Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Change Face Shape?
If you’re dealing with uncomfortable wisdom teeth and are thinking about getting them removed, you might be wondering if it could change the shape of your face. It’s a pretty common concern, but don’t worry – most of the time, wisdom teeth removal surgery won’t cause any permanent changes to your facial structure. However, there are a few temporary things that could make your face look a little different for a while, so let’s break it down so you know what to expect.
Why Do We Even Have Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third molars that usually pop up in your late teens or early twenties. For some people, these teeth don’t cause any problems, but for others, they can lead to pain, infection, or even misalignment of your other teeth. When wisdom teeth cause issues like impaction or infection, your dentist will likely suggest removing them to avoid future dental problems.
So, what does that mean for your face shape? Let’s dive into how wisdom teeth removal affects your appearance.
Impact of Wisdom Teeth Removal Surgery On Your Face
Your face shape is mostly determined by your jawbone, muscles, and the alignment of your teeth. Wisdom teeth sit way in the back of your mouth, behind your other molars. Since they’re so far from the front of your mouth, removing them doesn’t really affect the shape of your face. So, you don’t need to worry about a major change in how your face looks just because you’re getting your wisdom teeth out.
That said, there are a few temporary effects during the recovery process that can make you feel like your face is a bit different for a while.
Temporary Changes You Might See After Removal
Even though your face shape won’t permanently change, there are some things you might notice right after the procedure. These are mostly short-term and will go away as you heal.
1. Swelling and Puffiness
The most common thing people notice after wisdom teeth removal is swelling. Swelling happens because your body is healing and sending blood to the extraction sites. This can make your cheeks, jaw, and chin look puffier than usual, especially during the first 48-72 hours. The good news? This is totally normal, and the swelling will start to go down in about a week or so.
It might feel like your face looks fuller, but once the swelling goes down, your face will look the same as it did before the extraction.
2. Bruising
You may also notice some bruising around the area where the teeth were removed. It’s a little like when you bump into something and get a bruise – except this time, it’s from the surgery. Bruising can make your face look a little different, but it’s not something that lasts forever. As your body heals, the bruising will fade away, usually within a week or two.
3. Jaw Stiffness
For a little while after the surgery, you might experience some stiffness in your jaw. This is normal after any surgery in that area and can make it harder to open your mouth wide or chew comfortably. This might make your face look a little off, especially if one side of your jaw feels more swollen than the other. But once the stiffness goes away, everything will go back to normal.
4. Soft Tissue Changes Inside Your Mouth
After the surgery, the soft tissues inside your mouth may feel a little different as they heal. Your gums might be tender, and you may have some stitches that will dissolve over time. But these internal changes won’t impact how your face looks on the outside.
What About Long-Term Changes?
For most people, there are no long-term changes to their face shape after wisdom teeth removal. Once the swelling and bruising go away, your face should return to its normal appearance.
In very rare cases, if your wisdom teeth were causing significant problems like crowding or shifting of your other teeth, removing them might help improve the alignment of your smile. But again, this is more about your teeth aligning properly than about any noticeable change in your face shape.
Can Wisdom Teeth Removal Improve Your Facial Appearance?
You might be wondering if there’s any chance that removing wisdom teeth could actually make your face look better in the long run. While wisdom teeth removal doesn’t directly change your facial features, there are cases where it can indirectly improve the overall look of your smile. For example, if your wisdom teeth were crowding your other teeth, removing them might help those teeth shift into a more natural position. But these changes are subtle, and it’s not something that will drastically change the shape of your face.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
To help minimise any temporary changes and make sure your recovery goes smoothly, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Follow Aftercare Instructions:
Listen to your dentist’s post-surgery advice. They know what will help you heal the fastest and most comfortably.
2. Rest Up:
Take it easy for a few days, and don’t push yourself too hard while your body is recovering.
3. Use Cold Compresses:
Cold packs can help reduce swelling and bruising. Apply them to your face for 20-minute intervals to keep things under control.
4. Eat Soft Foods:
Stick to a soft-food diet for the first few days to avoid irritating the extraction sites. Think mashed potatoes, soups, and smoothies!
5. Stay Hydrated:
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help your body heal.
Conclusion
So, does wisdom teeth removal change your face shape? In most cases, the answer is no. While you might notice some temporary changes like swelling, bruising, or jaw stiffness during the recovery period, these effects are short-lived and don’t result in permanent alterations to your facial structure. Once your body heals, your face will look just like it did before.
If you’re dealing with wisdom teeth problems and are thinking about having wisdom teeth removal surgery, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at Endeavour Hills Dental Clinic. We’re here to help guide you through the process and make sure your experience is as comfortable as possible. Feel free to contact us today if you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation!
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