Have you ever heard about wisdom teeth? These are the last set of molars that usually come in during your late teens or early twenties. For some people, these teeth grow just fine and don’t cause any problems. But for many others, wisdom teeth can lead to pain, infections, and other dental issues.
When that happens, dentists often recommend having them removed. But you might wonder, how does getting tooth extractions near you affect the shape of your face? Let’s dive in and find out.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars located at the very back of your mouth. They are called “wisdom” teeth because they come in at a more mature age.
Why Do People Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Sometimes, there isn’t enough space in your mouth for these extra teeth. When this happens, wisdom teeth can grow in at weird angles, even sideways. They can also push against other teeth, leading to pain and crowding. In some cases, wisdom teeth don’t fully come through the gums, which can trap food and bacteria and cause infections.
To prevent these problems, dentists often suggest removing wisdom teeth. This process is known as wisdom teeth extraction.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Extraction?
Wisdom tooth extraction is a common dental surgery. Before the surgery, the dentist will numb the area around your teeth, so you won’t feel any pain. Sometimes, you might even be put to sleep during the procedure. The dentist then carefully removes the teeth.
After the surgery, you might have some swelling and discomfort for a few days, but this usually goes away pretty quickly.
How Does Wisdom Teeth Extraction Affect Your Face Shape?
Now, let’s get to the big question: How does the face change after wisdom teeth removal?
1. Temporary Swelling
After the surgery, you might notice your cheeks look puffier than usual. It is normal and happens because your body is healing from the procedure. This swelling is temporary and should go down within a week or two.
2. Jaw Structure
Some people worry that removing wisdom teeth will change their jawline. The extraction doesn’t really change the bone structure of your jaw. Your jaw might feel a bit different right after the surgery because of the swelling, but once it heals, your jawline will look the same as it did before.
3. Cheekbones
The bones in your cheeks, called cheekbones, are not affected by wisdom tooth extraction. These bones give your face its shape and are much higher up than where your wisdom teeth are located. So, you don’t need to worry about your cheekbones changing shape.
4. Facial Slimming Myths
There is a myth that wisdom teeth removal can slim down your face. It isn’t really true. While your face might look slightly thinner right after the swelling goes down, this is only because the swelling from the surgery has subsided, not because your actual face shape has changed.
5. Overall Face Shape
For most people, having their wisdom teeth removed doesn’t change their overall face shape. The areas affected by the surgery are usually inside the mouth and lower jaw, which don’t play a big role in the shape of your face.
What to Expect After Surgery
After your wisdom teeth are removed, you’ll need to take care of your mouth to help it heal properly. Here are some tips:
- Rest: Take it easy for a few days. Your body needs time to heal.
- Ice Packs: Use ice packs on your cheeks to reduce swelling.
- Soft Foods: Eat soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Avoid hard, chewy, or spicy foods.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water, but avoid using straws because the sucking motion can disturb the healing process.
- Oral Hygiene: Be gentle while you are practicing oral hygiene habits. Brush your teeth carefully and avoid the extraction sites.
Summarizing Words
Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a common procedure that helps prevent dental problems. While it might cause temporary changes like swelling, it doesn’t permanently alter the shape of your face. Your jawline, cheekbones, and overall face shape will remain the same after you’ve healed.
Remember, if you have any concerns about your wisdom teeth or the extraction process, it’s always a good idea to talk to your dentist in NE Calgary. Totally Dental can give you the best advice for your specific situation. So don’t worry. Your beautiful smile and face shape will stay just as they are, even after your wisdom teeth are gone.