Sports Dentistry

Common Dental Injuries in Sports

Tooth knocked out

• Locate the tooth and try to replace it in the socket immediately. DO NOT RINSE WITH WATER, DO NOT SCRUB THE TOOTH!
• If you do not feel comfortable replacing the tooth or are unable to replace it, place it in plain milk and seek dental treatment immediately. 
• The best chance of survival of a tooth that has been knocked out is that it gets replaced into its socket within one hour.

Tooth chipped or cracked

• If a portion of the tooth is missing, locate the piece and place it in either plain milk or water.
• Most often, chipped or cracked teeth are not emergencies unless you are experiencing pain. However, if you are experiencing pain, call our office to schedule an appointment.
• An X-ray will be taken to determine the extent of the fracture and treatment will be recommended based on the individual situation. In most cases, the broken portion can be bonded back on.

Tooth displaced

• Attempt to replace the tooth back into its original position and call our office. 
• Depending on the extent of tooth movement and whether any portion of the tooth was fractured, that will determine what treatment is necessary.

One of the best ways to prevent injury to your child’s teeth and mouth while playing sports is to wear a mouthguard. There are several types of mouthguards to choose from, and Dr. Herring can help you choose the best one for your child’s particular needs.