When to See a Dental Specialist in Singapore?

Dental Issues That Require Specialist Care

You may need a referral to a specialist if your dental issue isn’t responding to routine treatment. Here are some situations that may sound familiar:

• Severe Tooth Pain

  Are you experiencing tooth pain that doesn’t go away even with over-the-counter painkillers or initial dental treatment? Persistent, intense pain could indicate an infection, fracture, or nerve issue. A specialist can carry out more detailed diagnostics, including advanced imaging, to find the root of the problem.

• Root Canal Complications

  If a standard root canal treatment fails or encounters challenges like curved canals, a specialist may be needed for re-treatment or microsurgery to preserve the tooth.

• Missing Teeth Requiring Implants

  Tooth loss from decay, injury, or gum disease can affect more than just your smile, it can also impact how you chew and speak. In such cases, a dental specialist can assess your bone condition and determine if implants are suitable to restore both function and appearance.

• Gum Disease Complications

  If your gums bleed frequently, feel tender, or your teeth seem slightly loose, it could signal advanced gum disease. A specialist may recommend targeted treatments such as specialised scaling, tissue grafting, or regenerative procedures to stabilise your gums and prevent further damage.

• Jaw Issues

  Chronic jaw pain, clicking sounds, or stiffness when opening or closing your mouth may point to a temporomandibular disorder. A specialist can examine your bite and jaw movement, then recommend suitable treatments ranging from custom mouthguards to corrective procedures.

• Oral Injuries or Trauma

  Facial or oral injuries from accidents, such as fractured jaws or avulsed teeth, require immediate specialist assessment to manage swelling, repair damage and prevent complications like infection.

The 7 Recognised Dental Specialties in Singapore

The Singapore Dental Council recognises seven dental specialties. Each focuses on a specific area of oral health:

• 1. Endodontics

  Endodontists focus on treating the inside of the tooth, especially the dental pulp and surrounding tissues. At PKWY Dental, Dr Michele Chia handles complex cases through microscopic endodontic and microsurgical techniques to help save teeth with infected root canals.

• 2. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

  This branch deals with conditions involving the mouth, jaws, and facial region. Dr Wong Wai Yee provides surgical management for impacted wisdom teeth, corrective jaw surgery, facial trauma, and oral infections, helping patients restore comfort and function.

• 3. Orthodontics

  Orthodontists specialise in correcting the alignment of teeth and jaws using braces, clear aligners, and other appliances. At PKWY Dental, Dr Lawrence Yong, an Invisalign Diamond provider, offers tailored orthodontic care to improve both bite and overall alignment.

• 4. Paediatric Dentistry

  Paediatric dentistry deals with the oral health care of children, from infancy through adolescence. This specialty focuses on preventive care, managing dental anxiety, and addressing developmental concerns to build healthy dental habits early in your child’s life.

• 5. Periodontics

  Periodontics concentrates on the gums and supporting structures that hold the teeth in place. Led by Dr Low Yi Han, PKWY Dental provides specialised treatments such as regenerative gum therapy, gingival grafting, and non-surgical periodontal care to manage conditions like gingivitis and periodontitis.

• 6. Prosthodontics

  Prosthodontics involves restoring and replacing missing or damaged teeth to regain both function and natural appearance. At PKWY Dental, Dr Teo Juin Wei oversees restorative procedures including crowns, bridges, veneers, dentures, and implants, as well as care for patients with temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) or complex rehabilitation needs.

• 7. Dental Public Health

  Unlike the other branches, dental public health focuses on oral health at a population level. Specialists in this field work on community education, disease prevention, and health policy development, rather than individual treatment.

When Specialties Overlap: The Specialist Team Approach

Many complex dental cases require the expertise of more than one specialist to achieve optimal outcomes. For instance, advanced bone grafting may call for a periodontist to prepare the tissue and an oral surgeon to complete the placement. Restorative or aesthetic cases often involve both prosthodontists, who design and place crowns, and orthodontists, who ensure proper alignment. Even gum contouring can be a joint effort, with periodontists providing surgical precision and prosthodontists refining the final shape. For full-mouth reconstruction, collaboration among prosthodontists, oral surgeons, and orthodontists helps restore bite, function, and appearance.

Where to Find a Dental Specialist in Singapore

If you’re dealing with ongoing dental issues, planning cosmetic improvements, or need specialised care for children, seeing the right specialist matters. They can provide an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored to your oral health needs.

PKWY Dental Specialist Practice is a leading multi-speciality dental clinic in Singapore that provides a comprehensive range of services, including orthodontics, oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics services. Our integrated structure allows patients to conveniently access all-rounded and specialised dental care and treatment planning, all under one roof.

For appointments or enquiries, please call 68369808 or email us at services@pkwydental.com.sg.