Many people assume that only old people deal with missing teeth, but this is far from the truth. People of all ages deal with tooth loss for reasons like injury, decay, and genetics, and athletes are particularly at risk for losing teeth. Many sports involve lots of kinetic energy flying all over the place, and one wrong move can break or dislodge a tooth in some situations. Here’s why dental implants can be a great solution for athletes who have lost teeth.
How Can Athletes Lose Teeth?
Contact sports like football, soccer, baseball, and martial arts are incredibly popular, and while they are a great way to get exercise, learn teamwork, and have fun, they carry certain risks of injury. While sports injuries can include things like bruises, broken bones, and overexerted joints, many people forget that they can lose their teeth in these games if they are not careful. While a mouthguard is a great way to protect your smile, trips, falls, and blows to the mouth have dislodged many teeth. However, dental implants can allow many people to enjoy full smiles again.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
Dentists regard dental implants as the best form of tooth replacement available because they imitate the function and appearance of real teeth from root to crown. A dental implant consists of a small titanium rod surgically placed in the jawbone and an artificial tooth attached to it above the gumline. The artificial tooth is made out of ceramic or porcelain that imitates the color, luster, and texture of real teeth, creating a lifelike restoration that is indistinguishable from the rest of your smile. Since the titanium piece is placed directly in the jawbone, it stimulates the bone just like real teeth to keep it strong.
How Are Dental Implants Placed?
Dental implants are placed with the patient under local anesthesia, rendering the whole procedure completely painless. The patient will need healthy gums and jawbones for the implant to be placed, but patients without these can usually achieve them through proper oral hygiene, dental work, and possibly bone grafting. After they are placed, the patient will need to rest for a few days and will be prescribed antibiotics and pain medication to manage any discomfort.
Dental implants can give you a beautiful smile to flash in the winner’s circle. Consulting with your dentist can determine if dental implants are a suitable solution for you.
About the Author
Dr. Rob Schumacher studied dentistry at the University of Kentucky and the University of Michigan and is a nationally board-certified prosthodontist. He is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Massachusetts Dental Association, and the American College of Prosthodontics. His office in Wakefield, MA offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as dental implants. To schedule an implant consultation, contact his office online or dial (781) 334-3400.