Medically Reviewed by Dr. Nancy Herbst, DDS on September 25, 2026
Oral surgeons treat sports-related facial injuries such as broken jaws, fractured cheekbones and eye sockets, knocked-out or broken teeth, and deep cuts to the lips, tongue, and cheeks, and they help athletes lower their risk of these injuries in the first place. Cuts, bruises, and dental injuries are the most frequent problems on the field, while facial fractures are less common but far more likely to need surgery and time away from the sport. Not only do these injuries affect an athlete’s ability to compete, but they can also have long-term effects on their overall health and well-being.
At Legacy Oral Surgery and Implants, our team treats sports-related facial injuries for athletes of all ages, from youth players to adults in recreational leagues. Our commitment to comprehensive care means we’re equipped to handle a wide range of injuries, from diagnosing and treating fractures to surgical reconstruction of the face and treatment for traumatic dental injuries. Our team is dedicated to helping athletes recover and return to their sport as safely and quickly as possible.
Common Sports-Related Facial Injuries
Facial injuries in sports can range from minor to severe, affecting the skin, bones, and soft tissues of the face. Common injuries include lacerations, broken noses, fractured cheekbones, jaw injuries, and dental trauma. These injuries often occur due to direct impact with equipment, falls, or collisions with other players. The nature of the injury can vary greatly depending on the sport and the level of contact involved.
Dental injuries follow their own classification system, and our article on the five classifications of tooth luxation explains how loosened and displaced teeth are evaluated. Cuts inside the mouth are covered in our guide to soft tissue dental damage.
Which Sports Carry the Highest Risk of Facial Injury?
High-contact sports like football, hockey, lacrosse, and martial arts tend to have a higher risk of facial injuries compared to non-contact sports, but ball sports deserve just as much attention. A 2020 study of high school athletes treated at a level 1 trauma center in Central New York, published in Craniomaxillofacial Trauma and Reconstruction, found that baseball, basketball, and lacrosse were the sports most often associated with facial fractures. The authors noted that baseball was strongly linked to midface fractures even though it is usually considered a noncontact sport, and they concluded that better facial protection across all sports is needed.
For families on Staten Island and in North Jersey, that finding lines up with the sports kids play most. Spring baseball and softball, fall and winter basketball, and the growing popularity of youth lacrosse all put the face in the path of balls, sticks, elbows, and the ground. Adults are not exempt either, since pickup basketball, softball leagues, and cycling are common sources of facial injuries in grown athletes. Recognizing the signs of a serious injury and seeking prompt medical attention is critical at any age.
Prevention Strategies and the Role of Oral Surgeons
Wearing appropriate protective gear is the most direct way to reduce the risk of injury. Helmets, mouthguards, face masks, and protective eyewear should be considered essential equipment in sports where there is a risk of facial injury. Education on safe playing techniques and adherence to rules designed to protect players are also critical components of injury prevention.
Oral surgeons play a significant role in both the prevention and treatment of sports-related facial injuries. Custom-fitted mouthguards are one area where dental providers can offer significant benefits, since these devices are made to fit an athlete’s mouth precisely and are generally more comfortable to wear consistently than over-the-counter options. The American Dental Association’s MouthHealthy guide to mouthguards describes three main types:
Growing children and teens may need a new mouthguard as their teeth and jaws change, and any athlete who has had dental work or a facial injury should have the fit rechecked before returning to play. Additionally, oral and maxillofacial surgeons are trained to treat complex facial injuries, combining their knowledge of the teeth and bite with surgical skills to address a wide range of injuries.
What to Do Right After a Facial Injury on the Field
The first minutes after a facial injury can shape the outcome, especially for a knocked-out tooth. Coaches, parents, and athletic trainers can follow these steps while arranging care:
Beyond a knocked-out tooth, an athlete should be pulled from play and evaluated promptly if any of the following appear after a hit to the face:
- Bite changes: The teeth do not come together the way they normally do.
- Jaw pain or locking: Pain, clicking, or difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
- Numbness: Loss of feeling in the lip, chin, cheek, or teeth.
- Vision problems: Double vision, blurred vision, or trouble moving the eyes.
- Head injury symptoms: Confusion, dizziness, nausea, or headache, which call for concussion evaluation.
The New York study above noted that very few facial fractures were documented alongside a concussion, and the authors questioned whether concussions were being missed rather than truly absent. Any athlete with a facial injury should be screened for concussion. If the athlete is unconscious or struggling to breathe, call 911, and for serious but stable injuries, our comparison of emergency dental care and ER visits can help you decide where to go first.
How Oral Surgeons Treat Sports-Related Facial Injuries
Treatment options for sports-related facial injuries vary based on the severity and type of injury. Minor injuries might only require basic first aid and rest, while more serious conditions could necessitate surgical intervention. At Legacy Oral Surgery and Implants, we use current techniques and technology to support the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Dental Injuries
Loosened or displaced teeth are repositioned and often splinted to neighboring teeth while they heal. A knocked-out tooth may be replanted if it was handled well and treated quickly. When a tooth cannot be saved, it is removed and the site is planned for replacement, often with dental implants once the athlete has finished growing and the area has healed.
Fractures and Soft Tissue Repair
This might include oral surgery to repair fractures, reconstructive procedures to address soft tissue damage, or dental surgery for lost or damaged teeth. Jaw and midface fractures are realigned and held in place with small plates and screws or, in some cases, by holding the teeth together while the bone heals. Our article on maxillofacial trauma treatment and rehabilitation walks through diagnosis, fracture repair, and the recovery phases in more detail. Our goal is to restore function and appearance to the highest possible level, allowing athletes to return to their activities with confidence.
In cases where injuries have occurred, timely care is essential. Legacy Oral Surgery and Implants offers a comprehensive range of services designed to treat sports-related injuries effectively. From initial consultation and diagnosis through to surgery and postoperative care, our team ensures that athletes receive the care they need to heal properly.
Returning to Play After a Facial Injury
Return to play depends on the type of injury, how it was treated, and whether the athlete can protect the healing area. In the 2020 study of high school athletes, the average time to return to full athletic participation was:
These are averages from one group of athletes, not a promise for any individual. Your surgeon will clear the athlete based on bone healing, bite stability, and symptoms. Many athletes return with extra protection, such as a face shield or a refitted custom mouthguard, especially in sports where another hit to the same area is likely.
Why Choose Legacy Oral Surgery and Implants for Sports-Related Facial Injuries?
Choosing the right care provider is crucial when dealing with sports-related facial injuries. At Legacy Oral Surgery and Implants, we offer a combination of advanced surgical techniques, current technology, and a compassionate approach to care. Our team, led by Dr. Nancy Herbst, brings over 25 years of experience to each case, from diagnosis through to recovery. Our commitment to personalized care means we work closely with athletes and their families to develop a treatment plan that meets their specific needs and supports a safe return to the sport.
From surgical repair of fractures to procedures designed to minimize scarring, our goal is to help you achieve the best possible outcome. If you’re dealing with a sports-related facial injury or if you’re looking for ways to prevent such injuries, our team is here to provide the care and support you need to recover fully. Let us help you get back in the game with confidence by visiting our contact form to schedule your consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports-Related Facial Injuries
Should I see a dentist or an oral surgeon after a sports injury to the face?
A chipped tooth with no other symptoms can often be handled by a general dentist. If the injury involves a knocked-out or badly displaced tooth, a change in the bite, jaw pain, numbness, or a deep cut inside the mouth, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is trained to evaluate and treat both the teeth and the facial bones.
Are custom mouthguards worth it for young athletes?
For athletes in contact and ball sports, a custom mouthguard offers an individual fit and is usually more comfortable, which makes kids more likely to keep it in. Because children’s teeth and jaws keep changing, the guard may need to be remade or refitted as they grow.
Does a mouthguard prevent concussions?
Mouthguards are designed mainly to protect the teeth, lips, tongue, and jaw. Evidence that they prevent concussions is limited, so athletes still need properly fitted helmets, face protection where the sport allows it, and concussion screening after any significant hit.
When can an athlete return to play after a broken jaw?
Return depends on how the fracture was treated and how well the bone is healing. In one study of high school athletes, return to full participation after a lower jaw fracture averaged about seven to eight weeks. Your surgeon will confirm healing and bite stability before clearing the athlete, and extra protection may be recommended.
Can an athlete play with a chipped or cracked tooth?
It is best to have any chipped or cracked tooth checked before returning to play. A crack can extend below the gumline or into the nerve without obvious pain at first, and another impact can make the damage worse. A mouthguard should also be refitted after any dental repair.
About the Author
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon | Owner, Legacy Oral Surgery
Dr. Nancy Herbst has more than 25 years of experience and leads the team of oral and maxillofacial surgeons at Legacy Oral Surgery. She earned her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from New York University College of Dentistry and served as Chief Resident in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Jersey City Medical Center.
