If you’ve ever wondered whether getting your wisdom teeth removed can change your face, you are not alone. Many people worry that wisdom tooth removal might make their cheeks look different, their jawline sharper, or even change their overall face shape. The truth is, there are a lot of myths around, and it can be hard to know what’s real and what’s not. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand how wisdom tooth removal near you really affects your face.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that usually come in between the ages of 17 and 25. Not everyone gets them, but when they do, sometimes they don’t have enough space to grow properly. This can lead to pain, swelling, or even infections. That’s why dentists often recommend removing them.

If you’re looking for a dentist in Calgary, most dental clinics offer wisdom tooth evaluations and can guide you through whether removal is necessary.

Myths and Facts About Wisdom Tooth Removal

Myth 1 Removing Wisdom Teeth Changes Your Face Shape

A lot of people believe that having your wisdom teeth removed can make your face look thinner or change your jawline. Some think the pressure from these teeth keeps the cheeks fuller, so taking them out might make your face sag.

Fact: Removing wisdom teeth does not change your face shape. The size and structure of your jawbone are what determine your facial appearance, not your wisdom teeth. Teeth sit in sockets inside your jawbone, and taking them out doesn’t alter your bones. Any slight swelling or changes right after surgery are temporary and go away in a few days.

So, if someone tells you your face will look different after wisdom tooth extraction, that’s just a myth.

Myth 2 Wisdom Tooth Removal Can Fix Crowded Teeth

Getting their wisdom teeth pulled will somehow make their front teeth straight. Sounds great in theory. But that’s not really how it works.

Fact: Taking out or extracting impacted wisdom teeth can help prevent future crowding, but it won’t actually move your teeth into place. If your front teeth are crooked, you’ll still need braces or clear aligners to get them properly aligned. Think of wisdom tooth removal more as a preventive step—it’s about stopping problems before they happen, not fixing teeth that are already out of place.

Myth 3 Wisdom Tooth Removal Causes Jaw Weakness

Removing wisdom teeth is a very painful dental procedure.

Fact: Dentists use local anesthesia or sedation to make the process nearly painless. After wisdom tooth removal, some discomfort and swelling are normal, but pain can be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed medications. Most patients recover without major pain.

Myth 4 Wisdom Tooth Removal Is Extremely Painful

Myth: Removing wisdom teeth is an extremely painful procedure.

Fact: The truth is, modern dental care makes this procedure much easier than many people expect. Dentists use local anesthesia—or sometimes sedation—to make sure you don’t feel pain during the extraction. Afterward, it’s normal to have some swelling or mild discomfort, but this usually eases within a few days and can be managed with simple pain relievers or medications from your dentist. Most patients are surprised at how smooth the recovery is, and serious pain is very uncommon.

Myth 5 You Only Need to Remove Wisdom Teeth If They Hurt

Some people believe that as long as wisdom teeth aren’t causing pain, they don’t need to be removed.

Fact: Even if your wisdom teeth don’t hurt, they can still cause problems like infection, cysts or damage to nearby teeth. Dentists often recommend removal as a preventive measure to avoid future complications.

How to Care for Your Face After Wisdom Tooth Removal

After getting your wisdom teeth out, it’s normal for your face to feel a little puffy. So, what can you do to help it heal and feel better?

Start with ice packs. Use them on your cheeks for the first day or two—15 to 20 minutes at a time. It really helps keep swelling down. When you’re resting, try to keep your head a bit elevated. It sounds simple, but it actually makes a difference.

Soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes or smoothies—foods that are easy to chew and gentle on your mouth. After the first day, you can gently rinse with warm salt water. This keeps the extraction site clean and helps prevent infection.

And of course, follow your dentist near you instructions carefully. They know the best way to keep everything healing smoothly.

Key Takeaway

So, does wisdom tooth removal affect your face shape? Not in any permanent way. Most changes people notice are temporary and related to swelling or healing. Removing wisdom teeth is about your dental health, not your looks. If you have pain, crowding or infections from your wisdom teeth, seeing a dentist for advice is the best step. Finding a wisdom tooth removal in Calgary can help prevent bigger problems down the road.

Say Goodbye to Pain with Wisdom Tooth Removal!

At Heritage Smiles Dental, we help you remove wisdom teeth safely and comfortably. Our skilled dentists make sure the procedure is quick, gentle, and effective. We focus on keeping your mouth healthy and preventing future dental problems. Whether your wisdom teeth are causing pain or crowding your teeth, we provide expert care every step of the way. Book your appointment today and get expert care!

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