Who to contact out of hours?

We endeavour to treat emergency cases on the same day. If you require urgent attention, please contact us as early as possible so we can make arrangements to get you seen.

Outside surgery hours your emergency will be directed to Derby Emergency Dental Services on 111.

Advice & Triage

A dental emergency should never be taken lightly, as it can have serious implications.

Ignoring dental issues, such as injuries to the teeth or gums, can elevate the risk of permanent damage and may necessitate more extensive and costly treatment in the future. Here, we have compiled a list of common dental problems along with concise guidance on what actions you should take:...

Knocked-out tooth

The best chance of saving a knocked-out tooth lies in promptly seeking dental assistance and having the tooth reinserted into its socket within one hour of being dislodged. Acting swiftly increases the likelihood of successful preservation.

In order to save your tooth, you must retrieve the tooth, hold it by the crown (the bulky part that is usually visible in the mouth) and gently rinse the pointy root with water. Try to avoid touching the pointy root and do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, try to put the tooth back in place in the socket. Make sure it's facing the right way- the smooth surface facing out of the mouth. Never force it into the socket. If it's not possible to reinsert the tooth in the socket, put the tooth in a small container of milk (or cup of water that contains a pinch of table salt if milk is not available).

We belong to the charity Dental Trauma UK, please click on this link to get advice and watch videos to help you.

Book Now

Chipped / broken tooth

To begin with, make sure to save any fragments of the chipped or broken tooth and give them a rinse with warm water. If needed, you can also rinse your mouth with warm water.

If there is any bleeding, carefully position a sterile gauze over the affected area and apply gentle pressure until the bleeding stops, which usually takes around 10 minutes. To ease pain and reduce swelling, apply a cold compress to the outer part of your mouth, cheek, or lip near the broken or chipped tooth. This straightforward step will help alleviate discomfort and prevent additional swelling.

Contact us

Toothache

To begin, rinse your mouth with warm water to cleanse it. Use dental floss to remove any trapped food particles. If there is swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth or cheek. Refrain from placing aspirin or other pain relievers directly on the gum near the painful tooth, as it may cause damage.

Seek professional attention from your dentist as soon as possible.

Book Now

Book a Consultation at Delph Dental Practice

Please don’t hesitate to contact the practice if you have any difficulties finding us.

Call us

Lost Crowns or Fillings

If you have lost a filling, as a temporary measure, stick a piece of sugarless gum into the cavity (sugar-filled gum will cause pain), or use an over-the-counter dental cement and make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible.

If a crown falls off, make an appointment to see your dentist as soon as possible and bring the crown with you.

If possible, slip the crown back over the tooth. Before doing so, coat the inner surface with an over-the-counter dental cement, toothpaste, or denture adhesive, to help hold the crown in place. Do not use super glue!

Contact us

Objects trapped between teeth

Initially, cautiously and gently remove the lodged object using dental floss. If your attempts are unsuccessful, it is advisable to seek assistance from your dentist.

Refrain from using sharp objects to prod or poke at the stuck object, as such items can cause cuts to your gums or scratches on the surface of your tooth.

Contact us

Dislodged tooth

If you have a dislodged tooth, contact the practice immediately.

While you make your way to our practice, you can alleviate discomfort by applying a cold compress to the outer area of the mouth or cheek where the issue is located.

Over-the-counter pain relief can also be taken if necessary.

Contact us

Book a Consultation at Delph Dental Practice

Please don’t hesitate to contact the practice if you have any difficulties finding us.

Call us

Bleeding lips or gums

Injuries to the soft tissues, which include the tongue, cheeks, gums, and lips, can result in bleeding. Here's what to do to control the bleeding:

  • Rinse your mouth with a mild salt-water solution.

  • Take a dampened piece of gauze or a tea bag and gently apply firm pressure to the affected area. Maintain this pressure for a duration of 15 to 20 minutes.

  • To both control the bleeding and relieve any pain, press and hold to the outside of the mouth or cheek in the affected area for 5 to 10 minutes.

  • If the bleeding persists and does not stop, it is imperative to immediately contact us or visit a hospital emergency department. Sustain pressure on the bleeding site using the gauze until you can receive appropriate care and treatment. Your prompt action is crucial in addressing the situation effectively.

Contact us

Abscess

Please contact us immediately if you observe any gum swelling resembling a pimple, as it could indicate an abscess. Abscesses are serious infections that occur between the gums and teeth or around the root of a tooth.

If left untreated, they can cause damage to nearby teeth and tissues and potentially result in the infection spreading to other parts of the body. Given the potential complications for both oral and overall health, we strongly advise seeking prompt attention.

To ease any pain and draw the pus toward the surface, try rinsing your mouth with a mild saltwater solution (1/2 teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of water) several times a day.

Contact us

Broken braces

In the event of a wire breakage, it is important to protect the exposed end using orthodontic wax, a small cotton ball, or a piece of gauze until you are able to visit the dental practice. Avoid cutting the wire, as there is a risk of inhaling or swallowing it. If a bracket becomes detached from your tooth while undergoing treatment, please contact your orthodontist.

In most cases, the bracket will remain connected to the wire and can be left as is until your next scheduled appointment, unless it causes discomfort or irritation. If the bracket does come off the wire, please keep it safe and bring it with you to your next appointment.

Contact us