Emergency Dentist in Burton & Derby: What To Do Right Now
Toothache at 7am or a chipped tooth on the weekend? Follow this calm, step-by-step plan to protect your tooth and get help fast in Burton and Derby.
Same-day emergency slots released daily • FREE consultation available
Immediate triage (first 10 minutes)
- Severe pain or facial swelling: Call us now for priority advice and a same-day slot.
- Broken or chipped tooth: Keep fragments in a clean container; if sharp, cover edges with sugar-free gum or orthodontic wax.
- Knocked-out adult tooth: Hold by the crown (white part) only, briefly rinse (no scrubbing), gently reinsert and bite on clean cloth. If you can’t reinsert, store in milk and contact us immediately.
- Bleeding after extraction: Bite firmly on clean gauze for 20–30 minutes. If bleeding persists or you feel unwell, contact us.
- Lost filling/crown: Keep parts. Temporary filling kits can protect the area until we see you.
Do I call, wait, or A&E? (decision guide)
| Situation | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Severe toothache / swelling | Call us for same-day slot | Cold compress; OTC pain relief as directed |
| Knocked-out adult tooth | Reinsert or store in milk & call | Time-critical for best outcome |
| Broken tooth, lost filling/crown | Call us | Cover sharp edges; avoid hard foods |
| Heavy bleeding that won’t stop | Go to A&E | Apply pressure with gauze en route |
| Swelling affecting breathing/vision, high fever, trauma | Go to A&E | These are medical emergencies |
Home relief until you’re seen
- Use over-the-counter pain relief as directed.
- Cold compress 10–15 minutes on/off for swelling.
- Warm salty water rinses to soothe and keep the area clean.
- Temporary filling kit or wax for sharp edges.
- Avoid very hot/cold or very sweet foods on the affected side.
What happens at your emergency visit
- Focused assessment: symptoms, history, quick x-ray if indicated.
- Pain relief & stabilisation: local anaesthetic if needed; smoothing, temporary filling, drainage, dressing or prescription only when clinically appropriate.
- Clear options & costs: we explain immediate care and next steps; you’ll leave with a written plan.
- Follow-up: we arrange any definitive treatment and provide aftercare advice.
What to bring & how to prepare
- Any tooth fragments or lost restorations
- A list of medications and relevant medical history
- Photos or times of onset (helpful for trauma)
- Payment method for any treatment you choose to start
Costs & payment (transparent and itemised)
After assessment you’ll receive a written, itemised estimate for emergency care and any follow-up. Larger treatments can be spread using finance options with clear monthly illustrations (subject to status).
Aftercare: toothache, infections, broken teeth
Toothache / infection
- Take prescribed medication as directed (if provided).
- Soft foods; chew on the opposite side for comfort.
- Warm salty rinses 2–3× daily.
- Contact us if pain worsens or swelling spreads.
Broken/chipped tooth
- Keep edges covered (wax) until definitive repair.
- Avoid biting hard foods on that side.
- Attend follow-up for permanent restoration.
Post-extraction
- No vigorous rinsing or smoking for 24 hours.
- Bite on gauze as instructed if oozing occurs.
- Follow the cleaning advice we provide for healing.
How to prevent future emergencies
- Regular check-ups and hygiene visits to catch issues early.
- Sports mouthguard for contact sports.
- Night guard for grinding/clenching if needed.
- Repair worn or leaking fillings before they fracture.
Mini case studies (local examples)
Case A — Cracked filling (same-day)
Visit: pain on biting; Care: local anaesthetic, temporary restoration, plan for replacement. Outcome: immediate relief; definitive repair within the week.
Case B — Knocked-out incisor (sports)
Visit: tooth stored in milk; Care: reimplantation and splinting (time-critical). Outcome: tooth stabilised; long-term review planned.
Case C — Facial swelling
Visit: abscess from deep decay; Care: drainage and dressing; prescription where indicated; plan for root canal or extraction. Outcome: swelling reduced; definitive treatment scheduled.
FAQs
Can you see me today?
We hold same-day emergency slots for Burton & Derby—call early for the best chance of being seen today.
Do you treat patients who aren’t registered?
Yes. We welcome new emergency patients and provide a clear plan and itemised costs.
Should I go to A&E or the dentist?
Go to A&E for heavy bleeding that won’t stop, facial swelling affecting breathing/vision, or serious trauma. For most dental emergencies, call us first.
Will I need antibiotics?
Only when clinically indicated (for spreading infection, systemic signs, or specific conditions). Many dental problems need dental treatment rather than antibiotics alone.
Can you help with pain at night or weekends?
Yes—our voicemail explains out-of-hours options. Leave a message and we’ll prioritise you when we open.
