Body piercing or body modification has suddenly begun to hold center stage in the modern art of self-decoration. Amongst the many types of piercing possible on the body, Tooth Piercing is the least intrusive. At the same time, results can be spectacular. On a beautiful mouth, a smile can be dazzling.
Small decorative blemishes and Gems are used on finely polished teeth, to create an uncanny attraction. Instead of actual piercing, the Tooth is polished first and prepared. It is then etched lightly to create a surface to enable bonding with the jewelry. The jewelry needs to be simple but exciting against the background of white and perfectly formed Teeth.
A Bonding Agent and composite resin are then used to bond the Gem and the Jewelry into position on the tooth. Some people may advise the Wearer to drill a hole through the Tooth. But this is wrong advice, as this may risk the breaking, chipping or even dyeing of the Tooth during or after the operation. Damage of the Tooth, if using Drilling is quite common.
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So, while Drilling is fast, it is generally forbidden by well-wishers and medical opinions alike. But it takes patience to mount a gem on a perfectly healthy tooth, without any immediate or subsequent harm. So a re-course to a Dental doctor rather than the usual Piercer is advised. This way, the health of the tooth being pierced, as well as its neighbors, will be protected against any permanent damage. Tooth Piercing or Dental Piercing is also known as a part of Oral Piercing.
Tooth Gems – A Take
The shapes and sizes of jewelry for Tooth Piercings are suited to the tooth being pierced or etched. One popular shape is that of a Metal Stem with a smooth flat disk and a sphere. Another popular shape is that of a closed ring, which is also known as the Seamless Rings. Rings that are not closed are often also known as Horseshoes or Circular Barbells.
These generally have a sphere or may have it on one end and a disk on the other. The ‘Studs’, as this type of jewelry is called, is often held together by the magnetic force created by a set of powerful internal reversed magnets, which creates a force that is way higher than a magnet’s force.
Another method of holding together the Stud, or similar jewelry, is through internal threading. Both permanent magnets and internal threading are used, so that the parts of the jewelry may be opened up for cleaning periodically. Minute food particles tend to collect and cling to the surface of the jewelry, and cleaning with antiseptic soap solutions, at regular intervals, seems to be the only way to reduce or even abolish Oral infections.
Generally, internal threading of the jewelry is preferred to external threading. This, together with the cleaning, creates a smoother and cleaner surface and prevents traumatic situations for the Wearer. The ideal materials for the best jewelry include Implant Quality, Stainless Steel, Niobium, and Titanium.
Later, after healing, Gold that is 14K or high, Platinum, Teflon or Tygon for jewelry are accepted too. Materials may cause an allergic reaction, like Nickel, must be avoided. Sterling Silver may cause teeth or Gum discoloration, though the Wearer is generally not allergic to these materials. Plastic or Acrylics should be avoided as they are often porous, and become homes for infection-causing bacteria.
These last materials mentioned are sometimes used for temporary adornment, or simply to use the Tooth space for retention of shape and depth. Ivory, Bone, and Stone have been in heavy use traditionally, but are very rarely used because of questions of durability and relief from the infection.
Complications and the Pain Barrier
Any form of body modification such as Tattooing and Piercing can have the propensity to cause harm to the Wearer. Tooth piercing is no exception. Before carrying out the operation, the Wearer must be conscious of the risks involved in the operation and to the danger to them.
The Oral cavity is a moist, warm and often enclosed environment, which may contain numerous bacteria and micro-organisms. Some of this bacterium can produce infections and toxins that are harmful to the Wearer’s mouth and body, and can even be contagious.
The Oral cavity is a moist, warm and often enclosed environment, which may contain numerous bacteria and micro-organisms. Some of this bacterium can produce infections and toxins that are harmful to the Wearer’s mouth and body, and can even be contagious.
The Bacteria may harm both the Wearer and the people in his neighborhood. Without proper control, the infection may transfer, through the pierced wound, into the bloodstream and result in several fearsome consequences. Some of these complications are as follows:
- The first and primary procedure of piercing
- Post piercing, there can be short term complications.
- Post-operative complications that can occur after some time.
- Other concerns could be:
- Hepatitis B, C, D, E, G
- HIV/ AIDS
- Herpes Simplex
- Epstein-Barr
- Brain Abscess
- Bacteremia
- Pierced Site Infection, with Bacteremia, and several other complications.
Painless Procedure – Tooth Piercing by the Etching Method
Tooth Piercing by the Etching Method is nearly painless. This is of course if the Piercer avoids the main nerves in the tooth cavity, and sticks to the thickness of the enamel envelope. It is assumed that if the Dental Surgeon does the procedure, such knowledge will be commonplace to him (or her), and the added complications of touching a nerve will not be broached.
It is therefore clear that the Pain Barrier is not likely to be exceeded during the Tooth Piercing Operation. However, this is true as long as the Etching Method is used. But some Piercers, to save time and effort, use the Drilling Technique. This can have multiple complications, and lingering pain.
It is difficult to control the Dental Drill, and any slip can cause long-lasting damage in the Wearer’s oral cavity. Teeth may be chipped, nerves may be damaged, and infection may set in and hamper recovery.
Long Term Damage
Dental Piercing with any Drill, even a Dental Drill, is a recipe for disaster. The jewelry installed needs a shallow bed, perfectly constructed. This is OK if the correct technique is used, such as the Etching Method.
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But the common method used by hustling Piercers competing with each other is the Drill machine, which, while speeding up each “shot”, Leaves Lasting Damage in the poor Wearer’s mouth, which can haunt him or her all the remaining life.
Nerve endings damaged may require extensive and costly dental surgery to correct. Nerve damage can be permanent, and cause lifelong misery to the Wearer, and damaging legal recourse against the Wearer. Infections can create further serious conditions unless suppressed.
Ultimately ulcers can result, which may take substantial funds and extreme suffering to repair. In the worst case, even Malignant Tumors have been the result of incautious selection and use of technique and improper equipment. Without frightening the potential Wearer, it is always wise to err on the safe side, isn’t it?
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Choosing a Professional Piercer – A Knowhow
Body piercing or modification must not be taken casually. The would-be Client must study the subject carefully. This is because, not only does his/her social popularity, but also his/her future health may depend on his/her choice of Piercer.
There is a certifying body called The Association of Professional Piercers (TAPP) and similar certifying groups around the world, where the Client can select the best suited to his/her needs. The main areas to be checked are:
- Knowledge of anatomy, medical conditions, sterilization and infection control measures.
- Is the location separate and has Sterilization control?
- Is the equipment suitable for the operation and sterile?
- Is the jewelry sterile and has quality material?
- Is medical history studied and discussed with the Client before the operation?
- Is full aftercare provided?
- Proper documentation is provided to the Client after the operation.
A Winning Smile
People search for a smile that will win over the hearts of friends and neighbors, perhaps even the enemies. For this, what is required is love and goodwill towards fellow humans and not gems in the teeth. A perfectly natural and decently cared for set of teeth will do the job perfectly.
But people are constantly in search of that extra something that will make the sunshine on them and the flood gates of fame and fortune will open for them. It is no longer Tribal necessities of piercing that moves the people of today. It is simply the desire to flaunt their wealth and with it increase the attraction of other people for themselves.
While some of it may be sexual, most of it seems to be pure egotism. These people will not listen to sensible advice. So people will still pierce their bodies and their teeth, hoping that this will fulfill their lives.
The original reasons for body piercings have been forgotten. It is the hype that convinces the youth generation. So harmful or not, modern Tooth Piercing or Dental Piercing is here to stay. So, what are you still waiting for? Tell us about your tattoo piercings.
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