The Preferred Dentist of the Las Vegas Raiders & the Las Vegas Aces!
An active lifestyle supports better heart health, reduced stress, and greater overall wellness, but it can also increase the risk of dental injuries. From school sports to competitive leagues, unexpected impacts can lead to chipped, displaced, or even knocked-out teeth. Protecting your smile should be just as important as wearing the right athletic gear.
Dr. Aman Sidhu, who earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery with honors from the University of Southern California, brings advanced training and extensive clinical experience to every patient he treats. As the team dentist of the Las Vegas Raiders, he understands the level of protection athletes need. At Densley Dental, we provide comprehensive sports dentistry services in Henderson focused on prevention, protection, and prompt care.
What Is Sports Dentistry?
Sports dentistry focuses on preventing and treating dental injuries related to athletic activity. These injuries may include chipped or fractured teeth, knocked-out teeth, jaw injuries, soft tissue damage, and even concussions that affect oral structures. While contact sports such as football and hockey often come to mind, research shows that basketball accounts for a significant number of adult dental injuries. Activities such as baseball, bicycling, skiing, surfing, equestrian sports, and many others have also been identified by the American Dental Association as potential causes of dental trauma.
Men are statistically more likely than women to experience sports-related dental injuries, though the difference is small. Teen athletes experience injuries at higher rates, but older athletes often sustain more severe damage when accidents occur. Regardless of age or sport, dental injuries can lead to pain, missed time at work or school, and costly treatment that may not always be fully covered by insurance.
Common Sports Dental Injuries We Treat
Athletic activity can result in a wide range of dental injuries, from minor cosmetic damage to serious trauma requiring immediate care. At Densley Dental, we treat both sudden injuries and the long-term effects of sports-related accidents.
Some of the most common sports dental injuries include:
- Chipped or fractured teeth. Even small chips can weaken tooth structure, while deeper fractures may expose the inner pulp and cause significant discomfort.
- Knocked-out teeth. Also known as avulsed teeth, these injuries require urgent attention. In some cases, prompt treatment can allow the tooth to be successfully reimplanted.
- Dislodged or shifted teeth. Teeth that are pushed out of position may affect bite alignment and long-term oral stability if left untreated.
- Jaw injuries. Impact to the lower face can strain or damage the jaw joint and surrounding structures.
- Damage to existing dental work. Crowns, veneers, bonding, and fillings can crack or break during athletic collisions.
- Soft tissue injuries. Cuts to the lips, cheeks, and gums are common in both contact and non-contact sports.
The Role Of Mouthguards In Injury Prevention
One of the most effective ways to prevent sports-related dental injuries is by wearing a properly fitted mouthguard. A mouthguard is a dental device designed to fit over your teeth and help absorb shock from contact or falls, protecting the mouth from damage.
There are several types of mouthguards available, but not all offer the same level of protection or comfort.
- Off-the-shelf mouthguards. These are sold in sporting goods stores and come in standard sizes such as small, medium, and large. They are typically held in place by biting down. While they may provide minimal protection, they are often bulky, uncomfortable, and may interfere with breathing or speaking.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards. These guards are softened in hot water and then molded to the teeth using fingers and tongue pressure. They generally fit better than stock options, but the amount of coverage and protection can vary significantly depending on how well they are formed.
- Custom-fabricated mouthguards. These are made specifically for your smile. At Densley Dental, we take precise impressions of your teeth to create a model, then fabricate a durable, lightweight guard designed for optimal comfort and fit. Because a custom mouthguard fits securely, it is more likely to be worn consistently, which greatly increases its protective value.
Emergency Sports Dentistry
Dental injuries can happen during practice, games, or recreational activities, and quick action often affects the outcome. Knowing how to respond and where to seek care is essential.
If a tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown rather than the root. Gently rinse it without scrubbing and try to place it back into the socket. If that is not possible, store it in milk or a tooth preservation solution and seek dental care immediately.
Chipped, cracked, or displaced teeth should also be evaluated promptly. Even minor damage can involve deeper structural issues that require treatment. At Densley Dental, we provide timely care for sports-related dental trauma in Henderson to relieve discomfort and restore function.
Why Choose Densley Dental For Sports Dentistry?
Dr. Aman Sidhu brings advanced training, clinical precision, and real-world experience to every patient he treats. A graduate with honors from both California State University at Northridge and the University of Southern California School of Dentistry, he has served diverse communities and later became a managing dentist and instructor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dentistry. As the team dentist of the Las Vegas Raiders, Dr. Sidhu understands the demands placed on athletes and the importance of reliable protection and prompt care.
At Densley Dental, patients benefit from comprehensive services, a full-time registered dental hygienist, and the convenience of an in-house laboratory technician, allowing for efficient, high-quality treatment tailored to active lifestyles in Henderson and the surrounding communities.
Protecting Smiles For Active Lifestyles In Henderson, NV
Sports should build strength and confidence, not lead to preventable dental injuries. A custom mouthguard is a simple step that can make a lasting difference in protecting your teeth during competition and recreation.
At Densley Dental, we help athletes of all ages stay protected and prepared. Call our Henderson office
at 702-212-6641 to schedule a consultation and learn how the right protection can keep your smile safe.
