Playing a sport is a great way to stay active and healthy. However, no matter what the activity is, there’s always a risk for getting hurt. Mouth injuries, in particular, are incredibly common. In some cases, they may be serious enough that you will need dental surgery. Below, the professionals at Fallbrook Family Dentistry in Lincoln, NE, offer some crucial information on this topic to help you and your family maintain optimum oral health.

Which Sports Injuries Could Require Dental Surgery?

One of the most common dental sports injuries is a knocked-out tooth. When this happens, try to locate the lost tooth. If you do, pick it up from the crown (don’t touch the roots), and take it to the dentist right away. If the roots, gums, or nearby teeth were not damaged, they may be able to reinsert the tooth. If not, a bridge or dental implant may be needed. 

In some sports accidents, a tooth isn’t knocked out but is instead displaced in some way. In this case, a dentist might be able to reposition the tooth. If not, they may need to do an extraction to replace the missing tooth.

Dental sports injuries aren’t always visible to the naked eye, so make an appointment to see your dentist after any oral trauma. They will take X-rays and examine the teeth to see if any of them were cracked or if any roots were fractured. If they are left untreated, injuries can lead to infections that typically result in tooth loss and the need for dental surgery.

How Can I Prevent Dental Sports Injuries?

To protect your or your child’s teeth during sports, wear a mouth guard. There are several options to choose from, so speak with your dentist for recommendations. One option is a custom-made mouth guard, which fits more comfortably over the teeth, increasing the likelihood of you or your child wearing it regularly. Additionally, continue to see the dentist for routine exams and cleanings, as they’re better able to catch potential problems before they become serious issues.

Whether you’ve recently suffered a dental injury while playing sports or you want to learn more about your options for getting a mouth guard, the team at Fallbrook Family Dentistry is here to help. They will handle all your preventative and routine dental care needs, and should an emergency arise, they will perform a safe and effective dental surgery to rectify the issue. Give them a call today at (402) 467-0007 to schedule an appointment, and visit their website to learn more about what they do.