It is late evening on GS Road. Traffic has calmed down. Your jaw has not. A sharp ache has moved from a small nuisance to a big problem. You sip water. No change. You sit for a minute and wonder if it will pass. Most of us have been there at least once. Here is a simple plan you can follow before you reach a clinic.
Is this really an emergency
Think yes if any one of these is true.
- Pain that builds and does not let you sleep
- Swelling on the face or under the jaw, especially if it is spreading
- A tooth has broken and the edge is cutting your cheek or tongue
- A tooth has been knocked out or pushed out of position after a fall or a hit
- Bleeding that does not slow down
- Fever or a bad taste with swelling which points to infection
If you are not sure, call a clinic in your area and explain what you feel in your own words. A short call can save you from trying the wrong home fix.
First hour steps you can do at home
Knocked out adult tooth
Pick it up by the white biting part. Avoid touching the root. If dirty, rinse with clean water for a moment. Do not scrub. If you can, gently place the tooth back in the socket and bite on a clean cloth. If that feels risky, keep it in cold milk or in saline. Then leave for the clinic. Time matters for this one.
Cracked or chipped tooth
Collect the pieces if they are large. Rinse your mouth with clean water. If you see bleeding, press gently with clean gauze. Avoid chewing on that side. Take basic pain relief only if it is safe for you.
Severe toothache with or without swelling
Rinse with warm salt water. Place a cold pack on the cheek for ten minutes and then rest for ten minutes. Repeat a few times. Do not place aspirin on the gum. That burns the tissue and adds a new problem.
Lost filling or crown
Keep the area clean. Avoid sticky food. Bring the crown or the filling piece in a small box. Many times it can be cleaned and placed back after a quick check.
Something stuck between teeth
Use floss with a gentle motion. Stop if it resists. Sharp tools make things worse. Let the dentist remove it safely.
What will happen at the clinic
You will answer a few quick questions so the team can set priorities. A short exam follows. Many cases need a small X ray for clarity. The dentist treats the cause first. For deep pressure pain a small opening in the tooth may be done to release pressure and place a soothing medicine. For injuries the dentist will check how the teeth move, smooth sharp edges, and splint loose ones if needed. You will leave with clear steps for care at home, a simple plan for medicines if they are required, and a date for follow up work.
What it may cost in Guwahati
Fees change with the time spent and the treatment you need. A quick consult with a small X ray is one level. Short relief work like smoothing a sharp edge, a temporary filling, or re cementing a crown is another level. Full treatments such as a root canal, an extraction, or a new filling have their own price bands. Ask for a written estimate before work starts. It keeps choices simple and avoids surprise later.
How to pick a clinic when you are in pain
Three signs help.
- The phone gets answered and you are offered a same day slot if it is truly urgent
- You see clean rooms, proper sterilization, and digital X rays for quick checks
- Fees are explained in writing and you get a plan for follow up
If you have a moment, read a few recent reviews near your area. People often mention how the clinic responded when they called with pain at night. That gives you a sense of how your visit will feel.
When to choose a hospital first
Go to a hospital if swelling reaches the eye or moves down the neck. Go if you find it hard to swallow or breathe. Go if you feel weak with fever and shaking chills. These are not routine dental situations. Your safety comes first. After that the dentist can continue the care.
A small plan for tomorrow
Many emergencies begin as small problems that waited too long. Two checkups a year with cleaning keep hidden trouble in check. A sports mouth-guard prevents broken teeth on the field. A night guard can protect against chipping and cracks from grinding. Daily care helps more than most people expect. Brush twice a day with a soft brush. Clean between teeth once a day. Rinse after sweets. Drink enough water during the day, especially in the warm months.
Save a clinic number in your phone. Keep a small kit at home with gauze, saline, floss, and basic pain relief that suits you. Share this plan with your family so anyone can help when needed.
If you follow these simple steps and reach the clinic in time, most dental emergencies in Guwahati end well. Relief can start with one call.
