Piercings are a popular form of self-expression, and many people have them in different body parts, including the mouth. While piercings are fashionable and trendy, they may not be suitable for dental procedures. If you have oral piercings, you might be wondering whether you need to take them out before a dental appointment. In this article, we will discuss whether you have to Take Out Piercings At the Dentist and the potential risks of keeping them in.
Why Do Dentists Ask You to Take Out Piercings?
When you go to the dentist, you will be asked to remove any oral piercings you have. Dentists usually request this because oral piercings can interfere with the dental procedures they need to perform. For example, if you have a tongue piercing, it can get in the way of your dentist’s view, making it harder for them to see what they are doing. Similarly, if you have a lip piercing, the jewelry may scratch or damage your teeth during a dental procedure.
Another reason dentists ask you to remove your piercings is safety. Oral piercings can pose a risk of choking or swallowing during dental procedures. The jewelry can also become loose or dislodged, leading to a choking hazard or injury. Therefore, dentists prefer their patients remove piercings before the procedure to avoid potential hazards.
What Happens If You Don’t Take Out Piercings At the Dentist?
If you don’t remove your oral piercings before a dental appointment, your dentist may ask you to take them out or reschedule your appointment. This is because oral piercings can cause various complications during dental procedures, including:
Damage to Teeth
Oral piercings, especially lip and tongue piercings, can damage your teeth during dental procedures. The jewelry can chip or crack your teeth, leading to further dental problems that require more extensive treatment.
Obstruction of View:
Oral piercings can obstruct the dentist’s view, making it harder for them to see what they are doing. This can make the procedure take longer, increasing the risk of complications.
Infection:
Oral piercings can increase the risk of infection during dental procedures. The jewelry can harbor bacteria, and if it comes in contact with dental instruments or the dentist’s hands, it can cause an infection.
Swelling:
Oral piercings can cause swelling in the mouth, making it harder for the dentist to perform the procedure. This can also make it harder for you to recover from the procedure.
What Types of Piercings Should You Remove Before a Dental Procedure?
If you have oral piercings, you should remove them before a dental procedure. The following are some common types of oral piercings that you should take out:
Tongue Piercings:
Tongue piercings are one of the most popular types of oral piercings. However, they can pose a risk during dental procedures. You should remove your tongue piercing before a dental appointment to avoid any complications.
Lip Piercings:
Lip piercings are another popular type of oral piercing. They can get in the way of dental procedures, and the jewelry can scratch your teeth. It is best to remove your lip piercing before your dental appointment.
Cheek Piercings:
Cheek piercings are less common than tongue and lip piercings. However, they can still pose a risk during dental procedures. It is best to remove your cheek piercing before a dental appointment.
The steps you can follow to remove your oral piercings before a dental procedure:
- Plan ahead: Before your dental appointment, plan to remove your piercings in advance. This will give you enough time to take out the jewelry and allow any swelling to go down.
- Wash your hands: Before removing your piercings, make sure you wash your hands with soap and water. This will help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.
- Use gloves: If you have difficulty removing your piercings, you can gently grip the jewelry and twist it out.
- Soak in warm water: If your piercing is stuck, you can try soaking it in warm water to loosen it up. This will make it easier to remove.
- Use lubrication: If your piercing is still difficult to remove, use a lubricant such as petroleum jelly to help ease it.
- Store safely: Once you have removed your piercing, make sure to store it in a safe and clean place. This will help prevent it from getting lost or contaminated.
FAQs
Can I keep my oral piercings in during a dental procedure?
No, you should remove your oral piercings before a dental procedure. Oral piercings can cause complications during dental procedures, including damage to teeth, obstruction of view, infection, and swelling.
What types of oral piercings should I remove before a dental procedure?
Before a dental procedure, you should remove all types of oral piercings, including tongue, lip, and cheek piercings.
How do I remove my oral piercings before a dental procedure?
You can remove your oral piercings by planning ahead, washing your hands, using gloves, soaking in warm water, using lubrication, and storing the jewelry safely.
Can I put my oral piercings back in after the dental procedure?
Yes, you can return your oral piercings after the dental procedure. However, it would be best if you waited until any swelling has gone down and ensure the area is clean and infection-free.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to remove your oral piercings before a dental procedure. Oral piercings can cause various complications during dental procedures, including damage to teeth, obstruction of view, infection, and swelling. By removing your piercings, you can help make the dental procedure safer and more comfortable for both you and your dentist. If you have any questions or concerns about removing your piercings before a dental procedure, you should talk to your dentist or piercer for advice.
