Fall in Texas brings cooler weather and the exciting return of sports like football and soccer. As you gear up for the season, it’s important to protect your health, and that includes your smile. For athletes who have invested in their oral health with dental implants, taking extra precautions helps smiles stay intact all season long.
At Meridiana Family Dental, we want you to enjoy your favorite activities without worrying about your teeth. This guide will help you understand how to protect your dental implants in Rosharon, whether they are stronger than natural teeth, and what to do if an injury occurs.
Are Dental Implants Stronger Than Natural Teeth?
Dental implants are incredibly strong. The implant post, typically made of titanium, fuses directly with your jawbone in a process called osseointegration. This creates a rock-solid foundation for the replacement tooth, such as a dental crown. In many ways, this structure is stronger than a natural tooth root. However, the crown attached to the implant post can be just as vulnerable to fracture as a natural tooth.
While the implant itself is secure, a hard impact from a stray ball, an elbow, or a fall can chip, crack, or dislodge the crown. Natural teeth have a periodontal ligament that provides a slight cushion against impact, something implants do not have. This worsens the force of a direct blow. So, while the foundation of your dental implants in Rosharon is exceptionally durable, the visible part of the tooth still requires protection, especially during high-contact sports.
Protecting Your Dental Implants During Sports
Protecting your investment is simple with a few proactive steps. Following this advice will help keep your smile safe on and off the field.
1. Wear a Custom-Fitted Mouthguard
This is the single most important piece of advice for any athlete, but it is especially critical for those with dental implants. A mouthguard is an essential piece of protective gear that absorbs and distributes the force of an impact, protecting your teeth, implants, gums, and jaw. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), one study found that mouthguard users were 82%-93% less likely to experience dental and facial injuries.
While you can buy boil-and-bite mouthguards at any sporting goods store, we highly recommend a custom-fitted one. A custom mouthguard offers superior protection and comfort because it’s made from a precise mold of your teeth. That means it:
- Fits Snugly
- Won’t Slip Out of Place
- Allows for Easier Breathing and Speaking
This is the best way to shield your dental implants in Rosharon from injury.
2. Understand the Rules of the Game
Knowing and following the rules of your sport can significantly reduce your risk of injury. Unnecessary roughness, illegal tackles, and other penalties often lead to collisions that can cause dental trauma. Play smart, play fair, and keep your head on a swivel to anticipate potential impacts.
3. Use the Right Protective Gear
Beyond a mouthguard, wear all appropriate protective equipment for your sport. For football, this means a properly fitted helmet with a face guard. For sports like soccer or field hockey, other facial protection might be available. This gear works together to minimize the risk of direct blows to the face and mouth.
4. Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene
Healthy gums are crucial for the long-term success of your dental implants. Plaque buildup can lead to gum inflammation and a condition known as peri-implantitis, which can weaken the support around your implant.
Brush twice a day, floss daily (paying special attention to the area around your implant), and keep up with your regular dental checkups and cleanings at Meridiana Family Dental. A healthy mouth is a more resilient mouth.
What to Do if You Damage Your Dental Implants in Rosharon
Accidents can happen even when you take all the right precautions. If you sustain an injury to your mouth and suspect your implant is damaged, follow these steps:
- Stay Calm and Assess the Situation: Check to see what is damaged. Is the crown chipped, loose, or has it fallen off completely? Is there any bleeding?
- Retrieve Any Broken Pieces: If the crown or a piece of it has come off, try to find it. Place it in a small, secure container and bring it with you to your dental appointment.
- Contact Our Dentist Immediately: Call us right away. Dental injuries are emergencies. Explain what happened, and we’ll schedule prompt care.
- Do Not Try to Fix It Yourself: Never attempt to glue a crown back on or reposition a loose implant on your own. You could cause more damage.
When you come into our office, we’ll examine the implant site to assess the damage. A small chip in the crown can often be smoothed or repaired easily. If the crown is loose or has come off, we may be able to reattach it. If the damage is more severe, a new crown may be needed. In rare cases of extreme trauma, the implant post itself could be damaged, which would require a more comprehensive treatment plan.
Gear Up for Fall Sports with Meridiana Family Dental
You chose dental implants in Rosharon to restore the function and beauty of your smile. Participating in fall sports shouldn’t put that investment at risk. With the right protective measures, especially a custom-fitted mouthguard, you can confidently play the sports you love.
If you have questions about custom mouthguards or want to schedule a checkup to keep your implants in top condition, book a visit today. We’re here to help you protect your smile for this season and for years to come.
