Have you ever gone in for a harmless summer game and left holding your mouth, hoping it’s “nothing”? In the middle of basketball, soccer, softball, or even a pickup game at the park, one split-second collision can turn into a serious dental issue requiring a trip to an emergency dentist.
At AH Dentistry, we offer prompt, personalized emergency dental care for sports-related injuries, focused on relieving pain, saving your tooth, and restoring your smile’s natural function and appearance. Contact us to schedule an appointment today with an emergency dentist.
When Should You Call Your Emergency Dentist?
Sports injuries can happen fast, and it is not always obvious when you can “wait it out” versus when you need urgent care. Here are the most common sports-related situations where you should contact your emergency dentist right away:
1. A Knocked-Out Tooth (Avulsed Tooth)
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most time-sensitive dental injuries. The sooner you get treatment, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
What this can look like:
- A tooth completely out of the mouth
- Bleeding from the socket
- A tooth that feels “missing” after impact
What you should do immediately:
- Pick it up by the crown (the part you chew with), not the root.
- Rinse gently with water if it’s dirty. Don’t scrub it.
- Try to place it back in the socket if you can do so easily.
- Store it in milk (or saline) and get help right away.
Even if the tooth is a baby tooth or you’re not sure what happened, it’s still worth calling. Quick action is everything here.
2. A Broken or Chipped Tooth
Not every chip feels dramatic at first, which is why people delay care. However, a cracked or broken tooth can expose sensitive inner layers and make you more likely to feel pain, develop an infection, or break the tooth further.
If you notice a sharp edge, sensitivity, or pain when biting after impact, rinse your mouth with warm water and avoid chewing on that side. Then get checked as soon as possible. Early treatment can often prevent a minor fracture from turning into a bigger repair.
3. A Tooth That’s Loose, Shifted, or Pushed In
Sometimes a sports hit doesn’t knock a tooth out completely, it just moves it. Your tooth might feel loose, look slightly crooked, or even appear pushed up into the gum. Even if the pain is mild, this is still a situation where you should call an emergency dentist quickly, because the tooth’s ligaments and nerve can be damaged under the surface.
In the meantime, avoid wiggling the tooth “to test it,” don’t chew on that side, and stick to soft foods. The sooner your tooth is stabilized and evaluated, the better the chances of saving it.
4. Jaw Injury or Bite That Suddenly Feels “Off”
If you take a hard hit and your jaw feels wrong afterward, don’t ignore it. Jaw injuries can affect how your teeth line up and how your mouth functions.
If you’re struggling to open or close your mouth, your bite suddenly feels uneven, or you feel pain near your jaw hinge, stick to soft foods, use a cold compress, and get evaluated quickly. The longer you wait, the harder it can be to address what’s causing the discomfort.
Visit AH Dentistry for an Emergency Dentist in Ann Arbor
A dental injury can happen in an instant, and waiting it out can make the damage worse.
At AH Dentistry in Ann Arbor, MI, our team provides prompt, patient-centered emergency dental care with clear guidance from the moment you call. We’ll help you understand what’s happening, what to do next, and how we can restore your comfort and function as quickly as possible.
Contact us online or call (734) 222-9140 if you think you need an emergency dentist. We’re here to help you feel better and protect your smile!
