{"id":293,"date":"2026-04-16T14:59:59","date_gmt":"2026-04-16T14:59:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bristolfamilydentalct.com\/blog\/?p=293"},"modified":"2026-05-11T15:01:54","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T15:01:54","slug":"3-common-dental-emergencies-among-athletes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bristolfamilydentalct.com\/blog\/2026\/04\/16\/3-common-dental-emergencies-among-athletes\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Common Dental Emergencies Among Athletes"},"content":{"rendered":"
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With temperatures heating up and the summer sports season about to kick off, it\u2019s time to start thinking about protecting your smile. The good news is that many accidental injuries to the mouth are usually preventable by wearing a sports guard or mouthguard. However, if the unthinkable happens on the field this summer, don\u2019t panic. Here are some of the most common dental emergencies<\/a> among athletes, and what you should do if they happen to you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Fractured Roots<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fractured roots can be especially difficult to treat because they can be hard to detect. That\u2019s because instead of the tooth breaking above the gumline where it\u2019s visible, it breaks underneath the surface in the roots of the tooth. In addition to causing pain, the fracture can also gradually spread upward. In many cases, patients may not even realize there\u2019s a problem until the tooth becomes infected and needs a root canal or extraction. Thus, it is very important to be seen by your emergency dentist after suffering a blow to the mouth to rule out any unseen injuries that could get much worse with time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cracked Teeth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although in many cases, cracks in the teeth are easy to see, this isn\u2019t always the case. This again underscores the importance of seeing your emergency dentist following any oral trauma. If your tooth does become cracked, your dentist may be able to repair it with a dental crown or filling. In some severe cases, you may need a root canal or extraction. If this occurs, your dentist can then discuss your options for replacement once your mouth has healed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Repairing a cracked tooth is very important, even if you can\u2019t see the damage. This is because harmful oral bacteria can infiltrate the space, increasing the risk of infection and further damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tooth Intrusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although it is very common to have a tooth knocked out or broken while playing sports, in some cases they can be pushed back into<\/em> the jawbone. This is known as an intrusion. Although it can happen at any age, this type of injury occurs more often with baby teeth, because children\u2019s alveolar bones (where the tooth sockets are located) are not as solid as adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intrusions can cause a variety of painful damage, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n