Emergency Dentists in Bethlehem, PA
New Patient Special
Why Choose Penn Dental Arts for Emergency Dentistry?
- Same-Day Emergency Dental Appointments
- Dental Sedation for Nervous or Anxious Patients
- Dentists See Patients of All Ages
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Your Emergency Dentist in Bethlehem Since 1993
Compassionate, Judgment-Free Care
Whether it’s a sudden toothache or something you’ve been putting off, we’ll meet you with empathy, not lectures. You’ll feel heard, respected, and cared for from the moment you call.
Honest Answers, No Pressure
We’ll clearly explain what’s going on and walk you through your options. You stay in control of your care—we’re just here to help you feel better and make informed decisions.
Support for Anxious Patients
Dental emergencies are stressful enough. We offer comfort-focused care, including sedation options, to help even the most nervous patients get through their visit with confidence and calm.
Common Dental Emergencies We Treat
Invisalign is more than cosmetic—it’s a functional solution for a range of common dental concerns. Straightening your teeth can make them easier to clean, improve your bite, and reduce long-term wear on your enamel.
Toothaches
Persistent pain could be a sign of infection or decay.
Chipped Tooth
Small chips can lead to bigger issues if not repaired.
Cracked Tooth
Cracks may expose the inner tooth and lead to infection.
Sensitivity to Hot & Cold
Often linked to worn enamel, cavities, or exposed roots.
Knocked-Out Tooth
Fast care gives you the best chance to save the tooth.
Lost Filling or Crown
Leaves your tooth vulnerable to damage and discomfort.
Broken Denture
Can make it hard to eat, speak, or smile comfortably.
Loose Tooth
Adult teeth shouldn’t move—this could signal gum disease or trauma.
Injury to Gums, Lips, or Tongue
Cuts or bleeding should be evaluated, especially if swelling is present.
Jaw Pain or Clenching
Could be related to TMJ, stress, or bite issues.
Object Stuck Between Teeth
Can lead to pain, swelling, or infection if not removed properly.
Contact Us Today!
If you're experiencing any of these problems—or something just feels off—call our Bethlehem office right away. We're here to help, same day if needed.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Dental emergencies can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. If something feels wrong—pain, swelling, bleeding, or a broken tooth—reach out. Acting quickly can make all the difference in your outcome.
Here’s what to do before you get to our Bethlehem office:
Call us right away
We’ll talk you through what steps to take and get you scheduled as soon as possible. Same-day appointments are often available.
Save any broken pieces
If a tooth has chipped or come out completely, place the pieces in a clean container or a small amount of milk or saliva. Handle the tooth by the crown (not the root).
Rinse your mouth gently
Use warm water to clean the area, especially if there’s bleeding or debris.
Apply a cold compress
If you’re swollen or sore, hold a cold pack to your cheek in 10-minute intervals. This helps reduce pain and inflammation.
Use over-the-counter pain relief if needed
Ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort until you’re seen. Avoid aspirin if there’s active bleeding, as it can thin the blood.
Contact us Immediately
Most importantly, don’t try to wait it out. You don’t have to figure it out on your own—we’re here to help.
What to Expect at Your Emergency Visit
When you come to Penn Dental Arts for urgent dental care, you’ll be treated with compassion, respect, and urgency. We know how stressful dental pain can be, and we’re here to make the experience as smooth and reassuring as possible.
Immediate Assessment
We’ll seat you promptly and begin by assessing your symptoms. Digital X-rays may be taken to get a clear view of the issue. Our team will explain everything they see in straightforward language—no confusing jargon, no guessing.
Focused Pain Relief
Our top priority is to get you out of pain. We offer multiple comfort options, including gentle local anesthesia, nitrous oxide (laughing gas), and oral sedation if you’re anxious. We’ll check in with you throughout the visit to make sure you stay calm and comfortable.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Once we understand the problem, we’ll walk you through your treatment options. Whether you need a filling, crown, root canal, or something else, you’ll leave with a clear plan that fits your health goals, timeline, and budget. We never pressure—just guide.
Support That Continues After Your Visit
We’ll provide written aftercare instructions and set up any follow-up care you may need. If you have questions after you leave, we're only a phone call away. We want you to feel confident and cared for, long after your emergency is resolved.
Meet Our Team
Dr. Ronak Patel
I’ve been doing this for over 20 years, and what matters most to me is making sure you feel heard and cared for. Whether it’s a routine visit or something more complex, I’ll walk you through it with clear answers and a plan that fits your needs.
Dr. Joseph A. Gaspari
I’ve been helping patients improve their gum health for over 40 years, and I still love what I do. My goal is always to make treatment as easy and comfortable as possible, using the latest techniques to get the best results.
Dr. Ronak Patel
For Dr. Patel, nothing is more satisfying than changing the way someone thinks about dentistry, especially if they’ve experienced a lot of anxiety and fear in the past. His approach is to truly get to know each patient and understand their goals so he can ensure they feel confident while he improves and maintains their oral health. He looks forward to welcoming you into our Bethlehem dental office, and below, you can start getting to know him.
Associations
Fun Facts
Why Did You Decide to Become a Dentist?
Growing up in India, students have to decide their path at an early age. Because Dr. Patel consistently did well in all subjects, he had a bit of a dilemma because he was given a lot of choices, but he could only commit to one. Ultimately, he decided to pursue dentistry because it involves studying multiple disciplines (which he finds very engaging), and it would also give him a way to help his community.
Where Did You Study Dentistry?
Dr. Patel has three dental degrees, earning two in India before obtaining his DDS from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of the University of Southern California. Overall, his training includes a three-year prosthodontic residency, countless continuing education hours, and 20+ years of experience. In that time, he acquired knowledge not just about dentistry, but also how it affects people’s lives. He prides himself on being able to offer personalized and creative solutions to help people achieve their dental health goals. He is also a member of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and the Pinhole Academy (which focuses on non-invasive gum surgery).
Dr. Joseph Gaspari
As a periodontist in Bethlehem, Dr. Gaspari has loved getting to know his patients and helping them achieve the optimum oral health we all seek for over 40 years. His storied career has seen him become one of the nation’s foremost laser periodontal experts, allowing him to provide treatment that is effective, precise, and surprisingly comfortable at the same time. Having a specialist of his caliber gives our patients more flexibility when it comes to meeting all of their dental needs under one roof, ensuring they consistently work with the team they know and trust.
Associations
Fun Facts
Why Did You Decide to Become a Dentist?
Dr. Gaspari was drawn to dentistry thanks to his friends, whom he observed practicing while he was in college. Seeing how they were able to help patients in relatively little time and form strong connections with them all while working with their hands and combining art and science seemed like the perfect fit for him.
Where Did You Study Dentistry?
Dr. Gaspari graduated from the University of Notre Dame before earning his dental degree at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He went on to obtain his graduate certificate in periodontology from Temple University and IV certification from St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey.
In addition to having certifications in Pinhole Surgery, LANAP, and phlebotomy, he is also an active member of the:
- International Congress of Oral Implantologists
- Academy of Laser Dentistry
- American Academy of Implant Dentistry
- American Academy of Periodontology
Creating Smiles for 40+ Years
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Genuine Advice
Generations of Trust
Truly Comprehensive Care
Flexible Affordability
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you treat children’s dental emergencies?
Yes, we provide emergency dental care for patients of all ages. Our team is especially gentle with children and will work to keep your child calm and comfortable throughout the visit.
What if I have a dental emergency after hours?
If you experience a dental emergency outside our normal hours, call our office and follow the voicemail instructions. We’ll offer guidance on immediate steps and schedule you for the next available appointment in Bethlehem.
Can I wait to treat a cracked tooth?
It’s best not to wait. Even a small crack can lead to infection, decay, or further breakage. Prompt treatment allows us to save your tooth and avoid more extensive (and expensive) care down the road.
Are emergency dental visits more expensive?
We strive to make emergency dental care in Bethlehem accessible and affordable. Our $149 emergency visit includes an exam and digital X-rays. Total costs depend on the treatment needed, but we’ll walk you through everything before we begin.
What should I do if my tooth gets knocked out?
Time is critical. Gently rinse the tooth (without scrubbing), keep it moist in milk or saliva, and call our Bethlehem office immediately. If treated quickly—ideally within an hour—there’s a good chance we can reattach the tooth.
How can I prevent dental emergencies?
The best prevention starts with regular dental checkups and a strong at-home care routine. Use a mouthguard for sports, avoid chewing ice or hard objects, and never ignore dental pain—early attention can stop small issues from turning into emergencies.
Will my emergency visit be painful?
Your comfort is always our top priority. We use gentle techniques and offer several pain management options, including local anesthesia, laughing gas, and oral sedation. Our Bethlehem emergency dental team is experienced in treating anxious patients with extra care.
What payment options do you accept for emergency dental care?
We accept most major PPO insurance plans and will verify your coverage before treatment. If you don’t have insurance, we offer flexible financing options to make sure cost doesn’t prevent you from getting the care you need.
Do you offer same-day emergency appointments in Bethlehem?
Yes. We reserve time in our daily schedule specifically for dental emergencies and do everything we can to see patients the same day they call. If you're in pain or something doesn’t feel right, contact us right away.
What qualifies as a dental emergency?
Any dental issue causing severe pain, swelling, bleeding, or visible trauma should be treated as an emergency. Common examples include knocked-out teeth, broken or cracked teeth, intense toothaches, infections, abscesses, and injuries to the gums or jaw. If you’re unsure, call our Bethlehem office—we’ll help you determine your next steps.
Do you offer same-day emergency appointments?
Yes. We set aside time each day for urgent dental care. If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or a broken tooth, call our Bethlehem office and we’ll do everything we can to see you the same day.
What payment and financing options do you offer?
We accept most dental insurance plans and provide flexible financing for uninsured patients or those with out-of-pocket costs. Our team will help you find the best way to make your care affordable and manageable.
Learn More About Dental Emergencies
Check your insurance
Located in Bethlehem, PA
At Penn Dental Arts, we’ve spent over 30 years earning the trust of families across Bethlehem and the Lehigh Valley. Even people who are nervous about visiting the dentist in Bethlehem feel comfortable here. At Penn Dental Arts, we wear our compassion on our sleeves, and you’ll quickly come to see why multiple generations of patients have trusted us, whether they need a dental cleaning, start-to-finish dental implants, or expert gum disease treatment.
We’re easily accessible from 33, William Penn Hwy and Freemansburg Ave. This makes it easy not just for patients in Bethlehem to visit us, but we also welcome those from William Penn Manor, Middletown, Wilson, West Easton, Easton, and Lincoln Terrace.
