Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure that can have major implications for your oral health and the shape of your face. When wisdom teeth don’t properly erupt, they can cause overcrowding, misalignment, pain, and infection. As a result, many people opt to have their wisdom teeth removed to avoid these issues. However, it’s important to understand that wisdom teeth removal can also affect the shape of your face. Read on to find out more about this potential side effect and what you can do if you’re concerned about how removing your wisdom teeth could change your face.Wisdom teeth removal is a surgical procedure in which the third molars, which are the last set of permanent teeth to appear, are removed from the mouth. This procedure is generally recommended when wisdom teeth are impacted (stuck and unable to properly emerge through the gums) or when they present a risk of causing other dental problems due to lack of room in the mouth.
How Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Change Your Face?
Wisdom teeth removal can have an impact on the look and shape of your face. The most common effects of wisdom teeth removal are changes to the jawline, cheeks, and lips. When wisdom teeth are removed, there is a chance that the space left behind can cause the jawbone to shift or collapse, resulting in a change in the shape of your face. Additionally, when wisdom teeth are removed, the surrounding area may swell up or become inflamed, leading to changes in your facial features such as puffiness around your cheeks and lips.
In some cases, wisdom teeth removal can also affect the appearance of your bite. This is because when wisdom teeth are removed, it affects how your top and bottom teeth fit together. If you had crowded or misaligned teeth prior to having your wisdom teeth removed, you may notice a slight change in how they fit together after surgery.
Lastly, if you had any infection or decay related to your wisdom teeth prior to surgery, then having them removed could lead to improved oral health and better-looking teeth overall. This could result in an improved smile that looks better than it did before surgery.
Overall, wisdom teeth removal can have varying effects on a person’s face and smile depending on their individual situation. While some people may experience minor changes due to swelling or shifting of their jawbone, others may see more significant changes such as improved oral health or a new smile overall. Ultimately though, everyone’s experience with wisdom tooth removal is unique based on their individual needs and circumstances.
Reasons to Remove Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to emerge from the gums. They usually appear between the ages of 17 and 25 and can cause a range of problems if they come in crooked or become impacted. In some cases, it may be necessary to extract wisdom teeth to avoid further complications. Here are some common reasons why wisdom teeth may need to be removed:
1. Crowding: When wisdom teeth emerge, they can cause other nearby teeth to become crowded or shifted out of place. This can lead to misalignment of the bite and other dental issues such as tooth decay or gum disease.
2. Infection and Pain: Impacted wisdom teeth can be particularly prone to infection, which can cause pain, swelling, and even damage to nearby teeth or bone. In some cases, antibiotics may not be enough to treat the infection and surgery will be necessary.
3. Cysts: Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form around impacted wisdom teeth and can lead to jawbone destruction if left untreated. Cysts can also spread beyond the jawbone if they are not removed promptly.
4. Tumors: While rare, tumors have been known to develop around impacted wisdom teeth if left in place for too long. These tumors can be benign or cancerous, so removal is necessary in order to prevent further complications.
It’s important for patients who have wisdom teeth growing in crookedly or who experience pain or discomfort near their back molars to consult with an oral surgeon as soon as possible for an examination and treatment plan recommendation. Extracting problematic wisdom teeth is often the best way to avoid further dental problems down the road.
Pros of Wisdom Teeth Removal
Having your wisdom teeth removed can have many benefits. First, it helps to prevent overcrowding of the mouth. As wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to come in, they can often push other teeth out of place and cause a misalignment. Having them removed can help to maintain proper alignment and reduce the risk of needing braces or other orthodontic work in the future. Furthermore, having wisdom teeth removed can help to prevent infection and decay in other teeth. Wisdom teeth that come in partially or not at all can create small pockets between them and other teeth where food particles and bacteria can become trapped, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Removing them can help keep your mouth healthy.
Cons of Wisdom Teeth Removal
On the downside, having your wisdom teeth removed is an invasive procedure that requires surgery and recovery time afterwards. It is also expensive as most insurance plans do not cover the cost of wisdom tooth removal due to it being considered an elective procedure. Furthermore, there is always a risk of complications during surgery such as nerve damage or excessive bleeding which may require further medical attention. Additionally, some people may experience lingering pain or discomfort after their procedure even with proper care and healing time.
Possible Complications After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure and most people have no complications after the procedure. However, in some cases, there can be complications that arise after the wisdom teeth are removed. The most common complication that can occur is an infection in the area where the teeth were removed. Infection can range from mild to severe and can result in swelling, pain, redness, drainage, and fever. If an infection does occur, it is important to seek medical attention right away to prevent further complications.
Other potential complications include numbness or tingling of the tongue or lips due to nerve damage during the extraction. This is usually temporary but could last for several weeks or even months in some cases. Dry socket is another possible complication which occurs when the blood clot does not form properly at the extraction site. This can cause severe pain and should be treated with antibiotics and medicated dressings if it occurs.
In rare cases, a patient may experience excessive bleeding after wisdom teeth removal which should be treated immediately by a doctor or dentist as soon as possible. Allergic reactions to anesthesia used during the surgery are also possible but very rare. If any of these symptoms occur after wisdom tooth extraction, it is important to contact your dentist right away for treatment and follow up care.
Finally, it is important to note that any complication from wisdom teeth removal can be avoided by following your dentist’s instructions for post-operative care such as eating soft foods for a few days after surgery and keeping your mouth clean with saltwater rinses multiple times a day. It is also important to attend all follow-up visits with your dentist so they can monitor your recovery closely and address any concerns you may have.
Preparing for Wisdom Teeth Removal
Preparing for wisdom teeth removal is an important step in the process of ensuring a successful procedure. Before your wisdom teeth removal appointment, it is important to take certain steps to ensure that the surgery goes as smoothly as possible. This includes preparing your home and body for the procedure, as well as understanding what to expect during and after the surgery.
Before the wisdom teeth removal procedure, you should make sure to arrange transportation home from the surgery and have someone available to stay with you during recovery. You should also make sure that you have all of the necessary supplies needed for recovery ready at home, such as ice packs or a cold compress for swelling, soft foods like applesauce or yogurt, gauze pads and over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen.
In addition, your doctor may recommend that you avoid certain foods or drinks prior to your surgery. This could include anything with caffeine or sugar, alcohol or tobacco products. Be sure to follow any dietary instructions given by your doctor prior to the procedure.
It is also important to plan out what you will wear on the day of your surgery. Your doctor may recommend wearing loose fitting clothing that can be easily removed when changing into a hospital gown. Also, it is important not to wear any jewelry on the day of your wisdom teeth removal appointment as this can interfere with the surgery and increase the risk of infection.
Overall, preparing for wisdom teeth removal is an important part of ensuring a successful outcome from the procedure. By following these simple steps before your appointment and understanding what to expect during and after the procedure, you can help reduce any risks associated with wisdom teeth extraction and ensure a smooth recovery process following surgery.
Recovery After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Recovery after wisdom teeth removal usually takes about 2-3 weeks. During this time, it is important to follow the instructions of your dental professional very carefully in order to ensure that the healing process goes as smoothly as possible. As part of your recovery, you may experience some pain and swelling, but this should subside within a few days. It is also important to eat soft food during the recovery period and avoid any strenuous activity or exercise that could cause additional strain on the area. Additionally, it is important to keep the area clean by brushing your teeth and rinsing your mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash.
In order to maximize your comfort during recovery, you should take any prescribed medications as instructed by your dentist or oral surgeon. This may include antibiotics to prevent infection and painkillers to reduce any discomfort you may have. Additionally, you should apply an ice pack intermittently throughout the day in order to reduce swelling and keep the area from becoming too inflamed.
It is also important to monitor for any signs of infection, such as redness, tenderness or a foul odor in the affected area. If any of these symptoms occur, contact your dentist right away so that they can provide additional treatment if necessary. Additionally, it is important not to smoke or use straws while recovering from wisdom teeth removal since these activities can slow down the healing process and put you at risk for developing a dry socket.
Overall, recovering from wisdom teeth removal can be uncomfortable but it is an essential part of keeping your mouth healthy and free from further problems down the road. By following all instructions provided by your dental professional carefully and being mindful of potential signs of infection, you can ensure that your post-procedure recovery goes as smoothly as possible.
How Long Does It Take to Heal After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Recovering from wisdom teeth removal is an individual process, and healing times can vary from person to person. Generally, it takes between two and five days for the swelling to subside after the procedure. The healing process can take up to several weeks, depending on the number of teeth removed.
It is normal to experience some bleeding, swelling, pain and discomfort for a few days after the procedure. To reduce these symptoms, rinse your mouth with warm salt water every few hours and avoid eating crunchy or chewy foods that might irritate your gums. You should also avoid smoking and drinking alcohol during this time as it could delay the healing process.
Your dentist will likely provide you with a set of post-operative instructions and specific instructions for caring for your mouth after wisdom teeth removal. These instructions should include how often to rinse your mouth with warm salt water and when you can start brushing your teeth again. If you experience any pain or discomfort during the recovery period, you should contact your dentist right away.
It is important that you follow all of your dentist’s instructions carefully in order to ensure that you have a quick and successful recovery from wisdom teeth removal. In general, it can take up to several weeks for complete healing to occur but most people will feel back to normal within a few days or weeks following their procedure.
If you have any additional questions or concerns about healing after wisdom teeth removal, be sure to contact your dentist right away so that they can answer any of your questions or provide further advice on how best to care for yourself during this time.
Conclusion
Overall, wisdom teeth removal can cause changes to your face. It is important to be aware of the risks associated with this type of procedure so that you can make an informed decision. In some cases, it may be beneficial to have wisdom teeth removed in order to improve your dental health and overall oral hygiene. However, it is important to discuss any potential risks or complications with your dentist before proceeding with the procedure. Ultimately, wisdom teeth removal should not be taken lightly and should be considered carefully before making a decision.
It is also important to note that any changes to your face caused by wisdom teeth removal will rarely be permanent. Most of the time, these changes will reverse themselves over time as your jaw adjusts and regains its normal shape. If you are considering having your wisdom teeth removed, it is recommended that you consult with a qualified oral surgeon who can assess the situation and provide you with a personalized plan for treatment.
In conclusion, it is possible for wisdom teeth removal to change the shape of your face. However, these changes are usually temporary and will reverse themselves over time as your jaw adjusts back into its normal position. Always consult with an experienced dentist or oral surgeon before making any decisions regarding wisdom teeth removal in order to avoid potential risks or complications.