What to Expect When Getting Dental Implants After a Sports Injury

Have you suffered a sports injury to the mouth or jaw? Dental implants are an excellent way to repair or replace your damaged tooth. 

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Injuries are a part of sports, and in some cases, may even be considered a rite of passage, with some athletes proudly bearing their scars. However, any trauma to the face or mouth can result in damage that can have adverse functional, aesthetic, and psychological effects.

These include:

• cracked teeth
• fractured roots
• tooth intrusions
• knocked out teeth

Dental Implants Restore Function To Your Tooth After a Sports Injury

At Future Smiles, we offer a wide range of tooth replacement solutions from traditional dentures to flexible partials and dental implants to suit all needs, lifestyles, and budgets.

Want to know which option is right for you?

Tooth Replacements

 

What You Need to Know About Dental Implants After a Sports Injury

Damage to the mouth from playing sports will not only leave you in pain, but it can also cause missing teeth. In such cases, you’ll need to replace them with dental implants. This is important because missing teeth can lead to many problems including:

• speech difficulties
• difficulty eating and maintaining a healthy diet
• undesirable changes in facial structure
• higher risk of tooth decay
• bone loss

What are Dental Implants?

Contrary to popular belief, a dental implant is not an artificial replacement for your tooth, but for your root. Made from titanium metal, these implants are inserted directly into your jawbone and stand in for the root where your natural tooth once was.

Once the dental implant is securely in place, an artificial tooth is attached to it. The implant acts as an anchor to keep your new replacement tooth in place.

Some of the benefits of this tooth replacement solution include:

• a natural looking smile
• the ability to eat whatever you like without worrying that your new tooth will become loose or fall out
• afast care routine that only requires brushing and flossing
• improved appearance and smile
• the ability to remain active and playing sports without fear of how your teeth will perform when you’re running, exercising, or jumping

Benefits Of Dental Implants

 

What is the Dental Implant Procedure Like?

While it’s important to be aware that it may take some time to receive a dental implant, due to the fact that it’s placed surgically, you must remember how it will positively impact your life in the long term.

Here’s What To Expect From A Dental Implant Procedure

• Step One: X-Rays will be taken of your head, teeth, and jaws, to ensure you’re a good candidate for this tooth replacement option.
• Step Two: If you’re deemed suitable, an implant will be placed in your jaw bone, beneath the gum tissue. The tissue will then be stitched back to its original position.
• Step Three: A few months will be required to allow the tissue to heal and let osseointegration occur (the process of your jawbone bonding with the implant).
• Step Four: Once you’ve healed, an abutment will be attached to the implant. This is the structure that will connect your replacement tooth with the implant.
• Step Five: After the abutment is in place, the artificial tooth is attached to it.

How long does the entire process take? Depending on your healing, the dental implant procedure could take anywhere between 3-6 months.

What To Expect From Dental Implants

 

How to Prevent Mouth and Teeth Sports Injuries

While modern dentistry ensures that any tooth damage you sustain can be fixed, it’s important to protect your mouth, teeth, and gums, when playing sports. Depending on your activity, you may want to consider wearing a:

• Helmet: This is a must for activities that involve speed or impact such as football, hockey, skating, and bike riding.

• Mouth Guard: This is one of the best ways to prevent injury to your teeth, tongue, and lips. A custom-fit mouth-guard from you dentist is better than a ready-made one and will protect your teeth more.

Remember: Oral injuries from sports can have serious financial, cognitive, psychological, and medical costs so it’s best to take preventative measures and ensure your teeth are protected during any activity.

 

Suffered A Sports Injury? Call Our Calgary Dental Implant Experts Today

To find out more about our affordable and customisable tooth replacement options, and how we can help restore the function and beauty to your smile, contact our Calgary denture clinic at 403-475-0016 or fill in our online contact form.