Does Removing Your Wisdom Teeth Change Your Face
Introduction
When it comes to removing wisdom teeth, one of the common questions that people often ask is whether it can change their face. Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars that usually grow in the late teens or early twenties. While some people may not experience any issues with their wisdom teeth, others may need to have them extracted due to various reasons. In this article, we will explore whether removing your wisdom teeth can change your face.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to emerge in the back of the mouth. They usually grow in between the ages of 17 and 25. Not everyone develops wisdom teeth, and some people only have one or two, while others may have all four.
Why Do Some People Need to Have Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Some people may need to have their wisdom teeth removed due to various reasons, such as:
- Impacted wisdom teeth: When wisdom teeth do not have enough room to grow, they may become impacted, which means they get trapped in the jawbone or gums. This can cause pain, infection, and damage to nearby teeth.
- Crowding: Wisdom teeth can push other teeth out of alignment, causing crowding and bite problems.
- Tooth decay: Wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth, making them difficult to clean properly. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
- Cysts and tumors: In rare cases, wisdom teeth can develop cysts or tumors, which can damage the jawbone and surrounding teeth.
Can Removing Wisdom Teeth Change Your Face?
Many people worry that removing their wisdom teeth can change their face shape. However, this is not entirely true. Removing wisdom teeth does not change the shape of your face, but it can change the way your jawline looks. When wisdom teeth are removed, it can cause the jawline to become more defined, and the cheeks may appear more sunken in. This is because the wisdom teeth are located near the back of the jawbone, and their removal can cause some bone loss in that area.
Is Bone Loss Permanent?
While some bone loss may occur after wisdom teeth removal, it is usually temporary. The body can regenerate bone tissue to fill in the gap left by the tooth. However, the amount of bone loss varies from person to person, and some people may experience more significant changes in their jawline than others.
What Can You Do to Minimize Bone Loss?
If you are concerned about bone loss after wisdom teeth removal, there are a few things you can do to minimize it:
- Follow your dentist's post-operative instructions carefully to ensure proper healing.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet that is rich in calcium and vitamin D to support bone health.
- Avoid smoking, as it can impair the body's ability to heal and regenerate bone tissue.
Conclusion
Removing your wisdom teeth does not change the shape of your face, but it can affect the way your jawline looks. While some bone loss may occur after the procedure, it is usually temporary. If you are concerned about bone loss, talk to your dentist about ways to minimize it. Remember to follow your dentist's instructions carefully after the procedure to ensure proper healing.