Each year in the U.S., millions of people have their wisdom teeth removed. The vast majority of these removals are done to prevent future dental problems, such as overcrowding or impaction. While this is a common procedure that is done thousands of times each day, people still have reservations about the procedure and its results. One of the most common questions patients have about having their wisdom teeth removed is if it will change the shape or appearance of their face.
No Need to Worry About Face Shape Changes
Let’s get the burning question out of the way…so does having wisdom teeth removed change the shape or appearance of a person’s face? The answer is no! It is very unlikely that having wisdom teeth removed will have any effect on the shape of your face. Furthermore, the many benefits of having wisdom teeth removed far outweigh any risks of the procedure changing the facial appearance.
Benefits of Wisdom Teeth Extraction
While the decision to remove wisdom teeth must be made on a case by case basis, for those who need to the procedure, the benefits are numerous:
Prevents Overcrowding
For many people, there is simply not enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to fit in properly. The wisdom teeth actually cause overcrowding of the other teeth, leading to potential issues such as impaction and dental pain.
Prevents Misalignment
Another benefit of having wisdom teeth removed is that it can prevent misalignment of the other teeth. When there is no room for the wisdom teeth, they put pressure on the surrounding teeth, causing them to gradually shift. This shift causes gaps and other alignment issues.
Reduced Risk of Tooth Decay & Gum Disease
Because wisdom teeth are located far back in the mouth, many patients find them difficult to keep properly cleaned. This lack of cleaning leads to issues like tooth decay and gum disease, which are some of the most common chronic diseases in the U.S. and can be very painful, not to mention unsightly.
Reduced Risk of Infection
As the wisdom teeth erupt through the gums in late adolescence or early adulthood, the gums can actually start to trap food and bacteria. If not cleaned thoroughly, this can cause a painful infection in the area with inflammation, redness, and stiffness.
Reduced Jaw Pain & Stiffness
Even if the wisdom teeth and surrounding gums do not become infected, they can still be painful and cause stiffness in the jaw if they are too crowded.
Improved Overall Well-Being
Dental pain can be debilitating and severely impact all other areas of the patient’s life. When a person has severe pain in the mouth, it becomes all they can think about and prevents them from engaging normally in their activities of daily living. By proactively removing the wisdom teeth, the patient won’t have to take a chance on experiencing the pain or other symptoms that wisdom teeth problems can cause.
Frequently Asked Question About Wisdom Teeth Extractions
What are wisdom teeth?
Wisdom teeth are actually the third molars. The third molars are in the very back of the mouth on both sides, top and bottom. These teeth usually erupt in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Does everyone need their wisdom teeth removed?
No, not everyone needs their wisdom teeth removed. There are some people who have plenty of room for their wisdom teeth to grow in, and assuming they don’t have any other issues related to them, their dentist may recommend leaving them in place. For most people, however, removing the wisdom teeth is advised.
Wisdom Teeth Care in Albuquerque
Removing the wisdom teeth is a frequently necessary procedure to prevent dental problems and preserve dental health. Despite rumors about the procedure, it is very unlikely that removing the wisdom teeth will cause any change to the facial shape or appearance. If you are having issues with your or your child’s wisdom teeth coming in in the Albuquerque area and need competent dental care, Rio Grande Oral Surgery & Dental Implant Center is here to help. Just give us a call at 505-821-2111 or request an appointment online for a consultation with Dr. Drew Steel, DMD, our highly-qualified and talented oral surgeon. Along with our team of extensively-trained support staff, Dr. Steel offers evidence-based procedures for all of your family’s oral surgery needs.