Do you have wisdom teeth? If so, you may be wondering what effect they have on your face shape. Many people are surprised to learn that wisdom teeth removal doesn’t have any long-term effects on the shape of their face! However, there may be short-term changes that you’ll notice in the days immediately after the surgery. In this article, we will discuss how wisdom teeth removal can change your face shape.
How Can Wisdom Teeth Removal Affect Your Face?
Swelling After Wisdom Teeth Removal
The most common change that people notice after wisdom teeth removal is swelling. Swelling occurs when the tissues around the extraction site become inflamed. It is a result of an increased movement of fluid and white blood cells into the injured area to protect and repair damaged tissue. Swelling is a normal part of the healing process and usually peaks 48 hours after surgery.
Typically, swelling will usually go away within a week or two. However, the swelling can sometimes last for longer periods of time. If you have significant swelling, it may change the shape of your face temporarily. For example, it can make your cheeks look puffy or your eyes appear sunken.
The good news is that the swelling will eventually go down and your face will return to its normal shape. If you are concerned about the swelling, you can consider applying ice to the area in the hours immediately following the surgery. This can help to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Bone Loss After Surgery
Typically, patients are most concerned about bone loss after wisdom teeth removal. Bone loss can occur when the roots of your wisdom teeth are removed. This is known as bone atrophy. The roots of your teeth stimulate the jawbone, keeping it strong and healthy. When the roots are removed, the bone can start to deteriorate and wear away.
Many patients are concerned that this bone loss will lead to changes in their face shape. However, this is not the case. The part of the jawbone where the teeth are removed is known as the alveolar bone. This is not visible from the outside of your mouth and will not change the shape of your face. The bone that is responsible for the shape of your face is known as the basal bone and is not affected by wisdom teeth removal.
Lack of Nutrients After Surgery
The main concern after wisdom teeth removal, which could potentially affect face shape, is the lack of nutrients that can occur after surgery. This is because patients often have difficulty eating solid foods immediately after the procedure. As a result, they may not be getting all of the nutrients that they need to stay healthy.
If you are not getting enough nutrients, in addition to negatively affecting the healing process, you could also lose weight. This weight loss can lead to a change in face shape. Make sure to eat a well-balanced diet, stay hydrated, and get lots of sleep after your surgery to ensure that your body has everything it needs to heal properly.
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No two mouths are the same, and each oral situation is unique. As such, it isn’t possible to give comprehensive advice or diagnose oral conditions based on articles alone. The best way to ensure you’re getting the best dental care possible is to visit a dentist in person for an examination and consultation.
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