5 Times You Should Call Your Dentist Immediately

Most of us have been guilty of ignoring a little toothache or waiting until our next cleaning to deal with a chipped tooth. But when it comes to dental problems, waiting is rarely the best option. Small issues can quickly become painful emergencies, and untreated oral problems can affect not only your teeth but also your overall health.

At Star Dental Institute in Colorado Springs, we want our patients to feel confident about knowing the signs that require immediate dental attention. If you ever find yourself in one of these five situations, don’t delay — call your dentist right away.

1. Severe or Persistent Toothache

A toothache might seem like a minor inconvenience, but persistent or severe pain is often your body’s way of warning you about a bigger problem. Common causes include:

• Deep cavities or advanced tooth decay
• Tooth abscesses (pockets of infection)
• Cracked or fractured teeth
• Gum disease or infection in the surrounding tissues

If your toothache:

• Lasts more than a day or two
• Gets worse over time
• Is accompanied by swelling, fever, or a foul taste in your mouth

…it’s time to call your dentist in Colorado Springs immediately. Waiting could allow the infection to spread to your jawbone or even into your bloodstream, which can become life-threatening.

Pro Tip from Star Dental Institute: We offer same-day emergency dental appointments so you don’t have to suffer in pain or risk further damage.

2. Knocked-Out or Loosened Tooth

A knocked-out tooth is a true dental emergency — but quick action can make the difference between saving and losing it.

What to do right away:

1. Handle the tooth by the crown (top part), not the root.
2. Rinse gently with clean water — don’t scrub or use soap.
3. Reinsert it into the socket if possible, or keep it in a cup of milk or saline.
4. Get to your dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving it.

Even if your tooth wasn’t fully knocked out but feels loose after trauma, you still need urgent care. The sooner you visit an emergency dentist in Colorado Springs, the higher the chances of preserving your natural tooth.

3. Swelling in the Face or Jaw

Facial swelling is one of the most serious warning signs of a dental infection or abscess. Swelling can occur in:

• The gums
• The cheek
• The jawline or under the chin

If left untreated, the infection can spread to other areas of your body, including your neck and airway. In rare but dangerous cases, it can lead to a condition called sepsis.

Seek immediate care if you have:

• Sudden or worsening swelling
• Pain when chewing or biting
• Fever or chills
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing

At Star Dental Institute, we use digital X-rays and advanced diagnostic tools to quickly identify the source of swelling and treat it with antibiotics, drainage procedures, or root canal therapy when needed.

4. Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Teeth

A broken tooth isn’t just a cosmetic problem — it can cause pain, sensitivity, and leave your tooth vulnerable to decay or infection.

Common causes include:

• Sports injuries
• Accidents or falls
• Biting down on hard foods like ice or candy

Why you shouldn’t wait:

• The damage can worsen over time
• Sharp edges can injure your tongue or cheeks
• Bacteria can enter the damaged tooth, leading to infection

Depending on the extent of the damage, treatments may include:

• Dental bonding for small chips
• Crowns or veneers for larger breaks
• Root canal therapy if the pulp is exposed

Tip: If you play sports, wearing a custom mouthguard from our Colorado Springs dental clinic can prevent many of these injuries.

5. Persistent Bleeding or Gum Problems

Healthy gums should not bleed regularly. Occasional bleeding after flossing might happen if you’ve been out of the habit, but persistent bleeding is often a sign of gum disease.

You should see a dentist urgently if you have:

• Gums that bleed every time you brush or floss
• Swelling, redness, or tenderness in the gums
• Pus or unusual discharge between your teeth and gums
• Gum recession or teeth that feel loose

Early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) can be reversed with professional cleaning and good oral care at home. However, if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which can lead to bone loss and even tooth loss.

At Star Dental Institute, our gum disease treatments in Colorado Springs are designed to stop the infection, restore gum health, and protect your smile.

Why Immediate Dental Care Matters

Many people put off dental visits because they hope the problem will go away on its own. Unfortunately, dental issues rarely resolve without professional care. Delaying treatment can mean:

• More invasive and expensive procedures later
• Increased risk of losing teeth
• Spread of infection to other parts of the body
• Chronic pain and discomfort

Your teeth and gums are part of your overall health. By addressing problems quickly, you protect not only your smile but also your well-being.

Emergency Dental Care in Colorado Springs – We’re Here for You

At Star Dental Institute, we’re committed to providing urgent dental care in Colorado Springs when you need it most. Our services include:

• Same-day emergency appointments
• Digital imaging for fast, accurate diagnosis
• Gentle anesthesia options for pain-free care
• Preventive education to keep your mouth healthy long-term

Whether you have a toothache, a knocked-out tooth, swelling, or bleeding gums, we’re ready to help — day or night.

About Star Dental Institute – Colorado Springs

We are a trusted dental clinic in Colorado Springs offering comprehensive care for the whole family. From preventive checkups to advanced restorative and cosmetic dentistry, we combine modern technology with compassionate service to deliver outstanding results.

Your smile is our priority — and your health is our mission.