Basketball Tooth Injury in South OC: What to Do Now (Same-Day Dental Repair)

San Juan Capistrano, CA

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A fast break or an accidental elbow can do more than sting — it can chip, crack, or even knock out a tooth. Basketball is one of the most common sports for dental injuries, especially among adults and teens who play without a mouthguard.

If you’ve hurt your tooth playing basketball in San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, or Mission Viejo, acting fast is key. At Kaban Dental Group, we offer same-day emergency dentistry to repair injuries and prevent long-term damage — so you can get back on the court with confidence.

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Step 1 — Stop the Bleeding and Check for Loose Teeth

If you’ve been hit in the mouth:

• Rinse gently with clean, warm water.

• Apply a clean gauze or towel to stop bleeding.

• Check for loose, chipped, or displaced teeth.

• Avoid wiggling or pushing a tooth back into place yourself.

Even a minor chip can expose nerves or weaken your tooth’s structure — making quick dental care essential.

Learn more about Dr. Kaban, our Emergency Dentist in San Juan Capistrano.

Step 2 — Save Any Broken or Knocked-Out Pieces

If your tooth or part of it broke off:

1. Find and rinse it gently in milk or saline, not water.

2. Keep it moist — ideally, store it in a small container of milk or saliva.

3. If the tooth was fully knocked out, try to reinsert it in the socket gently and hold it in place.

4. Get to the dentist within 30–60 minutes — time makes all the difference.

At Kaban Dental Group, we’ve successfully reimplanted teeth for South OC patients who came in right after an injury.

Step 3 — Control Pain and Swelling

• Apply a cold compress to your cheek or lips.

• Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief (avoid aspirin, which increases bleeding).

• Keep your head elevated.

• Avoid eating until evaluated — chewing can worsen cracks or loosen teeth.

If you’re playing pickup at the San Juan Capistrano Sports Park, Laguna Niguel YMCA, or Life Time Rancho Mission Viejo, save our number before your next game — (949) 496-5585 — just in case.

Step 4 — Treatment Options for Basketball Tooth Injuries

Injury Type

Common Repair

Same-Day Option

Chipped Tooth

Common Repair

Composite bonding or white filling

Same-Day Option

✅ Yes

Cracked Tooth

Common Repair

Dental crown or porcelain veneer

Same-Day Option

✅ Often temporary same-day

Knocked-Out Tooth

Common Repair

Reimplantation or dental implant

Same-Day Option

⚠️ Time-sensitive (within 1 hour)

Fractured Root

Common Repair

Extraction + implant or bridge

Same-Day Option

❌ Requires full evaluation

Step 5 — Preventing Future Basketball Dental Injuries

Basketball is fast-paced and physical — even with good defense, collisions happen. Protect your smile:

• Wear a custom-fitted mouthguard (far better protection than boil-and-bite versions).

• Avoid chewing hard foods right before games.

• Get routine dental checkups to identify weak enamel or fillings that could chip under pressure.

If you’re a parent, learn more about Sports Mouthguards for Kids in San Juan Capistrano.

Same-Day Emergency Dentist in San Juan Capistrano

At Kaban Dental Group, Dr. Kelly Kaban is a same-day dentist for sports-related injuries. Whether you chipped a tooth diving for a loose ball or lost one after contact under the rim, we can help restore your smile quickly and comfortably.

📞 Call (949) 496-5585 or book your emergency appointment online.
Proudly serving San Juan Capistrano, Dana Point, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, and San Clemente athletes and families.