Emergency dental information
Start with the problem you are experiencing
Tooth pain, swelling, a broken tooth, an injury or a lost restoration can feel urgent, but the right next step depends on the cause and severity. These guides explain common warning signs, what you can do before your visit and when prompt dental evaluation matters.
Star Dental serves Lakewood and Denver seven days a week. For severe facial swelling, trouble breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding or a serious facial injury, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
How urgent is my dental problem?
| What is happening? | What to do |
|---|---|
| Severe toothache, broken tooth, lost filling or crown | Call a dentist promptly; same-day care may be appropriate. |
| Swelling, fever, drainage or bad taste | Request urgent dental evaluation for possible infection. |
| Knocked-out permanent tooth | Keep it moist, handle it by the crown and go to a dentist immediately. |
| Trouble breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, serious jaw injury or rapidly increasing swelling | Call 911 or go to an emergency room. |
Dentist or emergency room?
A dentist treats the source of most tooth pain, broken teeth, lost restorations and localized infections. A hospital is the first stop for airway problems, uncontrolled bleeding, serious facial trauma or other potentially life-threatening symptoms.
Featured emergency guides
Star Dental is open seven days. Call 303-222-1414 for availability.
What to Do If Your Temporary Crown Falls Off
If a temporary crown fell off, learn what to save, what to avoid, when to call a dentist, and how replacement and insurance may work.
Dry Socket After Tooth Extraction: Symptoms, Timing and When to Call
Learn common dry-socket symptoms, when pain usually begins, how to protect the blood clot and when to call a dentist or seek emergency care.
Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction for a Painful or Infected Tooth
Compare root canal treatment with tooth extraction and learn how the examination, X-rays, restorability and long-term plan affect the decision.
Lost Filling or Crown: What to Do Until You See a Dentist
Learn how to protect a tooth after a filling or crown comes out, what to avoid and when the problem needs urgent dental care.
Dental Abscess vs. Toothache: Signs of Infection and When to Get Help
Learn how an ordinary toothache can differ from a dental abscess, warning signs of spreading infection and when to call a Denver emergency dentist.
Knocked-Out Tooth: What to Do in the First 30 Minutes
A step-by-step guide for a knocked-out adult tooth, including safe handling, storage and when to call an emergency dentist in Denver.
Severe Toothache: Causes, Warning Signs and When to See a Dentist
Learn what severe tooth pain may mean, when it needs urgent dental care, safe steps for temporary relief and what treatment may involve.
What Is a Dental Emergency? Signs, First Aid and When to Get Help
Learn what counts as a dental emergency, what to do for tooth pain, swelling, a broken or knocked-out tooth, and when to call a dentist or go to the ER.
Need help with an urgent dental problem?
Star Dental is open seven days a week for Lakewood and Denver patients. Call for today’s availability.