Does Taking Out Wisdom Teeth Change Face Shape
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge in the back of the mouth. They usually develop during the late teenage years or early twenties. In some cases, wisdom teeth can cause pain, infection, and other dental problems. As a result, many people opt to have them removed. However, there is a common misconception that removing wisdom teeth can change the shape of the face. In this article, we will explore this topic in detail and provide you with the facts.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars in the back of the mouth. Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth. These teeth usually develop between the ages of 17 and 25. However, some people may not develop wisdom teeth at all.
Why Do We Get Wisdom Teeth?
Anthropologists believe that wisdom teeth were necessary for our ancient ancestors, who had larger jaws and needed the extra teeth to grind tough foods. However, as human diets have evolved, our jaws have become smaller, and we no longer need wisdom teeth to chew our food. This is why many people experience problems with their wisdom teeth, as there is often not enough space in the mouth to accommodate them.
Why Do We Remove Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth can cause various dental problems, including:
- Pain and discomfort
- Infection
- Crowding of other teeth
- Damage to adjacent teeth
- Formation of cysts or tumors
For these reasons, many dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth before they cause problems.
Can Removing Wisdom Teeth Change Your Face Shape?
There is a popular belief that removing wisdom teeth can change the shape of the face. However, this is not entirely true. While it is possible that removing wisdom teeth can cause slight changes to the shape of the face, these changes are usually minimal and not noticeable.
The main reason for this myth is that wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, near the jawbone. When wisdom teeth are removed, the empty socket may cause the jawbone to shift slightly. However, this shift is usually so small that it is not noticeable.
What Are The Risks Of Removing Wisdom Teeth?
While removing wisdom teeth is a common procedure, it does carry some risks, including:
- Pain and swelling
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Delayed healing
However, these risks are relatively low, and most people recover from wisdom teeth removal without any complications.
What To Expect During Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Before the procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will explain the process and answer any questions you may have. You will be given anesthesia to numb the area around your wisdom teeth. Depending on the complexity of the procedure, you may be given local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia.
The dentist will then make an incision in the gum tissue to access the wisdom tooth. They may need to break the tooth into smaller pieces to remove it. Once the tooth is removed, the dentist will clean the empty socket and stitch up the incision.
How To Care For Your Mouth After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
After the procedure, your dentist will give you instructions on how to care for your mouth. This may include:
- Using ice packs to reduce swelling
- Taking pain medication as prescribed
- Avoiding solid foods for the first few days
- Rinsing your mouth with saltwater
You should also avoid smoking and drinking through a straw, as these activities can dislodge the blood clot and delay healing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, removing wisdom teeth does not usually change the shape of your face. While it is possible that some slight changes may occur, they are usually not noticeable. If you are experiencing problems with your wisdom teeth, it is recommended that you consult with your dentist to determine the best course of action.
