Do Wisdom Teeth Removals Change Your Face Shape?

  • Home
  • /
  • Blog
  • /
  • Do Wisdom Teeth Removals Change Your Face Shape?
do wisdom teeth removals change your face shape

Wisdom teeth removal is sometimes an optional prophylactic procedure, but it may sometimes be necessary if the teeth are impacted or difficult in any manner. Every patient will notice some difference in their appearance immediately after extraction, and many express anxiety that they will experience negative, long-term, or irreversible facial changes.

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often make their appearance during the late teens or early twenties. For many, their emergence can be accompanied by discomfort, pain, and the looming prospect of extraction. Beyond the concerns about the procedure itself, a common question asked at our dental clinic in Winnipeg is whether wisdom teeth removal can alter one’s face shape. In this blog, we’ll delve into the science behind wisdom teeth removal and explore whether it has any significant impact on the structure of your face.

Wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth are vestiges from our evolutionary past, believed to have once served a purpose in helping our ancestors grind down tough plant material. However, as human diets have evolved, the need for these additional molars has diminished, leading to complications such as impaction, crowding, and misalignment. As a result, many individuals undergo the removal of their wisdom teeth to prevent potential dental issues.

What are the benefits of wisdom teeth extractions?

You can benefit from wisdom tooth extraction near you to alleviate pain or suffering caused by impacted or fully emerged teeth that cause cosmetic issues. Aside from that, this surgery provides numerous other advantages to patients.

Anatomy of Face Shape

To understand whether wisdom teeth removal can influence face shape, it’s essential to grasp the factors that contribute to facial structure. The bones of the face, including the maxilla and mandible, play a crucial role in determining the overall shape. However, it’s important to note that the influence of wisdom teeth on face shape is not direct.

Impact on Face Shape

While the removal of wisdom teeth primarily addresses dental concerns, some individuals report subtle changes in their facial appearance post-extraction. However, these changes are often temporary and can be attributed to factors such as swelling, bruising, and muscle tightness during the initial recovery period.

Role of Swelling

Swelling is a natural response to any surgical procedure, including wisdom tooth removal. It can affect the appearance of the face temporarily, making it seem fuller or rounder. Thus, it is important to do aftercare for wisdom tooth extraction. As the swelling subsides, which typically occurs within a few days to a couple of weeks, the face returns to its normal contours.

Muscle Tension and Jaw Movement

The process of extracting wisdom teeth may involve manipulation of the jaw, leading to temporary muscle tension. This tension impacted wisdom tooth extraction, combined with changes in jaw movement during the recovery phase, can contribute to a sense of tightness in the face. As the muscles relax and adapt, any perceived alterations in face shape gradually disappear.

Talk to Westend Dental.

In essence, while wisdom teeth removal may have some transient effects on the face, any significant and lasting changes in face shape are unlikely. The procedure is primarily focused on addressing dental concerns and preventing potential issues related to the misalignment or impaction of wisdom teeth.

If you’re considering wisdom teeth removal, it’s crucial to consult with your oral surgeon or dentist to discuss the specifics of your case. They can provide personalized information based on your unique dental anatomy and address any concerns you may have about the potential impact on your face shape. Ultimately, the decision to undergo wisdom teeth removal should be based on dental health considerations, with the understanding that any temporary changes in facial appearance are part of the natural healing process.