Sports Dentistry – Ann Arbor, MI
Effective Treatment for Sports-Related Dental Injuries
Do you tend to enjoy engaging in recreational activities to get exercise and socialize? Are you part of an intramural or community sports team? While these events are fun and exciting, many can also pose risks to your head and oral health. That’s why, if you want to protect or repair your pearly whites from these activities, you’ll want to consider visiting our team in Ann Arbor for sports dentistry! We offer dental services that can help keep your smile safe from sports-related dental injuries. Keep reading to learn more or give us a call today to schedule an appointment.
Why Choose Dina H. Cocco, DDS PC of Ann Arbor for Sports Dentistry?
- Custom-Designed & Comfortable Dental Materials
- Highly-Experienced Dental Professional
- Accepts Insurance & Financing Options
What Is Sports Dentistry?
This form of dentistry focuses on
addressing and avoiding oral injuries and diseases that can occur from exercise and sports. One of the main
priorities for this treatment is damage prevention, which is especially necessary for athletes. With our
services, active patients can effectively keep their teeth, gums, jaw, mouth, and face safe during
sports-related activities. If you do experience an injury, we can perform immediate care to renew and improve
the function, appearance, and health of your smile.
What Are Sports-Related Dental Injuries?
Whether you’re a beginner or a highly experienced athlete, here are some of the common dental injuries you
could experience by playing sports:
- Chipped tooth – A tooth that’s been hit with force can potentially have a piece of it break off, or it could form a fracture at the point of impact. If the inner pulp ends up becoming exposed, this can leave you susceptible to bacteria, decay, and infection.
- Displaced tooth – An accidental injury can cause a tooth to loosen, shift, or simply be in the wrong position. While it may not be completely broken off, you’ll need to get this treated sooner rather than later.
- Knocked-out tooth – Sudden force to your face or mouth can result in a tooth falling out. Though this may be alarming, you can still have a chance to save the tooth if you see the dentist within 30-60 minutes.
How Can You Prevent Dental Injuries From Sports?
Many sports require players to wear protective gear such as helmets to protect the head and face. For teeth and
gums, you’ll typically want to wear a mouthguard to keep your smile safe. The three kinds of mouthguards
include:
- Stock – These products are store-bought and usually come as a one-size-fits-all. Though they’re more affordable upfront, they tend to be bulky and not very comfortable.
- Boil-and-bite – Another over-the-counter item, these mouthguards can be altered by placing them in hot water to soften and then using your teeth to make impressions, allowing them to fit more comfortably.
- Custom-fit – This kind of mouthguard is provided by a dentist, and is designed to perfectly fit your specific bite using higher-quality materials that aren’t bulky.
How Do Dentists Treat Sports-Related Dental Injuries?
Even if you practice good preventive measures, accidents can still happen. Soft oral tissues that have been
damaged such as the cheeks, tongue, or gums can impact everything from your appearance to your nerves, so your
dentist will want to minimize these issues. They can also repair or replace a damaged or knocked-out tooth. If
you’ve suffered an injury to the jaw, your sports dentist may be able to set broken facial bones back with
wires, screws, or plates. In any case, be sure to visit your dental professional for help if you experience any
issues while participating in your favorite physical activities.