TMZSports.com
Ice hockey star Jack Hughes celebrated a gold medal victory for Team USA, but not without a price – a cracked tooth and a potentially dislodged one. The incident has sparked discussion about the risks athletes face and the immediate dental care required.
Dr. Jason Auerbach, oral and maxillofacial surgeon for the New Jersey Devils, assessed the injury, suggesting a fractured front tooth and possible displacement of another. This highlights the potential for significant dental trauma in high-impact sports.
Immediate treatment will focus on managing swelling and providing a temporary fix. Full restoration, potentially including surgery, could take weeks.
Hughes, however, downplayed the injury, stating that losing teeth is part of the game. He intends to address the dental function after celebrating the victory.
The injury occurred after Hughes was struck in the mouth with a stick during the gold medal game against Canada.
Hughes’s resilience, scoring the game-winning goal despite the injury, exemplifies the dedication and toughness of Olympic athletes.
