Sports are a great way to stay in shape, connect with your friends, build your confidence, and more. However, they do come with some risks. You never know when an accident might damage your smile! If you suffer a hard blow to your mouth, you might end up losing a tooth. Fortunately, there is a reliable and strong way to rebuild lost dentition: dental implants. This blog post discusses why implants are a great choice for athletes with missing teeth.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small cylinder, or post, that is usually made out of a titanium alloy. After it gets surgically placed into a patient’s jawbone, it is able to serve as a prosthetic tooth root. Crowns, bridges, and dentures can be attached to implants to replace the visible portion of missing teeth.
Why Are Dental Implants Ideal for Athletes?
Dental implants offer a number of advantages that make them a great choice for athletes:
- They are extremely strong. Unlike dentures, implants will never slip out of place. You will not lose an artificial tooth during games or practice.
- They preserve the jawbone. After the loss of a natural tooth, the jawbone starts to deteriorate. Implants can prevent the deterioration process so your bone stays as healthy as possible.
- They provide reliable chewing power. You need to properly fuel your body if you want to perform well as an athlete. Dental implants can allow you to chew virtually any food with ease, whether it is a crunchy salad or a chewy protein bar.
- They are low maintenance. Caring for dental implants is similar to caring for natural teeth. For example, you should always wear a mouthguard during athletic activities. You should also stick to a thorough oral hygiene routine, avoid overindulgence in sugary sports beverages, and take other simple steps.
Are Dental Implants Right for You?
Some athletes might hesitate to get dental implants because the treatment process can last several months, and at least one surgery is necessary. You might have to sacrifice a few days or weeks of training. However, the time and effort that it takes to get dental implants will pay off in the end. As long as your mouth is relatively healthy, it is very likely that implants will prove to be the best way to regain a complete and strong smile.
Meet the Practice
Drs. Steve Koo, Thomas Weil, and William Shepard are the board-certified oral surgeons at Piney Point Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. They have decades of combined experience, and they use state-of-the-art technology to help each patient enjoy successful treatment. If you are an athlete who is interested in replacing a missing tooth with a dental implant, we would be happy to consult with you. Contact our Houston office at 713-783-5560.