Same-Day Emergency Care in Bethlehem, PA

Being seen the same day, by someone who already knows you.

Yes — Always About Smiles offers same-day emergency care at our Bethlehem, PA dental office. Call (610) 868-9928 and we'll make room for you the same day, sometimes the next, depending on what has happened and when you reach us. A broken front tooth is always seen the same day.

The first call, and who answers it

One call to (610) 868-9928 is the whole process. Mary Lou or Gina will ask what's going on, how long it has been and whether there's any swelling, and they hold slots open in the day on purpose for exactly this. Most people in pain are seen the same day. Sometimes it's the next morning, and they'll tell you which on the call rather than leave you wondering.

Getting you comfortable first

What we aim for is comfortable calming treatment to get you out of pain fast with emphasis on conservative and tooth-saving treatment. That last part matters: the first appointment settles the pain and protects the tooth, and the permanent repair gets planned once you're comfortable enough to think it through. Nothing about the longer plan is decided in a hurry.

Coming back after a long time away

There will be times that just getting through the door for a consultation will be a small victory for some of our patients. We know the importance of that first step and we are committed to providing compassion and starting a relationship built on trust. If it has been a long time since your last visit, say so on the phone — it changes nothing about how you'll be met.

What counts as a dental emergency?

Anything that is causing you real pain, bleeding that won't settle, swelling in the gum or the face, or a tooth that has been broken, loosened or knocked out. Sudden sensitivity that stops you eating counts too. If you're unsure whether what you have qualifies, call and describe it — that is a question for us, not for you.

Will I be seen today if I call this morning?

Usually, yes. We keep room in the working day for people in pain, so most callers are offered something the same day, and the rest are offered the next. The earlier in the day you call, the more choice there is. A broken front tooth goes to the top of the list whatever time it is.

How much does same-day emergency care cost in Bethlehem, PA?

An emergency visit is quoted before anything is done. The first appointment covers the examination, any x-ray needed to see what is happening, and the treatment that settles the pain — and you'll have that figure and the figure for the permanent repair separately, so nothing arrives later as a surprise. Financing is available, and there's a 5% discount for paying by cash in advance.

What should I do about a broken front tooth?

Call (610) 868-9928 and come in the same day — a broken front tooth is one thing we don't ask anyone to wait on. If you can find the broken piece, bring it in a clean tissue. Don't chew on that side, and rinse with warm water if there's bleeding. Most front teeth can be built back the same visit.

I'm not a patient of the practice. Can I still be seen?

Yes. People reach us in an emergency who have never been to the office on Brodhead Road before, and that's a perfectly ordinary way to start. You'll be asked the same questions any new patient is asked, and we'll deal with the pain first and talk about everything else afterward. There's no expectation that you stay on.

What happens at the first emergency appointment?

I look, take any x-ray that's needed and tell you what I've found in plain words before I touch anything. Then the pain gets dealt with — that might be settling an infection, easing a tooth that is under pressure, or protecting a broken one. You leave knowing what was done and what the next step is.

Emergency Dental Care at Always About Smiles

  • Slots held open everyday for emergencies
  • Call for a same or next-day appointment
  • We’ll get you out of pain, then decide on a plan together
  • Patient Loyalty Program members get one emergency exam a year included

Dental Anxiety, Fear & Guilt

Hard Time Chewing, Tooth & Gum Pain

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Should I go to the emergency room instead?

    The emergency room is the right call for a facial injury, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling that is spreading fast. For a tooth, a dental office is better equipped and quicker. If you're not sure which you're dealing with, call us and describe it.

  • Can I take something for the pain before I get there?

    Take whatever you'd normally take for pain, as directed on the packet, unless your physician has told you otherwise. Tell us on the phone what you've taken and when, because it changes nothing about the treatment but it does help me read what I'm looking at.

  • What if it starts hurting on a Friday evening?

    Call (610) 868-9928 and leave a message about what's happening. At lunch, in the evening and on weekends, your call goes to our answering system. General messages go to a voicemail box we check as soon as the office opens. For an emergency, choose the emergency voicemail box: the system calls my cell phone immediately, and I usually call you back within minutes. Mary Lou and Gina are used to sorting this out for people.

  • Do I need to bring anything with me?

    Your insurance card if you have one, a list of any medications you take, and the broken piece of tooth if you have it. Nothing else. If you have x-rays from another office, they help, but we can take our own.

  • Will I need to come back a second time?

    Often, yes, and that's by design rather than by accident. The first visit settles the pain and protects the tooth; the lasting repair is planned and fitted at a later appointment when you're comfortable and can weigh up the options properly.