We've also found that the lower jaw is more susceptible to injury and fracture in some patients with impacted wisdom teeth. So for athletes like the Flyers who engage in a high- contact sport, we try to get their wisdom teeth out as soon as possible because that seems to be an area of inherent weakness. Depending upon the age of the patient and the severity of the injury, recovery is generally good. With lacerations, we worry about scarring, but scars can be revised to yield a good result. Implants have been a great advance for lost teeth and look, feel and act like real teeth.
Fractures tend to heal very well.
Occasionally, jaw joint injuries result in problems chewing, but that is rare. Concussions are the biggest concern we have because we know repetitive concussive injuries can cause permanent damage and cut a career short. So we try to protect the athletes as best we can. From an oral surgical point of view, that means making the most shock-absorbent, thickest custom mouthguards that can be tolerated and advocating head and facial protection where possible. Fortunately, the structures of the mouth and face have an excellent blood supply and therefore generally heal very well.