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Tooth avulsions resulting from basketball net entanglement
D P Kumamoto1, J Winters, D Novickas
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Dentistry 60612-7212, USA.
Journal of the American Dental Association (1939)
|September 23, 1997
Summary
Basketball players can suffer serious tooth avulsions from net entanglement, especially during slam dunks. This study highlights the risks and offers prevention strategies for these traumatic dental injuries.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Sports Medicine
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Dental avulsion, the complete displacement of a tooth from its socket, is a severe dental emergency.
- Basketball is a popular sport with a risk of facial and dental injuries, particularly involving the net.
- Previous research has not specifically detailed tooth avulsions caused by basketball net entanglement.
Observation:
- A survey of dentists revealed cases of tooth avulsions directly linked to basketball net accidents.
- Injuries primarily affected the maxillary anterior teeth due to entanglement during slam dunks.
- Multiple teeth were often avulsed in a single incident, indicating a significant risk of severe dental trauma.
Findings:
- Basketball net entanglement is a specific mechanism leading to serious tooth avulsions.
- The dynamic nature of slam dunks, involving both lowered and raised backboards, increases the risk of facial contact with the net.
- The severity of dental injuries necessitates immediate professional dental care and follow-up.
Implications:
- Implementing safety recommendations can reduce the incidence of basketball-related tooth avulsions.
- Awareness among athletes, coaches, and parents about this specific risk is crucial for prevention.
- Further research into protective equipment and modified playing environments may be warranted to mitigate sports-related dental trauma.