Several injuries occur without the use of a mouthguard. Avulsion is defined as the loss of a tooth through frontal impact. This may lead to subsequent damage to both the pulp and peridontal ligament. Under these conditions even a slight impact may result in total dislocation of the tooth. Root fractures, defined as fractures involving dentin, cementum and pulp, are really uncommon amoung dental traumas.
Root fractures are a result of impalement.
Extruded and laterally luxated teeth present a degree of instability and immediate care should be taken to reposition the tooth. An extruded tooth results in partial displacement of the tooth from the socket. Mandibular dislocations frequently result from a lateral blow to the jaw while the jaw is open. This injury is most common in basketball and hockey where the elbows are exposed and can strike someone in the mouth. Such injuries are a result of teeth lacerating tissue from the cheek or lip.