You've most likely heard of ear, body, and oral piercings. How about a tooth piercing? This fashion involves pinning a gem, stone, or other jewelry to a tooth in your mouth.
While the procedure might brighten your smile, it involves some risks.
Read on to understand more about tooth piercing and the associated risks.
What is a tooth piercing?
A hole is not drilled through your teeth with a tooth piercing. Instead, the jewelry is gently affixed to the surface of the tooth.
Gems come in a variety of forms and sizes. Popular options include:
- crystals
- sapphires
- diamonds
- rubies
Tooth piercings are typically performed on teeth at the front of the mouth, away from the gum line.
A temporary tooth piercing can usually last up to 6 weeks. You can leave a semi-permanent tooth piercing on for as long as you choose.
What’s the procedure like?
The tooth-piercing method is quite simple. There should be no pain before or after the diamond is put.
- Tooth prep. Your tooth enamel will be cleansed and prepared before the operation. An acid etch will be performed to clean your tooth.
- Composite application. The area where your jewelry will be inserted will be treated with a bonding agent and a composite (a resin material developed for teeth).
- Jewelry placement. The jewelry will then be secured into the composite by a piercing expert or a cosmetic dentist using the equipment.
- Setting. The composite is cured (hardened) using a specific lamp. The jewel only takes around 20 to 60 seconds to set into the composite.
- Aftercare. Brushing your teeth vigorously and consuming hot or sticky meals should be avoided. Following a tooth piercing, it is critical to practice good dental hygiene. Also, after the jewelry is in place, try not to touch or play with it.
Drilling is not usually required to insert a tooth piercing, though some people may have their teeth drilled by a specialist.
Drilling a hole through the tooth to fasten the ring through it is how tooth rings are installed. This is not advised owing to the risk of irreparable tooth damage.
Who performs the procedure?
Teeth piercings can be obtained in a dentist's office or piercing salon.
As with any piercing, seek out a certified specialist who works in a clean, sanitary environment. The treatment is even performed by some dentists.
To remove a tooth jewel, you can either wait for it to fall off naturally or visit a dentist.
Are there any complications to be aware of?
One of the most serious problems with a tooth piercing is that the jewelry may break and be swallowed or aspirated.
Other potential hazards and problems are as follows:
- enamel wear or abrasion
- allergic reaction
- damage to your lips if the jewelry rubs against them
- chipped or damaged adjacent teeth
- tooth sensitivity
- a bad smell in the mouth
- gum inflammation or recession around the jewelry
- mouth infection
- tooth decay due to impaired brushing
Furthermore, the procedure of preparing and conditioning the tooth for a piercing can frequently permanently alter the surface of the tooth.
There has been little research into the long-term safety of wearing dental jewelry and piercings. This service is not available from every dentist.
Why get a tooth piercing?
There are numerous reasons why people choose to have their teeth pierced. For one thing, it's a hot fashion trend.
A piercing, if placed correctly, can help conceal a tooth discoloration or stained region.
It can also fill in small gaps between teeth and draw attention away from uneven teeth in your mouth.
Many people prefer tooth piercing because it is a temporary, less invasive, and painless process.
How much does it cost?
According to Tattoodoo, a global community and booking platform for tattoo artists, the average cost of a tooth piercing is $25.
Prices, however, vary. To acquire precise prices, speak with the piercing practitioner you're considering.
Because it is a cosmetic operation, medical insurance is unlikely to pay the costs.
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