Dental emergencies often happen without warning, leaving patients unsure of what to do, where to go, or how urgent the situation really is. At Star Dental Denver, we handle these questions every day — and we’ve put together this detailed FAQ to help you understand your options, stay calm, and get care fast.
1. What qualifies as a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any situation that causes severe pain, bleeding, swelling, or potential loss of a tooth. If something is interfering with your ability to eat, speak, or sleep, it’s likely an emergency. Common examples include cracked or broken teeth, abscesses, knocked-out teeth, facial swelling, and severe toothaches.
If you’re unsure, call (303) 222-1414 or visit our website at www.mystardental.com. Our team can tell you over the phone whether you should come in immediately.
2. What should I do if I knock out a permanent tooth?
First, don’t panic — but act quickly. Handle the tooth only by the crown (the white part), not the root. Rinse it gently with water if it’s dirty, but do not scrub or remove attached tissue. If possible, place the tooth back into its socket. If not, store it in milk or saline and head straight to Star Dental Denver within 30–45 minutes. The faster you arrive, the better the chance of saving your tooth.
3. What should I do if I have a severe toothache?
A severe toothache is often a sign of infection, decay, or nerve exposure. Rinse with warm saltwater, take over-the-counter pain medication, and avoid applying aspirin directly to the gum. Then contact Star Dental Denver right away for an emergency exam. We’re open seven days a week, including weekends, and can often provide same-day relief.
4. Is swelling in my face or gums dangerous?
Yes. Swelling often indicates infection that can spread to other areas of your body. If you notice sudden swelling, heat, or tenderness in your jaw, gums, or face, it’s crucial to seek treatment immediately. Our dentists at Star Dental can drain the infection, prescribe antibiotics, and treat the underlying cause safely and effectively.
5. Can a chipped or cracked tooth wait until my next appointment?
Usually not. Even small chips can expose the inner layers of your tooth to bacteria, leading to sensitivity or decay. Cracks can worsen with time and pressure. We recommend contacting Star Dental Denver for a same-day evaluation to determine the best repair option, such as bonding or a crown.
6. What if my crown or filling falls out?
If a crown or filling comes loose, try to keep it clean and avoid chewing on that side. You can use dental cement (available at most pharmacies) to temporarily cover the area, but you’ll need to see a dentist soon. Call (303) 222-1414 to schedule an emergency appointment at Star Dental Denver — we can reattach or replace it the same day.
7. How soon should I see a dentist for an abscess or gum infection?
Immediately. A dental abscess is a serious infection that will not heal on its own. Symptoms often include severe pain, swelling, fever, or a bad taste in your mouth. Visit Star Dental as soon as possible for drainage, antibiotics, and treatment to stop the infection before it spreads.
8. What can I do if I break a tooth at night or on the weekend?
You don’t have to wait. Star Dental Denver is open evenings and weekends, providing same-day emergency dental care. Simply call (303) 222-1414, and our team will fit you in immediately. For temporary comfort, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and avoid chewing on the affected side.
9. Can I go to the emergency room for a dental problem?
Emergency rooms can help with pain relief or antibiotics but usually can’t perform dental procedures. For lasting treatment — such as fillings, root canals, or extractions — you’ll need a dentist. If you’re in Denver, contact Star Dental first. We can treat the source of the problem directly and save you time and cost.
10. What should I do if I have bleeding after a dental procedure?
Some bleeding after an extraction or deep cleaning is normal, but it should subside within a few hours. If it continues beyond that, bite down on a clean gauze pad for 20 minutes and avoid rinsing too vigorously. If bleeding persists, call Star Dental Denver immediately for follow-up care.
11. My child fell and chipped a tooth — should I bring them in?
Yes. Even if it’s a baby tooth, it’s important to get it checked. Chips can affect the way adult teeth develop underneath. Our dentists at Star Dental specialize in pediatric emergency care and can restore the tooth safely and comfortably. We’ll also check for jaw or gum trauma to ensure everything heals properly.
12. What if my braces or wires break?
Broken braces can cause irritation or cuts inside your mouth. Try using orthodontic wax to cover the sharp edges and avoid pulling or bending wires yourself. Then contact Star Dental Denver for an adjustment. We can trim or reposition the wire to prevent further discomfort.
13. How do I know if I need a root canal?
Common signs include lingering pain, swelling, sensitivity to heat, or a small bump on your gums. These symptoms often mean the nerve inside your tooth is infected. The dentists at Star Dental Denver can confirm this with digital imaging and perform a comfortable root canal procedure to save your tooth.
14. Do you accept walk-in emergencies?
Absolutely. We reserve time every day for walk-in emergencies. You can come directly to our office at 1490 S Sheridan Blvd, Denver, CO 80232, or call ahead to let us know you’re on your way. Our emergency team will see you as quickly as possible.
15. Do you take insurance for emergency visits?
Yes. Star Dental Denver accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicaid and CHP+. We also offer direct billing to simplify the process, as well as flexible payment options for uninsured patients. Our goal is to get you treated first and handle paperwork second.
16. How can I prevent dental emergencies in the future?
Prevention is key. Visit your dentist every six months for cleanings, wear a custom mouthguard if you play sports, avoid chewing hard foods or ice, and never use your teeth to open packages. The preventive team at Star Dental can also recommend nightguards for patients who grind their teeth.
17. Can emergency dental care save my tooth?
In most cases, yes. The faster you get to Star Dental Denver after an injury or severe pain, the greater the chance we can repair or save the tooth. Our goal is always preservation first — extraction is a last resort.
18. What should I expect during an emergency appointment?
We’ll begin by relieving pain and assessing your situation using digital X-rays. Once we understand the cause, we’ll explain treatment options clearly — no surprises. Most emergencies, including infections, broken teeth, or lost fillings, can be treated the same day. You’ll leave feeling comfortable and informed.
19. How can I reach Star Dental if I have a dental emergency tonight?
You can reach us directly at (303) 222-1414 or through our website www.mystardental.com. Our team monitors emergency calls and will fit you in as soon as possible — even on weekends.
20. Why choose Star Dental Denver for emergency dentistry?
Because we combine speed, skill, and compassion. Our office is open seven days a week, equipped with advanced technology, and staffed by experienced dentists who care deeply about your comfort. We provide same-day relief, direct insurance billing, and comprehensive services all under one roof.
Whether you live in Denver, Lakewood, Englewood, Sheridan, or Belmar, we’re here when you need us most. Visit Star Dental Denver or check us out on Facebook, Instagram, or Yelp to learn more.
21. Do you offer sedation or pain management for emergencies?
Yes. We offer local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, and other comfort options to ensure a stress-free experience. Emergency care shouldn’t be scary — and at Star Dental Denver, it isn’t. Our dentists take time to explain every step so you always know what’s happening.
22. Are same-day crowns available during emergencies?
Yes, in many cases. Our technology allows us to design and place durable, custom crowns on the same day, so you don’t need multiple appointments. If your tooth breaks or a crown falls out, we can restore your smile immediately at Star Dental.
23. Do you treat dental emergencies for seniors?
Absolutely. We treat patients of all ages, including seniors with dentures, implants, and bridgework. Emergency dental issues for older adults can include cracked restorations, sore gums, or infections around implants — all of which we manage gently and efficiently.
24. What if I’m traveling through Denver and have a dental emergency?
You’re welcome to come in, even if you’re not a regular patient. Star Dental Denver accepts visitors and travelers for urgent care. Our team will provide treatment and send you home with a full report for your dentist back in your hometown.
25. Do you offer follow-up appointments after emergency treatment?
Yes. Every emergency visit at Star Dental Denver includes follow-up care to ensure proper healing and lasting results. We’ll check your progress, answer questions, and help prevent the issue from coming back.
Contact Star Dental Denver
If you’re facing a dental emergency — whether it’s pain, infection, or an accident — call (303) 222-1414 or visit Star Dental Denver for immediate help.
???? 1490 S Sheridan Blvd, Denver, CO 80232
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✉️ [email protected]
We’re open seven days a week and proudly serve families throughout Denver, Lakewood, Belmar, Sheridan, and Englewood. Fast care. Friendly team. Real relief. That’s what makes Star Dental Denver the emergency dentist you can count on — day or night.