Does Your Smile Change After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, usually emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. These teeth are located in the back of your mouth and are the last to develop. While some people may have enough room for their wisdom teeth to come in properly, others may experience problems such as impaction, infection, or damage to surrounding teeth and gums. In such cases, your dentist may recommend wisdom teeth removal.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure that is usually performed under local anesthesia or sedation. During the procedure, your dentist or oral surgeon will make an incision in your gums and remove the wisdom teeth. If the teeth are impacted, they may need to be cut into smaller pieces to make them easier to remove. The incision will then be closed with stitches, and you will be given instructions on how to care for the area after the surgery.
What Are the Side Effects of Wisdom Teeth Removal?
After the procedure, you may experience some swelling, pain, and bleeding. You may also have difficulty opening your mouth wide and eating solid foods. These side effects usually go away within a few days to a week. Your dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage your symptoms.
Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Affect Your Smile?
One of the concerns that people have about wisdom teeth removal is whether it will affect their smile. The answer is that it depends on several factors, including the number of teeth that are removed, their position in your mouth, and the shape of your jawbone.
If you have all four wisdom teeth removed, you may experience some changes in the shape of your face due to the loss of bone density in your jaw. This can cause your cheeks to appear slightly sunken in or your chin to be more prominent. However, these changes are usually minor and will not be noticeable to others.
If only one or two wisdom teeth are removed, the effects on your smile will be even less noticeable. Your dentist or oral surgeon will take into account the position of your teeth and the shape of your jawbone when planning the procedure to minimize any impact on your smile.
Can You Get Dental Implants After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
If your wisdom teeth removal does affect your smile, you may be wondering if you can get dental implants to replace the missing teeth. The answer is yes, but you will need to wait until the area has fully healed before undergoing implant surgery.
Implant surgery involves inserting a titanium post into your jawbone, which will serve as the anchor for a dental crown. If you have lost bone density due to wisdom teeth removal, your dentist may recommend a bone graft to build up the area before implant surgery. This can take several months to heal before the implant can be placed.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure that can help prevent dental problems such as impaction, infection, and damage to surrounding teeth and gums. While you may experience some side effects after the surgery, such as swelling and pain, the effects on your smile are usually minor and will not be noticeable to others. If you do need to replace missing teeth after wisdom teeth removal, dental implants can be a good option, but you will need to wait until the area has fully healed before undergoing implant surgery.