What athletes should know about dental injuries and implants

Athletes push their bodies to perform at a high level but teeth and jaws are often overlooked until an injury happens. From chipped teeth on the basketball court to more serious trauma in football or hockey, dental injuries in sports are more common than many people realize.

This article explains which sports carry higher risk, how athletes can protect their teeth, and how dental implant restoration may play a role after a sports-related injury. Whether you compete professionally, recreationally, or coach young athletes, understanding dental protection is an important part of overall health.

Common high-impact sports linked to dental trauma

Dental injuries can occur in any sport, but certain activities carry a higher risk due to contact, speed, or falls.

Sports commonly associated with dental trauma include:

• Football 

• Hockey 

• Basketball 

• Soccer 

• Wrestling and martial arts 

• Skateboarding, BMX, and other action sports
  
  

The term “soccer teeth” is often used informally to describe chipped or missing front teeth caused by elbows, collisions, or falls during play. Sudden impacts can lead to cracked teeth, jaw injuries, or damage to existing dental work. Even without direct contact, athletes are known to clench their teeth as they deliver a forceful movement, so even the weightlifter is at risk for tooth and jaw injuries.

How athletes can protect their teeth on the field

Mouthguards are one of the most effective tools for teeth protection in sports. They help absorb impact, reduce the force transferred to teeth and jaws, and lower the risk of fractures or tooth loss.

There are several types of mouthguards:

• Stock mouthguards: Pre-formed and inexpensive, but often bulky and less secure 

• Boil-and-bite mouthguards: Molded at home for a better fit 

• Custom-fit mouthguards: Designed by dental professionals for optimal comfort and protection
  
  

Custom-fit athletic mouthguards are often recommended for athletes who participate regularly or at higher levels of competition, as they provide more precise coverage and are less likely to interfere with breathing or communication.

Special considerations for braces and younger athletes

Athletes with braces or developing teeth require additional planning. An athletic mouthguard for braces should accommodate orthodontic hardware, however as tooth movement continues throughout orthodontic treatment, new mouthguards will need to be fabricated.

During orthodontic treatment teeth are being slowly moved through the jawbone to new positions and remain mobile throughout treatment. Orthodontically mobile teeth are even more vulnerable to athletic clenching forces and impact trauma. Keep your orthodontist informed on how well the mouth guard is fitting and your child’s sport activity. Younger athletes benefit from periodic reassessment as their mouths grow and change.

Helmets and face cages help reduce injury risk, but they do not replace a properly fitted mouthguard. Even a mouthguard worn inside a helmet plays a critical role in protecting teeth.

What to do after a sports-related dental injury

If a dental injury occurs during sports, prompt action matters.

General steps may include:

• Rinse the mouth gently with water 

• Retrieve any broken tooth fragments if possible 

• Avoid chewing on the injured side 

• Seek professional evaluation as soon as possible
  
  

For a tooth that has been knocked out, time is critical. Early assessment helps determine whether the tooth can be stabilized or whether alternative restoration options should be considered. An obvious single tooth injury is almost always accompanied by an injury to adjacent teeth and should be evaluated for observation and possible intervention.

When a tooth can be saved and when it can’t

Some injured teeth can be repaired or stabilized, especially if the root and surrounding bone remain healthy. In other cases, severe fractures, repeated trauma, or infection may make preservation difficult.

Athletes are often encouraged to seek evaluation from a prosthodontist, who specializes in restoring function and structure after complex dental damage. Early consultation helps clarify next steps and long-term planning.

How dental implants can help after a sports injury

Dental implants as long-term tooth replacement after trauma

When a tooth cannot be saved after a sports injury, dental implant restoration may be considered following healing and evaluation. A dental implant involves placing a titanium implant post into the jawbone to support replacement teeth.

For athletes, dental implants can offer:

• Stable tooth replacement that does not rely on neighboring teeth 

• Strong chewing support for a varied diet 

• Support for jawbone health, which may help prevent bone loss

• Predictable long-term function with proper care and maintenance
  
  

Implant placement timing depends on bone quality, healing after injury, overall oral health, and age of the injured. Teenagers or younger are not ideal candidates for implant placement, until they have reached full growth. A more transitional prosthesis should be considered for the missing tooth until adulthood. Decisions are made after thorough clinical evaluation not at the moment of injury.

Maintaining facial structure and confidence after injury

Tooth loss after trauma can affect more than chewing. Missing teeth may influence facial structure, speech, and confidence—especially when front teeth are involved. Dental implant restoration is designed to help support facial contours and restore everyday comfort.

For many athletes, returning to competition or training is also about feeling confident again, both on and off the field.

How ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers support athletes

ClearChoice Dental Implant Centers provide coordinated care under one roof. A prosthodontist leads the restorative plan, while a surgeon places the implant post. This team-based approach helps streamline evaluation, planning, and follow-up.

ClearChoice centers use titanium implant posts due to their long history of use, strength, and clinical evidence supporting osseointegration and durability. This approach supports consistent outcomes for patients with a wide range of restorative needs, including those recovering from dental trauma.

Athletes benefit from clear planning, coordinated timelines, and a focus on restoring function not just appearance.

Dental protection and implant recovery FAQs

Can you wear a mouthguard if you have dental implants?

Yes. Mouthguards are strongly recommended for athletes with dental implants. A properly fitted mouthguard helps protect both natural teeth and implant-supported teeth during sports activities.

How soon after injury can I get a dental implant?

Timing varies. In some cases, implants are considered after healing and bone evaluation. In other situations, additional healing or preparatory procedures on the jaw bone may be recommended. The timeline will be longer for teenagers and children, who will require transitional prostheses while waiting for full facial and jaw growth. Your ClearChoice dental team will guide this decision based on clinical findings.

Are implants better than bridges for athletes?

Implants and tooth bridges serve different purposes. Dental implants replace missing teeth without relying on bonding or attaching to adjacent teeth. Suitability depends on anatomy, what teeth were injured, oral health, and long-term goals.

Will I need to wear a mouthguard after getting implants?

Yes. Mouthguards remain essential for athletes with implants, just as they are for those with natural teeth or braces. Ongoing protection helps reduce the risk of future injury.

Dental injuries in sports can be disruptive but planning and protection make a difference. Mouthguards, prompt evaluation, and informed restorative care all play a role in protecting an athlete’s smile over time.


Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational or educational purposes only and does not substitute professional dental advice or consultations with dental professionals. Always refer to the personalized information provided by your ClearChoice Dental Implant Center team.