Michael’s Basketball Accident

Michael, a 20-year-old basketball player, came to us months after a sports injury left him with damaged teeth. Although delayed treatment put his teeth at risk, we restored them using composite material and set up a plan for long-term monitoring. We also recommended a custom mouthguard to better protect his teeth during future games.

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Michael, a 20-year-old basketball enthusiast, was accidentally hit in the face by a friend's elbow during a game. He came to us a few months after the incident.

What to Do After Dental Trauma:

If you experience trauma to your teeth:

1. Collect the teeth or fragments and place them in a clean cup with your own saliva.
2. Do not touch the root of the tooth if it falls out completely. Handle it by the crown.
3. See a dentist immediately. Teeth fragments can sometimes be reattached, and whole teeth can be re-implanted by a dentist. Never attempt to do this yourself.

The sooner you see a dentist, the better the chances of a successful outcome. In Michael’s case, because he delayed his visit, there was a risk of nerve damage to the teeth.

Michael’s Treatment:

Unfortunately, Michael did not have his tooth fragments, and he sought treatment months after the injury. We performed a trauma stamp, a set of investigations used to monitor the health of traumatised teeth over time.

• His teeth were restored using composite material.
• Radiographs showed no signs of root fractures, bone damage, or infection.
• His teeth responded normally to cold testing, indicating the nerves were still healthy.

Follow-Up:

Michael was placed on a recall protocol to monitor the vitality of his teeth over the next two years. We also advised him to have a custom mouthguard made to protect his teeth during sports in the future.

Why Choose a Custom Mouthguard:

While sports guards can be bought from sports shops, custom-made mouthguards from your dentist offer much better protection. A custom mouthguard is designed to fit your teeth and mouth perfectly, unlike generic versions that are made for everyone. This provides several benefits:

• Better Comfort: A snug fit makes the mouthguard more comfortable, increasing the likelihood that you will wear it consistently.
• Better Protection: Because it fits securely, it is less likely to fall out during play, and it offers superior protection to your teeth.
• Enhanced Performance: An ill-fitting mouthguard can be distracting, affecting your performance, while a custom guard stays in place and feels more natural.