Many people worry about whether their face shape change after after wisdom teeth removal. It’s a common concern, especially when hearing stories about sunken cheeks or a slimmer face. But should you really be worried? The truth is, most facial changes after wisdom tooth extraction are minimal and temporary. Understanding how wisdom teeth affect your jaw and face shape can help ease your concerns.
Can Wisdom Teeth Removal Change Your Face Shape?
Wisdom teeth sit at the very back of your mouth, deep within your jawbone. When they don’t have enough space to grow properly, they may push against nearby teeth, creating crowding, discomfort, or even jaw misalignment.
Removing wisdom teeth does not dramatically alter your face shape unless there are additional factors at play, such as multiple extractions, bone loss, or natural aging. In most cases, any post-extraction swelling or slight changes in facial contours resolve within a few weeks.
What Happens Before and After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
Before Removal
Your facial structure is influenced by bone density, muscle tone, and fat distribution. When wisdom teeth are impacted or causing discomfort, the surrounding area might appear slightly swollen or asymmetrical, creating minor changes in your overall facial profile.
Immediately After Removal
Following the procedure, swelling, slight puffiness, or bruising are common, making the face look temporarily larger or uneven. This is a normal part of the healing process and subsides within one to two weeks.
Long-Term Appearance
Once the swelling reduces, your face will return to its natural shape. In cases where wisdom teeth were exerting pressure on adjacent teeth, their removal might actually improve facial symmetry, giving your smile a more balanced look.
Face Shape Before And After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Here are some patients before and after wisdom teeth removal. In most cases, there is no significant change in face shape. Any visible differences immediately after surgery are usually due to temporary swelling and the effects of anaesthesia. Once the healing process progresses, facial structure returns to normal, and patients can resume their daily activities within a few days.
Some people may notice a slight reduction in puffiness around the jaw if their wisdom teeth were impacted and causing pressure. These changes are often subtle and not noticeable to others. Removing problematic wisdom teeth helps improve oral health and prevents future complications.
Why Do Some People Experience Changes in Face Shape?
Although wisdom tooth extraction itself does not significantly alter face shape, there are a few factors that may contribute to perceived changes:
Temporary Swelling
Swelling after surgery can make the face look slightly puffier or asymmetrical, but this is only temporary and usually resolves in one to two weeks.
Alveolar Bone Loss
After tooth removal, the jawbone around the extraction site naturally reshapes. In cases where significant bone loss occurs, slight changes in facial contour can happen, but this is more common in multiple extractions or untreated bone loss over time.
Weight Loss & Diet Changes
Many people eat softer foods post-surgery, leading to temporary weight loss, which may make their face appear slimmer. Once normal eating resumes, facial fullness returns.
Aging Effects
As we age, facial fat distribution and bone structure naturally change. Some people associate normal aging effects with wisdom tooth removal, when in fact these changes would have occurred regardless.
How to Prevent Unwanted Changes After Wisdom Teeth Removal?
If you’re concerned about how your face might look after extraction, there are steps you can take to maintain facial structure and support healing:
- Follow post-surgery care instructions to reduce swelling and promote smooth healing.
- Eat a balanced diet with enough protein and nutrients to prevent muscle or fat loss.
- Consider bone grafting if your dentist recommends it for maintaining jaw structure.
- Practice good oral hygiene to prevent infection and support gum healing.
- Stay hydrated and avoid smoking, as dehydration and smoking can slow healing and affect tissue regeneration.
Should You Be Worried About Wisdom Teeth Removal?
The simple answer is no. Most changes after wisdom teeth extraction are minor and temporary. If your wisdom teeth are causing pain, misalignment, or discomfort, their removal is often the best decision for your long-term oral health. Many patients actually feel that their face looks more balanced and symmetrical after healing, especially if the wisdom teeth were causing crowding.
The key to minimising any unwanted changes is to have the procedure performed by an experienced dental provider who prioritises careful extraction and post-operative care.
For wisdom teeth extraction, let Spring Orchid Dental Clinic Bassendean help you make this crucial choice with confidence and peace of mind. We specialise in gentle, precise wisdom teeth extractions. Our team ensures that the process is as smooth, safe, and comfortable as possible, minimising post-surgical swelling and discomfort.
Book a Consultation at Spring Orchid Dental
If you’re considering wisdom teeth removal and have concerns about its impact on your face shape, we’re here to help. Our experienced team will guide you through the process, ensuring that you receive the best care for a comfortable recovery and a confident smile.
Spring Orchid Dental – Contact Info
- Address: 6/85 Walter Rd E, Bassendean WA 6054, Australia
- Phone: 08 6155 8999
- Book Now: https://springorchid.com.au/book-a-dentist/
