Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that most people get in their late teens or early twenties. They are believed to be vestigial remnants of our ancestors’ diets that consisted of tougher foods. Many people have questions about wisdom teeth, such as if they make your jaw bigger. On Reddit, people can discuss this topic and learn more about the potential effects of wisdom teeth on jaw size.No, wisdom teeth do not make your jaw bigger. Wisdom teeth are the third molars located in the back of the mouth, and they usually erupt between 17 and 25 years of age. Although wisdom teeth can cause your mouth to feel crowded, they do not cause any physical changes to your jaw.
Impact of Wisdom Teeth on Jaw Size
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop in the mouth. They typically emerge between ages 17 and 25, although they can appear later in life. Although wisdom teeth are often removed due to overcrowding in the mouth, their presence can have an impact on jaw size.
In some cases, wisdom teeth may cause jaw growth by pushing other teeth out of alignment and triggering a chain reaction that forces the jawbone to expand. This phenomenon is known as dentoalveolar expansion, and it is especially common when wisdom teeth are impacted. Impacted wisdom teeth occur when the tooth is unable to fully emerge from the gum line due to lack of space or an obstruction. This can lead to overcrowding of other teeth and cause misalignment of the jawbone as well as pain and discomfort.
In addition, when wisdom teeth are removed, it can lead to a decrease in jaw size due to alveolar bone resorption (bone loss). Alveolar bone resorption occurs when the alveolar bone that supports your teeth begins to shrink and become weak over time due to lack of stimulation from your wisdom teeth roots. This can lead to a decrease in jaw size over time as the bone begins to break down more quickly than normal without the support from your wisdom teeth roots.
Overall, wisdom teeth can have an impact on jaw size depending on their presence or absence. If present, they may cause dentoalveolar expansion which can lead to an increase in jaw size; however if absent or removed, alveolar bone resorption may occur leading to a decrease in jaw size over time. It is important for individuals with impacted or absent wisdom teeth to speak with their dentist about potential treatments or preventative measures they may take in order to maintain good oral health and prevent further problems related to their jaws.
Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Extractions
Wisdom teeth extractions can be a beneficial process, especially if the teeth are impacted or causing other oral health issues. Removing impacted wisdom teeth can help reduce the risk of infection, gum disease, and misalignment of other teeth in the mouth. Extracting wisdom teeth can also provide relief from pain and discomfort caused by overcrowding in the mouth. Additionally, wisdom tooth extractions can make it easier to brush and floss properly, helping to maintain good oral hygiene.
By removing wisdom teeth, it can also reduce the chances of developing cysts or tumors in the jawbone which could lead to further damage to surrounding tissue. Wisdom tooth extraction is also beneficial for those who may have difficulty cleaning their back molars due to their location in the back of the mouth. Removing these teeth can help prevent cavities from forming in those areas that may be difficult for regular brushing and flossing to reach.
Finally, removing impacted wisdom teeth can help correct any misalignment of other teeth resulting from overcrowding caused by these extra molars. By eliminating this overcrowding, it can also make it easier for orthodontic treatments such as braces or aligners to work more effectively on straightening other misaligned teeth.
Overall, wisdom tooth extraction is a beneficial process that can help improve both overall oral health and aesthetics. It is important to consult with a dentist or oral surgeon to determine if this procedure is necessary for you and your individual needs.
Risks Associated With Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure, but it can carry certain risks. The most common risks associated with wisdom teeth removal include infection, damage to nearby teeth or nerves, and dry socket. Other risks include swelling of the face and jaw, bleeding and bruising, and numbness of the tongue or lower lip.
Infection is one of the primary concerns with wisdom teeth removal. If bacteria enters your mouth during the procedure, it can cause an infection that can spread to other areas of your body if left untreated. It is important to follow your dentist’s post-operative instructions carefully to reduce the risk of infection.
Damage to nearby teeth or nerves is another risk associated with wisdom teeth removal. If the dentist removes too much tissue or bone during the procedure, it can lead to damage to nearby teeth or nerves. This can cause pain and discomfort in the affected area for some time after the procedure.
Dry socket is another risk associated with wisdom teeth removal. Dry socket occurs when a blood clot fails to form in the surgical site after the tooth has been removed. This can cause severe pain for several days after surgery and it may require additional treatment from your dentist before it resolves completely.
Swelling of the face and jaw is also a possible risk associated with wisdom teeth removal. Swelling may occur as a result of inflammation caused by surgery and this can be uncomfortable for some people. Applying cold compresses to the affected area may help reduce swelling and discomfort from this condition.
Bleeding and bruising are also possible risks associated with wisdom teeth removal. Bleeding should stop within a few hours after surgery; however, if bleeding persists for more than 24 hours you should contact your dentist as soon as possible for further evaluation and treatment recommendations. Bruising may also occur in some cases due to trauma caused by surgical instruments used during extraction procedures; however, this tends to resolve on its own without any additional treatment needed in most cases.
Numbness of the tongue or lower lip is another potential risk associated with wisdom teeth removal procedures; however, this tends to resolve within a few weeks after surgery without any additional treatment needed in most cases
Removing Wisdom Teeth Change the Shape of Your Face?
The removal of wisdom teeth can have an effect on the shape of your face. When wisdom teeth are present, they can be pushed against the other teeth in the mouth, which can cause them to move out of alignment. This can cause the jaw to shift and change the overall shape of your face. In addition, when wisdom teeth are removed, some of the bone and tissue that was supporting them is also removed. This can cause changes in facial structure.
The extent of these changes depends on several factors, such as how many wisdom teeth were removed, where they were located in your mouth and how much bone and tissue was lost during the procedure. In some cases, people may experience a slight change in their facial shape after having their wisdom teeth removed. For example, some people may notice a slight widening in their smile or a slight narrowing of their face due to a decrease in bone density or muscle mass near the extraction site.
In other cases, people may experience more dramatic changes in their facial shape following wisdom tooth removal. For example, some people may develop a “sunken-in” look due to loss of bone and tissue near their extraction sites. In extreme cases, this could lead to a more drastic reshaping of the face.
Overall, it is difficult to predict how removing wisdom teeth will affect your face’s shape since everyone’s situation is different. However, it is important to note that while there may be some changes in facial structure following the removal of wisdom teeth, they are usually not very noticeable or long-lasting. It is also important to talk to your dentist if you are concerned about any potential changes in your facial structure after having your wisdom teeth removed.
How Soon After Wisdom Teeth Removal Can You See a Difference in Jaw Size?
It can take time for the swelling to go down after wisdom teeth removal and for the jaw to return to its normal size. Generally, it takes between two to four weeks for the swelling to subside. During this initial recovery period, it is common to experience mild discomfort and stiffness in the jaw area due to the presence of stitches.
Once the stitches have been removed and the swelling has gone down, it is possible to see a difference in jaw size. This difference is usually slight but can still be noticeable depending on how many teeth were removed. If all four wisdom teeth were extracted, then a more significant difference may be seen as there are now fewer teeth in the mouth.
It is also important to note that wisdom teeth removal can sometimes cause minor changes in facial structure due to shifts in dental alignment. The jawbone may become slightly narrower or wider as a result of the surgery, so this could also affect jaw size over time.
In some cases, patients may choose to undergo orthodontic treatment after wisdom teeth removal in order to correct any misalignment of their teeth and improve their overall smile. This type of treatment can help restore a more balanced facial appearance and could also result in subtle changes in jaw size.
Overall, it can take several weeks for recovery after wisdom teeth removal and for patients to see a difference in their jaw size. During this time, it is important for patients to follow their dentist’s instructions for proper post-operative care and follow up with regular checkups if needed. With proper care and attention, most patients will experience successful recovery with minimal discomfort or complications.
Having More than Four Wisdom Teeth Affect Jaw Size?
Having more than four wisdom teeth can affect jaw size, although the impact varies from person to person. Many people have more than four wisdom teeth due to the extra set of molars that are developed in adulthood. When these extra teeth start to grow, they can cause overcrowding in the mouth and put pressure on existing teeth. This can lead to misalignment of the jaw and an increase in jaw size.
It is important to note that having more than four wisdom teeth does not always lead to an increase in jaw size. In some cases, the extra teeth do not cause any issues and do not need to be removed. However, if they are causing pain, discomfort, or overcrowding, it is best to speak with a dentist about removal options.
Removing extra wisdom teeth can help reduce overcrowding and alleviate any pain or discomfort caused by their growth. It also helps prevent any permanent changes in jaw size by eliminating additional strain on existing teeth and avoiding misalignment of the jaw. In some cases, dentists may recommend braces or other orthodontic treatments before removing the extra wisdom teeth in order to ensure that proper alignment is maintained afterwards.
Overall, having more than four wisdom teeth can potentially affect jaw size depending on how they are growing and if there is any overcrowding in the mouth. It is important for people with extra wisdom teeth to talk with their dentist about removal options and potential orthodontic treatments if necessary. Doing so can help prevent any permanent changes in jaw size while also providing relief from pain or discomfort caused by overcrowding or misalignment of the jaw.
Common Complications of Removing Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth removal is a common dental procedure, but like any other surgery, it can have complications. Some of the most common complications associated with wisdom tooth extraction include infection, dry socket, nerve damage, sinus issues, and inflammation of the gums.
Infection
After a wisdom tooth extraction, the area around the wound may become infected. This is usually caused by bacteria entering the wound during or after surgery and can cause redness, swelling, pain and fever. If not treated promptly with antibiotics or other medications prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon, it can spread to other areas of your mouth and body.
Dry Socket
Another common complication after wisdom teeth removal is dry socket. This occurs when the blood clot that forms in the socket does not stay in place and instead becomes dislodged or dissolves too soon. When this happens, it exposes the underlying bone and nerve endings in the area and can cause severe pain. Dry socket can be treated with antibiotics and pain medication prescribed by your dentist or oral surgeon.
Nerve Damage
Removing wisdom teeth can sometimes lead to nerve damage in the jaw or face if a nerve is inadvertently damaged during surgery. The most common symptom of this is numbness or tingling in the area around the mouth that may last for several weeks or even months after surgery. In some cases, permanent nerve damage may occur if left untreated.
Sinus Issues
Wisdom tooth extraction can also cause sinus issues such as congestion, headaches, sore throats and facial pain due to pressure changes related to removing teeth from close proximity to sinus cavities. In some cases these symptoms may last for several weeks after surgery but should eventually resolve on their own with time.
Inflammation of Gums
Finally, another potential complication from wisdom teeth removal is inflammation of the gums due to irritation caused by stitches used during surgery or bacteria entering into wounds left behind after extraction. Inflammation should subside on its own within a few days but if it persists for longer than expected then it could be an indication of infection which should be addressed promptly by a dentist or oral surgeon
Conclusion
In conclusion, wisdom teeth do not make your jaw bigger. Although they can cause overcrowding and misalignment in the mouth, this is due to a lack of space in the jaw rather than an increase in size. Regular dental visits and proper oral hygiene can help prevent these problems. Moreover, if wisdom teeth are causing discomfort or other issues, removal may be necessary.
Ultimately, it is important to speak to your dentist about any concerns you have regarding wisdom teeth. Your dentist will be able to provide advice on how best to care for them and decide whether they need to be removed or not. With their help, you can maintain a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile for years to come.