Ever thought about how getting your wisdom teeth removed could change how your face looks?
Lots of folks go through such a procedure to stop pain or prevent dental problems, but only a few think about how it might affect their facial look.
This deep dive explores whether pulling wisdom teeth can really change things like the shape of your jawline or the contours of your cheeks.
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Will My Face Look Different after Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Taking out wisdom teeth, especially impacted ones, can cause temporary changes in your face because of swelling and the healing afterward.
At first, you may see some puffiness or unevenness as your body heals from the surgery. But don’t worry—these changes usually don’t last long.
Once the swelling goes down and everything heals up nicely, most folks don’t notice any significant, lasting differences in how their face looks. The nearby teeth and jawbone adjust to keep your facial shape intact.
Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Permanently Change Face Shape?
Removing wisdom teeth typically doesn’t permanently alter your face shape, even for adults. While there can be temporary swelling and discomfort after the procedure, these effects usually fade away.
When your third molars are removed, it might temporarily affect the nearby teeth and jawbone, but as you recover, the soft tissues and bone usually heal up, bringing your face back to its natural form.
Permanent changes to your face are uncommon and usually happen with more involved dental treatments beyond just removing wisdom teeth.
Will My Cheeks Look Sunken In?
It’s rare for cheeks to appear sunken after wisdom teeth removal. Right after the extraction, you may notice some temporary swelling that makes your cheeks look fuller at first.
However, once the swelling goes down, your face usually returns to how it was before the surgery. Any minor changes in the jawbone or soft tissues typically don’t lead to noticeable sunken cheeks.
Keeping up with good oral hygiene and following your dentist’s post-operative care tips can help you recover smoothly without any long-term changes to how your face looks.
What Temporary Changes Can I Expect Post-Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Once you get your wisdom teeth out, you might notice a few things temporarily.
Swelling and bruising around where the teeth were taken out and in your jaw are standard, especially in the first couple of days—they usually peak around then.
You might also feel pain and discomfort, but your dentist will give you painkillers to help manage that.
Pro tip: keeping your head up when resting can help reduce swelling.
How Long Will It Take for My Face to Return to Normal?
After removing your wisdom teeth, your face usually returns to normal in just a few days to a week. Right after the surgery, it’s normal to have some swelling and bruising, but usually, that goes down within 7 to 10 days.
Recovering fully from wisdom teeth removal, where the gum tissue heals completely, can take a couple of weeks. The time it takes can vary based on factors like how complicated the extraction was and how quickly you heal personally.
How Can I Minimize Swelling and Bruising after Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Apply an ice pack to the area for the first 24-48 hours to reduce swelling and bruising after getting your wisdom teeth out.
Alternate 20 minutes on and 20 minutes off to keep it effective. Also, keeping your head elevated, especially when you’re sleeping, helps cut down on swelling. It’s best to avoid intense physical activity and smoking, as these can make swelling worse.
Stick to soft foods and drink enough water to stay hydrated. Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory meds can also help manage swelling or discomfort.
And, of course, follow the specific care tips your dentist gives you to help your recovery go smoothly.
What Should I Expect During the Healing Process?
You might experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort during the healing process after wisdom teeth extraction, especially in the first few days. Pain can usually be managed with medications your dentist prescribes or over-the-counter options.
Keeping the extraction site clean is vital to prevent infection. Your dentist will likely recommend gently rinsing with salt water to help with healing.
Soft tissue usually takes about 1-2 weeks to heal, while complete bone healing can take a few weeks to a few months. As you heal, any temporary changes in your bite or facial structure should disappear, and your oral health will gradually improve.
Schedule Your Wisdom Teeth Removal Consultation at Loudoun Orthodontics!
Contact Loudoun Orthodontics if orthodontic care is the solution to your dental woes. Whether you want to learn more about the benefits of orthodontic care or have questions about the process, use our live chat or call (703) 858-0303 or message us through our Contact Us page to connect with our friendly staff today and book a complimentary consultation!
Our office, located at 19465 Deerfield Ave. Suite 304, Leesburg, VA 20176, proudly serves the Loudoun County area, as well as the Lansdowne, VA area. So, if you’re residing in Ashburn, Leesburg, or Sterling and are looking for one of the best orthodontists in Northern Virginia, don’t hesitate to visit our office!
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