Although brushing and flossing twice daily can prevent common issues, like cavities and gum disease, there’s no guarantee that you’ll never have an emergency. Unfortunately, this is especially true for athletes or others who participate in close-contact sports and activities. These individuals are more likely to sustain certain types of damage that could have long-term consequences on their oral health.
Continue reading to learn about 3 common dental emergencies frequently experienced by athletes and how your dentist can help!
Issue #1: Chips and Cracks
Enamel is the hardest substance produced by the human body, but that doesn’t mean it’s invincible. Even if you’re committed to proper preventive care, it’s possible to take a blow to the face that causes physical trauma to the protective outer layer of your teeth.
Then, once the structure of your tooth is compromised, it’s easier for bacteria in your mouth to penetrate through the hard surface to infect the tender roots and pulp inside. Thankfully, your dentist can help you avoid this kind of damage by providing a custom-fitted mouthguard. This oral appliance creates a layer of cushion around your arches to shield your smile from external forces. If you’ve already sustained damage, then will assess your condition to suggest an appropriate treatment, like dental bonding or a placing a crown.
Issue #2: Fractured Roots
Fractured roots are another oral concern that’s more common among athletes because they’re more frequently put into positions that might result in an injury. If you are hit in the face at a certain angle, your tooth might become fractured in its root instead of in the crown (the portion above your gums that you can see).
These types of injuries are often invisible and can progress and cause infection or expanding injuries. In many instances, a root canal procedure can alleviate aches and remove diseased materials. Then, you’ll likely be fitted with a dental crown to restore the affected tooth’s appearance and functionality.
Issue #3: Dislodged Teeth
Athletes are also more likely to lose teeth during a game or event after being hit or knocked in the face, which can significantly detract from their oral health. For instance, did you know that your jawbone starts thinning after tooth loss? The roots stimulate new bone growth with each bite down that keeps it active and strong, and you can lose up to 25% of the surrounding density within the first year one falls out.
Your dentist can provide customizable, lifelike restorations, like dental implants, to close the spaces in your smile.
If you’ve been hurt and need help, contacting your emergency dentist immediately is the best way to get some much-needed relief quickly while fixing the problem before it can progress!
About the Practice
At Boulder Rock Dental, you benefit from two dentists eager to help families in Palm Coast improve their lives by enhancing their dental health. Dr. Flynn and Dr. Tran collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to people of all ages, including emergency care. Their caring and compassionate approach, combined with state-of-the-art equipment, increases patient comfort while delivering accurate, long-lasting treatment results tailored to your unique needs. You can request an appointment on the website or call (386) 276-9051.