Does Your Face Get Smaller After Removing Wisdom Teeth
Introduction
Wisdom teeth or third molars are the last set of teeth to emerge in the back of the mouth. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25. However, not everyone has enough space in their mouth to accommodate these teeth, which can cause problems such as overcrowding, misalignment, and infections. In such cases, dentists recommend removing the wisdom teeth. But, many people wonder if their face will look different after wisdom teeth removal. Let's find out.
How Wisdom Teeth Removal Affects Your Face
Wisdom teeth removal can have a slight impact on your facial appearance, but it's not significant enough to make your face look smaller. The reason for this is that the wisdom teeth are located at the back of the mouth and do not have a direct impact on the front of the face.
However, in some cases, wisdom teeth removal can cause minor changes in the jawline. This is because the wisdom teeth can push against the adjacent teeth, causing them to move and shift. When the wisdom teeth are removed, the adjacent teeth may shift slightly, which can alter the contours of the jawline. But, this is usually only noticeable in severe cases.
Factors That Determine the Impact of Wisdom Teeth Removal on Your Face
Several factors can determine how much of an impact wisdom teeth removal will have on your face. These factors include:
- The age at which the wisdom teeth are removed - younger patients are more likely to have their teeth removed before they can cause significant damage to the other teeth.
- The degree of impaction - fully impacted wisdom teeth are more likely to cause damage to the adjacent teeth and jawbone, which can result in more significant changes to the facial structure.
- The number of wisdom teeth removed - removing all four wisdom teeth can have a greater impact on facial appearance than removing just one or two.
The Recovery Period After Wisdom Teeth Removal
The recovery period after wisdom teeth removal can also affect your facial appearance. Swelling and bruising are common after the procedure, which can make your face appear slightly larger than usual. However, this is only temporary and should subside within a few days.
It's essential to follow your dentist's post-operative instructions carefully to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery. This includes avoiding hard, crunchy, or chewy foods, using ice packs to reduce swelling, and taking any prescribed pain medication as directed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wisdom teeth removal does not typically cause a significant change in facial appearance, and your face will not get smaller. However, in some cases, minor changes in the jawline may occur. The impact of wisdom teeth removal on your face depends on several factors, including age, degree of impaction, and the number of teeth removed. It's essential to follow your dentist's post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.