Hockey players are stereotyped as having many missing teeth for a reason. Imagine trying to avoid an object that’s flying straight for your face at several miles per hour! It’s not exactly a surprise that intense sports increase your chances of losing a tooth (or two). But what should athletes do about replacing their pearly whites? Is there a restoration that can withstand the force of a flying hockey puck?
No – or at least, not yet. Still, dental implants are the best option for sports enthusiasts with missing teeth! Keep reading for four reasons why.
1. Superior Stability
The thing about playing a sport with dentures, especially new dentures, is that they sometimes slip out of your mouth. That can make for a pretty awkward field goal! Dental implants, however, are connected to your jawbone via a titanium post. That means no slippage, and certainly no falling out.
2. Incredible Durability
These days, dental work in general is impressively durable. That said, dental implants definitely take the gold in this category. They’re made out of quality materials so they don’t damage easily, and with proper care, they can last for 30 years or more without needing a replacement. Which also gives you more time on the field and less in the dentist’s office.
3. Easy Maintenance
Speaking of time, brushing and flossing your teeth for two minutes can feel like hours when you’re used to plays taking place in a matter of seconds. Removable restorations like dentures have to be taken out and cleaned separately, which, while not exactly rocket science, does add to your oral hygiene routine. With dental implants, you can skip the extra maintenance. Simply brush and floss them like you would natural teeth!
4. Fits with Athletic Mouthguards
The best way to protect your teeth from a flying hockey puck – or baseball, or football player, or boxer, or what-have-you – is to wear a mouthguard. Unfortunately, athletic mouthguards don’t fit over all types of dental work! If you wear dentures, you might have a particularly difficult time finding a type that fits comfortably. Once again, dental implants make things easy. They fit into the tooth socket like a glove, and will feel natural under the bulky protection of a mouthguard.
If you’re an active athlete, dental implants could be just the tooth replacement option you need. Thanks to their modern design, they’ll enable you to keep your head in the game, rather than on distracting slippage in your mouth!
About the Practice
Drs. Shawn and Johnathan Zahner make a strong team at our practice in Ellington! Dr. Shawn is especially skilled in providing quality dental implants for our patients, and can perform the entire process in-office, saving you time and money spent on external referrals. If you’re interested in the unique advantages dental implants offer athletes, contact our office at 860-870-9031.