Can Wisdom Teeth Extraction Change The Shape Of Your Face?

Let’s explore the reasons for and benefits of wisdom teeth removal and whether patients should expect their face to change after extraction.

The What And Why Of Wisdom Teeth Removal

If your wisdom teeth are healthy and not causing crowding or damage to your other teeth, it is perfectly acceptable to leave them as is. But sometimes wisdom teeth extraction is necessary. This may be because:

• The wisdom teeth have become trapped in your jawbone/gum
• There is insufficient space in your mouth for them to grow properly
• Cavities have developed on your wisdom teeth
• Your wisdom teeth are growing at the wrong angle, crowding your existing teeth

Patients requiring extraction may be experiencing:

• Wisdom tooth pain
• Tender or bleeding gums
• Difficulty opening your mouth
• Bad breath/unpleasant taste in your mouth
• Jaw pain/swelling
• Swollen/red gums

Extraction will eliminate any pain and alleviate any crowding caused by problematic wisdom teeth.

Does Extraction Change The Shape Of Your Face?

So the big question remains… Will wisdom teeth extraction change your face shape? The definitive answer is “No” There is no substantive data to indicate that the removal of these teeth will change your face shape. That said, you will notice temporary changes to your face due to swelling. This may contribute to the perception that face shape changes post- surgery. This is why your face may appear slimmer once you are healed:

1. Minor swelling can persist for some patients for weeks after extraction. Your face may just appear to be thinner once swelling is completely gone.
2. Many patients eat less immediately after extraction, but some notice disruptions to their appetite or find themselves avoiding food if they are experiencing prolonged pain or discomfort. Minor weight loss is not unusual during recovery, and the face may be one of the first areas to have visible slimming.

It is also important to note that the shape of everyone’s face changes as they mature and age. Wisdom teeth are often extracted during the teen years or early 20s. This can be a time of rapid change regardless of wisdom teeth removal.

Bio Compatible and Pain Free Wisdom Teeth Extraction in Calgary

If you are experiencing any of the common symptoms indicating that wisdom teeth removal may be necessary such as:

• Pain in and around your wisdom teeth 
• Jaw stiffness 
• Wisdom tooth impaction (pain, swelling, tenderness, and damage to other teeth) 
• Tooth decay and damage to nearby teeth 

The team at Dr. Korol Dental can assess the condition of your wisdom teeth and determine whether extraction is recommended. Acting quickly when you begin to experience pain or discomfort will help you avoid further complications. Dr. Korol Dental specializes in biocompatible dentistry to help our patients achieve optimal oral and overall health. Contact our team in the SW neighbourhood of Mission for further information on tooth extraction, sedation dentistry,and all dental services. Call us at 1-403-245-9099 to book your appointment.

FAQs

Q:  How long will it take to recover from a wisdom tooth extraction?
A: In most cases, the healing period for a wisdom tooth extraction is three days. However, for some patients, it can take up to seven days to heal completely.

Q: At what age should I opt for a wisdom tooth extraction?
A: Wisdom teeth typically erupt between the ages of 17-25. It is important to remember that the longer you wait to remove your wisdom teeth, the higher your risk of developing complications, such as nerve damage. 

Q: When is it okay to keep my wisdom teeth?
A:  In some cases, your mouth has enough room to let your wisdom teeth erupt healthily. In such cases, they will not cause pain or damage to your surrounding teeth and do not need to be extracted.