What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the third and final set of molars located at the very back of your mouth. They typically emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood, between the ages of 17 and 25. Unlike your other teeth, wisdom teeth often don’t have enough room to grow in properly, which can lead to them becoming impacted—meaning they are trapped in the jawbone or gums.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause various issues, including pain, swelling, infection, and pressure on adjacent teeth. As a result, many people opt to have them removed even before they cause problems. But how does the extraction of wisdom teeth, particularly impacted ones, affect the structure of your face?
Does Wisdom Tooth Extraction Change Your Face Shape?
The idea that removing wisdom teeth will significantly alter the face shape is a common concern, but it’s largely a myth. Wisdom teeth are located far back in the mouth, close to the jaw’s hinge, and their removal typically does not affect the facial muscles or skin in a way that would change how your face looks.
Here’s why:
- Position in the Jaw: Wisdom teeth are located at the back of your mouth, not near the front where changes in the jaw might influence the overall structure of the face. The majority of the bone and muscle structures that give your face its shape are unaffected by wisdom tooth removal.
- Bone Density and Volume: While wisdom teeth are embedded in the jawbone, their extraction generally does not remove enough bone to cause a noticeable change in face shape. The amount of bone loss is minimal, especially in comparison to the entire jaw structure.
Temporary Swelling: Any post-surgery swelling that occurs can cause a temporary change in facial appearance. However, this is usually short-lived, and your face will return to its normal shape once the healing process is complete.
Will Removing Wisdom Teeth Slim My Face?
Some people believe that wisdom tooth extraction can slim the face, particularly if they feel they have a wide jaw or full cheeks. However, this is not usually the case. The fullness of your face is determined by factors such as muscle, fat distribution, and genetics, not the presence of wisdom teeth.
That being said, some individuals might perceive a slight change in facial appearance due to the following:
- Reduced Jaw Tension: If impacted wisdom teeth were causing tension or discomfort in the jaw, their removal may alleviate this, allowing the muscles to relax. This could make the face appear slightly less tense or rigid. However, this is not the same as the face becoming “slimmer.”
- Psychological Perception: After healing, you may feel different because the source of pain or discomfort (the wisdom teeth) is no longer present. This psychological relief could make you feel as though your face is more relaxed or different, even if there’s no actual change.
In conclusion, wisdom tooth removal does not have a significant slimming effect on the face. The temporary changes you may notice are due to swelling and recovery, which subside over time.
Factors That May Affect Facial Appearance After Wisdom Tooth Removal
Although wisdom tooth extraction does not typically alter face shape, certain factors can influence how you feel and look post-surgery:
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth: In some rare cases where wisdom teeth are severely impacted and embedded deeply in the jawbone, the removal process could lead to more bone remodeling. Even then, this change is subtle and not visibly noticeable.
- Jaw Structure Pre-Surgery: If your wisdom teeth were causing overcrowding or tension in the jaw, their removal may result in a slight change in how the jaw muscles relax. This might make you feel that your jaw has shifted slightly, but it is typically not perceptible to others.
Muscle Tension: People with severe jaw or muscle tension may feel more relaxed after the extraction, which could give the appearance of a more rested or less tense face.
Conclusion: Wisdom Teeth and Face Shape
To put it simply, removing wisdom teeth does not significantly change your face shape. While temporary swelling and changes might occur during the healing process, they are typically brief and minor. The long-term health benefits of removing problematic wisdom teeth far outweigh any concerns about aesthetics.
If you have questions or concerns about wisdom tooth extraction, schedule a consultation with our Bedford dentist. They can provide personalized advice and help you understand what to expect during the procedure and recovery.