U.S. Olympics hockey hero Jack Hughes’ future includes dental implants
Milan-Cortina Olympics hero Jack Hughes is likely considering a dental implant to replace teeth that fell out of his mouth during the third period of the men’s hockey final between the United States and Canada on Sunday.
Once the euphoria of scoring the game-winning goal in overtime subsides and the celebrations cease, Hughes will undergo a surgical procedure that most dentists agree is far superior to alternatives such as dental bridges or partial dentures.
Titanium rods will be inserted into his jaw, serving as new roots for the teeth. Once the posts are secure and her mouth is healed, custom crowns matched to her natural teeth in shape, color and size will be placed on each post.
Hughes, who is in the fourth year of an eight-year, $64 million contract with the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, has no concerns about getting the best care possible. Of course, healthcare is free in Italy and he could have stayed there during the procedure, but he told reporters he wanted it to be done at home.
Jack Hughes of the United States reacts after receiving his gold medal after Team USA beat Canada in the men’s ice hockey gold medal game.
(Luca Bruno/AP)
“I’m lucky to come from the best country in the world and we have great dentists there too,” Hughes said, stroking the gold medal hanging around his neck. “I’m lucky to be American and they’re going to take care of me.”
When Canadian forward Sam Bennett’s high stick hit his mouth in the third period, Hughes looked down and rolled his eyes.
“I looked on the ice and saw my teeth,” said Hughes, who had a tooth knocked out in an NHL game a few years ago. “I was like, ‘Here we go again.’ The last time this happened, it wasn’t very fun.
Tooth loss is an occupational hazard for hockey players. They know that implants can be as effective as real ones. Hughes continued to play while looking like a jack-o-lantern.
“Who cares at this point, to be honest?” » said his American teammate Matt Boldy. “I think more people look at his medal than his teeth. I’m sure he’ll do well.”
Attention was certainly focused on Hughes’ overtime exploits. He returned to the game a minute into overtime at 3-on-3 and quickly found himself the only American player between Canadian superstar Connor McDavid and the goal.
Oh, and McDavid had the puck on his stick.
Hughes backed up slightly, bracing himself for another painful collision using his body as a barrier. McDavid couldn’t get a clean shot and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck – who will forever be remembered for his heroics throughout the game – knocked the puck away.
Less than a minute later, Hughes took a cross-ice pass from Zach Werenski and fired it past Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington. Game over.
“I handed it to the right guy,” Werenski said. “He was hot all tournament.”
This hasn’t been true for a long time. Hughes underperformed in last year’s 4 Nations showdown – which Canada won – before shoulder surgery ended his NHL season. This season, he missed five weeks with the Devils after cutting his right thumb on broken glass at a team dinner.
His older brother and teammate Quinn Hughes, who led the U.S. team with eight points during the Olympics, knows the emotional roller coaster Jack endured. The thrill ride couldn’t have ended better.
“[Jack] is an animal,” Quinn said. “He’s been through a lot with his shoulders. It takes a lot of [crap]. No one loves the game more than him. He has so much passion. He’s a player. He managed to get there.
Their parents, Jim and Ellen, were present. Ellen Weinberg-Hughes is a player development consultant for the U.S. women’s hockey team, which also won gold. There’s no doubt that Mom will schedule that dentist appointment for Jack sooner rather than later.
