Have you ever wondered how removing wisdom teeth might affect your face shape? Many people undergo this common procedure, often to alleviate pain or prevent dental issues, but few consider its potential impact on their appearance. This detailed examination delves into whether wisdom teeth removal can influence facial structure, from subtle changes in jawline definition to shifts in cheek contour.
The Role of Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as the third molars, are the final molars to erupt through the gums at the back of your mouth, just in front of your second molars. It’s normal for wisdom teeth to begin forming during childhood and teenage years, but not everyone develops them. Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They’re called wisdom teeth because they come in at a time when you’re supposed to be wiser than you were as a child.
Wisdom teeth used to play an important role a long time ago, but since our diet has changed dramatically over the past thousands of years, we don't need this third set of molars anymore. Our bodies are getting the memo and about a third of people are born without wisdom teeth.
Why Wisdom Teeth Removal is Necessary
Those who do get them, often find that there isn't enough room in the mouth for these teeth, and that can cause several problems. There are many reasons why you might need to have your wisdom teeth extracted (also known as “extractions”). Some people have too much room for their wisdom teeth and others don’t have enough room; this can lead to misalignment or crowding of other teeth in the mouth. If you have a lot of crowding in your mouth, it’s possible that your wisdom teeth could push forward or outward, causing your jawline to change shape.
Benefits of Removing Wisdom Teeth
So, by removing wisdom teeth you can:
Read also: Get Rid of Facial Hair
- Prevent Overcrowding: When wisdom teeth start to erupt, they may push on other teeth, causing them to shift. Removing wisdom teeth can help maintain your oral health and keep your teeth in their correct positions.
- Prevent Tooth Decay: Because of their location, wisdom teeth can be difficult to clean properly, making them more likely to develop decay. Removal can prevent dental health issues.
- Prevent Pain and Discomfort: Wisdom teeth can cause quite a lot of pain and discomfort, especially if they're impacted (they're not able to fully emerge.) Removing them can help you prevent all this trouble.
- Protect Previous Cosmetic Dental Work: If you spent years in braces to get a perfect smile, your wisdom teeth could wreak havoc on those results later down the line.
- Prevent Infections: With impacted wisdom teeth, small cuts may be left in the gums, allowing bacteria to fester and potentially cause infection.
Will My Face Look Different after Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Removing wisdom teeth, especially impacted ones, can lead to temporary changes in facial shape due to swelling and the healing process. At first, you may see some puffiness or unevenness as your body heals from the surgery. However, these changes are usually short-term. Once the swelling subsides and healing is complete, most people do not experience significant long-term alterations in their facial structure. The surrounding teeth and jawbone adapt, maintaining your facial appearance.
Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Permanently Change Face Shape?
Wisdom teeth extraction is unlikely to cause permanent changes to your face shape, even as an adult. While the procedure can lead to temporary swelling and discomfort, these effects are not lasting. The extraction process involves removing the third molars, which can temporarily affect the adjacent teeth and jawbone. However, once the recovery period is over, the soft tissues and bone regenerate, restoring the natural shape of your face. Permanent facial changes are rare and typically associated with extensive dental work beyond routine wisdom tooth removal.
It is important to remember when having your wisdom teeth removed is doing so can actually protect the shape and appearance of your existing smile. If there is no room for these teeth, they push the rest of your teeth as they grow.
Will My Cheeks Look Sunken In?
It is uncommon for cheeks to look sunken in after wisdom teeth removal. The extraction might cause temporary swelling, making cheeks appear fuller initially. As the swelling subsides, your facial structure generally returns to its pre-surgery state. Any minor changes in the jawbone or soft tissues do not typically result in noticeable sunken cheeks. Maintaining good oral health and following your dentist’s post-operative care instructions can help ensure a smooth recovery without lasting alterations to your facial appearance.
What Temporary Changes Can I Expect Post-Wisdom Teeth Removal?
After wisdom teeth extraction, you may experience several temporary changes. Swelling and bruising around the extraction site and jaw are common, often peaking within the first 48 hours. Pain and discomfort are also typical, which can be managed with prescribed painkillers. Keeping your head elevated can help reduce swelling. Soft tissue healing and bone regeneration will occur over the next few weeks. You might notice slight changes in your bite as your mouth adjusts, but these should resolve as your recovery progresses.
Read also: Choosing the right facial peel mask
There are pockets of soft tissue, like muscle and fat, that surround the wisdom teeth. Therefore, when the teeth are removed, this can cause a bit of trauma to those tissues. This often leads to some swelling right after your surgery. Therefore, it is common for your face to be somewhat swollen right after having the teeth removed.
So, if you notice any puffiness or slight distortion in the jaw or cheek area, know that these effects usually subside within a week or two. Rarely, if the surgery causes severe or prolonged swelling, or if there are complications such as infection or nerve damage, there could potentially be longer-lasting changes, but these are not common outcomes.
How Long Will It Take for My Face to Return to Normal?
After wisdom teeth removal, your face should return to normal within a few days to a week. Swelling and bruising are common immediately after surgery but typically subside within 7 to 10 days. Full recovery, where the gum tissue heals completely, can take a couple of weeks. Factors like the complexity of the extraction and individual healing rates influence the recovery process.
How Can I Minimize Swelling and Bruising after Wisdom Teeth Removal?
To minimize swelling and bruising after wisdom tooth extraction, apply an ice pack to the affected area for the first 24-48 hours, alternating 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off. Keep your head elevated, especially while sleeping, to reduce swelling. Avoid vigorous physical activity and smoking, as these can exacerbate swelling. Stick to a soft diet and stay hydrated. Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can also help manage swelling and discomfort. For optimal recovery, follow your dentist’s specific post-operative care instructions.
What Should I Expect During the Healing Process?
You can expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort during the healing process after wisdom teeth extraction, especially in the first few days. Pain can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medications. Keeping the extraction site clean is crucial to prevent infection; rinse gently with salt water as recommended. Soft tissue healing generally takes about 1-2 weeks, while complete bone healing may take several weeks to a few months. As healing progresses, any temporary changes in your bite or facial structure should resolve, and your oral health will gradually improve.
Read also: PRP Facial Recovery Tips
Wisdom Teeth Removal Procedure
Wisdom teeth are usually removed by an oral surgeon. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, which numbs the area around your mouth. You may also be given sedation to help you relax. Once you're numb, the doctor will make a small incision in your gum and remove the tooth through that opening.
Most people recover from wisdom teeth removal within a few days. However, some people may experience complications, such as dry sockets or infection. Dry sockets occur when the blood clot that forms at the site of the extraction is dislodged. Infection can occur if bacteria enter the wound.