Whether you are an athlete or a weekend warrior, dental sports injuries can occur when you least expect them. One misstep or an accidental collision on the field can lead to a missing tooth. But don’t worry—acting promptly and knowing what steps to take can significantly impact your long-term oral health. Contact our ABOI board-certified dental implant surgeon in Danville, Dr. Anthony Lizano, to discuss what to do with a missing tooth from a sports injury.
Seek Professional Dental Care Immediately
When it comes to dental sports injuries, time is of the essence. Quick action can make all the difference in preserving your oral health. If you or your child loses a tooth while playing sports in the East Bay area, it’s crucial to contact your general dentist or an oral surgeon. Our oral surgeon, Dr. Anthony Lizano, of Diablo Valley Implant Dentistry in Danville, can assess the injury and outline the most effective treatment options.
Solutions for a Missing Tooth
Dental Implants
Dental implants are often considered a top solution for tooth replacement for a missing tooth due to a sports injury because of their durability and natural appearance. Our ABOI board-certified dental implant surgeon, Dr. Lizano, will surgically place a titanium post into the jawbone, which acts as a root for the new tooth. Once healed, you will return to your general dentist to have the crown fitted and placed on the dental implant. Over time, the post fuses with the bone, providing a stable foundation.
Single-Tooth Dental Implant
A single-tooth dental implant is ideal for people missing a single tooth or athletes who have knocked out one tooth. Your general dentist will fit a custom-made crown over the post, matching the color and shape of your natural teeth. It’s a long-lasting solution that doesn’t affect neighboring teeth and provides strong support for regular oral functions such as chewing and speaking.
Multi-Tooth Dental Implant
For those who are missing or have knocked out several teeth at one time, multi-tooth implants offer an effective solution. Instead of replacing each tooth individually, two or more implants can support a bridge or denture, allowing for fewer posts while still providing excellent stability and function.
Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is a non-surgical option for patients missing consecutive teeth in a row. A bridge covers the gap that is created by one or more missing teeth. Dental crowns cover the teeth on both sides of the gap and a false tooth is placed between the crowns. This solution is quicker to implement than dental implants but may not offer the same level of permanence.
Schedule A Consultation For Your Missing Tooth
Protecting your smile should be a top priority whether you’re on or off the field. If you’re dealing with a missing tooth due to a sports injury, call (925) 838-1109 to schedule a consultation with our ABOI board-certified oral surgeon, Dr. Anthony Lizano, at Diablo Valley Implant Dentistry. With professional care, you can explore solutions that suit your lifestyle and ensure long-term oral health.