Athletic Dentistry in Santa Rosa, CA
Protecting Young Athletes with Preventive and Emergency Dental Care
At NorCal Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that children who play sports need specialized protection to keep their smiles safe. Our athletic dentistry services are designed to help prevent sports-related dental injuries and provide fast, effective treatment if an accident occurs. From custom mouthguards to emergency care for knocked-out or chipped teeth, our pediatric team helps young athletes play confidently and safely.
Dr. Adam Hiné proudly serves families and active kids throughout Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Sonoma, and Sebastopol, offering both preventive and restorative solutions tailored to each child’s needs.
What Is Athletic Dentistry?
Athletic dentistry focuses on the prevention and management of dental injuries related to sports and physical activity. Contact sports like soccer, basketball, baseball, and football, as well as individual activities like skateboarding or biking, all carry a risk of oral trauma.
Our goal is twofold:
- Prevent dental injuries before they happen, and
- Provide rapid, effective care when accidents occur.
Common injuries we treat and help prevent include:
- Chipped or fractured teeth
- Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth
- Soft tissue injuries to the lips and gums
- Jaw trauma or misalignment from impact
- Broken restorations or orthodontic damage
Through custom protection and education, we help your child maintain a strong, healthy smile throughout their athletic journey.
Custom Mouthguards for Young Athletes
One of the best ways to prevent dental injuries is with a properly fitted mouthguard. Over-the-counter guards provide limited protection, but custom mouthguards made by a pediatric dentist offer a superior fit, comfort, and durability.
Our custom athletic mouthguards:
- Are designed specifically for your child’s teeth and bite
- Offer superior protection against impacts to teeth, gums, and jaw
- Allow for easy breathing and speaking during play
- Are made from high-quality, long-lasting materials
We recommend mouthguards for all children participating in contact or recreational sports — even those using helmets. During your child’s dental exam, we can take quick impressions and create a guard that fits perfectly.
Treatment for Sports-Related Dental Injuries
Even with protection, accidents can happen. When they do, our team provides compassionate and efficient care to restore your child’s smile. As an emergency dentist in Santa Rosa, we offer same-day appointments for urgent situations, including:
- Chipped or cracked teeth – We can repair fractures using tooth-colored fillings or bonding materials that match natural enamel.
- Knocked-out teeth – Quick action is critical. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, keep it moist in milk and call our office immediately.
- Soft tissue injuries – Cuts to the lips, cheeks, or gums are treated carefully to minimize bleeding and promote healing.
- Trauma to baby teeth – We evaluate whether the tooth can be saved or should be extracted to protect developing adult teeth underneath.
If your child participates in sports, knowing how to respond to a dental emergency can make all the difference. We’re here to guide you through every step.
Preventive and Supportive Services for Active Kids
Athletic dentistry is just one part of a comprehensive approach to protecting your child’s oral health. We often pair sports-related care with other preventive and restorative services such as:
- Fluoride treatments to strengthen enamel and resist trauma
- Dental sealants for added protection against decay
- Laser dentistry for soft-tissue repair after injury
- Restorative dentistry to repair damaged teeth and restore bite function
Our team works closely with parents, coaches, and young athletes to ensure proper prevention techniques and to maintain oral health throughout the sports season.
Why Families Choose Our Pediatric Dental Team
Parents across Sonoma County choose NorCal Pediatric Dentistry for their children’s athletic dental care because we combine technical precision with genuine compassion. Our pediatric specialists understand how to communicate with children, reduce anxiety, and deliver treatment in a calm, reassuring environment.
Families appreciate that we:
- Offer custom mouthguards designed specifically for children
- Provide immediate emergency appointments for sports injuries
- Use advanced, minimally invasive techniques
- Take the time to educate children and parents on dental safety
- Treat every patient with empathy and respect
We believe dental care should empower young athletes — not limit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does my child really need a mouthguard for non-contact sports?
Yes. Even non-contact activities like gymnastics, mountain biking, or baseball carry a risk of accidental impact. A custom mouthguard can help protect against chipped or displaced teeth.
How often should a custom mouthguard be replaced?
We recommend replacing a mouthguard every year or sooner if your child’s mouth is still growing, they lose baby teeth, or the guard becomes worn or damaged.
What should I do if my child’s tooth is knocked out during a game?
If it’s a permanent tooth, place it in milk (or saliva if milk isn’t available) and contact our office immediately. For baby teeth, do not reinsert them — call us for instructions.
Can you make a mouthguard for a child with braces?
Yes. We can design custom mouthguards that fit comfortably over orthodontic appliances and provide full protection without interfering with movement.
Is athletic dentistry covered by insurance?
Custom mouthguards are typically not covered by insurance, but emergency dental treatment following an injury often is. Our team will help you navigate your benefits and discuss affordable options.
Schedule a Sports Dentistry Appointment in Santa Rosa
Protecting your child’s smile is just as important as protecting their body. Whether you need a custom mouthguard or emergency care after a sports injury, our pediatric team is here to help keep your young athlete’s teeth strong, safe, and healthy.