Tooth Replacement for Hockey Player

My son lost a tooth during a college hockey practice. It’s a front tooth and I really want to make sure he gets a great replacement. I planned on getting him a dental implant but apparently his coach said that is a bad idea while he is still playing hockey. I’m a bit confused about that because I thought it was the best tooth replacement. Can you guide me as to what to get him?

Laurie Anne

Dear Laurie Anne,

hockey player with missing tooth

I’ve been thinking about this. Both you and the coach are correct. Dental implants are the best tooth replacement. However, the implant is anchored to the bone. That means if his tooth gets hit hard enough again then the implant will damage the bone, leading to some serious reconstructive surgery.

Here is my recommendation. First, I am assuming that he wears a sports mouthguard. If he doesn’t that is order of business number one. Get him one right away! Then, I suggest you get the implant prosthetic placed, but do not have the dental crown attached to it. Instead, get a temporary removable replacement to stand in for the crown until his is through with hockey.

Having the implant placed will protect him from the bone loss that happens when you lose a tooth. His brain will interpret the implant as a tooth root and keep his bone in place. The temporary tooth will come out easily without affecting his bone if he does get hit again. It can even be something inexpensive like a dental flipper.

Then, once he done playing hockey in that type of setting he can go ahead and get his permanent crown bonded onto the implant and he will have the complete replacement. This will give him the best of both worlds. Just make sure his dentist gives him a porcelain crown. This is especially important on a front tooth. You do not want anything with a metal base on a front tooth.

This blog is brought to you by Baton Rouge Dentist Dr. Steven Collins.