

4. What if I just show up at the clinic without an appointment?

   We strongly recommend calling or messaging us first. While we will always try to help walk-in patients with urgent needs, contacting us beforehand allows us to manage our schedule and ensure we have adequate time to provide you with the best possible care.

   
   

5. How can I prepare for a same-day appointment?

   If possible, brush and floss the area gently. Avoid taking pain medication for a few hours before your appointment, as this can sometimes make diagnosis more difficult. Most importantly, try to stay calm—we are here to help you.