1211 Park St., Nacogdoches, TX 75961Do you know that 4 out of 10 dental injuries in the United States are sports-related? As we all know, getting injured is not a new thing for athletes. What matters the most is how severe the injury is- the one in which you can buck up and get back into the game or have to say goodbye.
Developments in the field of dentistry have made the management of most dental injuries related to sports or games easier, though this depends on how severe the injury is.
Here we are going to see some common sports-related dental injuries:
- Avulsion
Avulsion of the teeth is the most common type of sports-related dental injuries. Here the tooth will be completely displaced from its socket. Avulsion of teeth can occur if you suffer a heavy blow to your face or mouth during games like rugby or soccer. First aid and timely treatment are vital in this type of injury since the tooth should be replanted immediately or within 1 hour after the accident.
- Tooth Intrusion
Tooth intrusion is a condition in which the tooth is partially moved into the alveolar bone, which basically contains the tooth sockets. An axially directed impact usually causes it during games. This is one of the most severe displacement injuries and needs spontaneous re-eruption, surgical or orthodontic repositioning.
- Crown and Root Fracture
Another most common sports-related dental injury that needs special care and attention is crown and root fracture. If only the enamel is affected in a crown infraction, only a pulpal vitality test is needed. But in case of severe crown fractures where the pulp is fully exposed, you may need surgical treatment. To understand the severity, the dentists will do a radiographic examination.
- Soft Tissue Injuries
These types of injuries are actually lacerations, abrasions, and contusions in the lips, tongue, cheeks, or any other soft tissue part in your mouth and near areas. The treatments will vary depending on the degree of soft tissue damage.
Tips to Prevent Sports-Related Dental Injuries
Tooth and mouth injuries in professional athletes or even children in school games can be avoided with adequate precautions, including:
- Mouth Guards:Â To protect teeth and other mouthparts. There are different types of mouthguards available, including stock or boil-and-bite mouthguards.
- Face cages:To shield the face, especially from soft tissue injuries.
- Helmets:Â To protect from head traumas
As an athlete, make sure you are adopting adequate dental protection methods so that you can enjoy the game without the risk of injuries. Want to know more about sport-related dental injuries, treatments, and precautions?
Book a consultation with our specialist at Puffer Dental right now!