Q: I had my wisdom teeth removed six months ago at the age of 21. My appearance seems to have changed. My jaw seems narrower and seems to sit a little higher on my face. Is this possible?
- Kyle S. from Springfield, Missouri
A:
Kyle,
You are very observant. This is absolutely the case. Myself as well as many others have experienced this change in appearance after having wisdom teeth removed.
I inform my patients of this fact as I consider it to be part of informed consent. Informed consent is required to be given by a healthcare practitioner to the patient before any procedure is agreed upon so that the patient knows exactly what to expect.
Of course, before wisdom teeth surgery, we mention the obvious risks like infection, nerve damage, and broken jaw, but I feel it’s important to inform a patient that there is a change in appearance as well. The good news is that it’s usually something patients find to be an improvement.
Many people will find that their jaw structure and facial features are more defined after wisdom teeth surgery. In fact, many professional models have their wisdom teeth removed to give them the look of having higher cheekbones. The danger here, of course, is that people have teeth taken out for aesthetics reasons, and not health reasons. Of course, I do not recommend this.
Mark Burhenne DDS
Mark Burhenne DDS is a family dentist and award-winning blogger who has written numerous articles on oral health and advised 
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
can you explain why this happens? Is it bone loss from the teeth not being there or a muscular change or…?
Kyle,
Good question! Initially, it’s the actual physical lack of the presence of the wisdom teeth, which support the cheeks and muscles. Over time, it’s the lack of bone as it resorbs over many years. After many years, the muscular forces can also undergo a physical reprogramming, creating facial changes as well. It’s all three of the above happening at different times, but it’s amazing how visible the change is right away! You nailed it.
Mark Burhenne DDS
I had my lower wisdom teeth removed last year, and I have since observed that my face lost a bit of definition and my cheeks/jaw appears a little fatter or “puffier.”
Is it possible that this happened because ONLY the lower teeth were removed?
And could my face regain its definition after my upper wisdom teeth are removed next month? Or could this even worsen the appearance.
I am really worried about the consequences of this procedure and would appreciate a response to my worries. Thanks for being such a great resource!
Tony
I just got all four of my wisdom teeth removed in early November and noticed this two weeks later. At first I was glad that I got rid of them for one reason, that being it caused overcrowding (I now have to get invisalign braces). But then I noticed that it caused my cheeks and jawline to be more defined which is perfectly fine by me lol. I went online to see if anyone else had noticed this and luckily found this article. Thanks for writing it.
Thanks for the question and the article because this summer im going to get my wisdom teeth removed and i really wanted to see if that would happen. Im glad to get rid of them because they are starting to hurt and that thinner, more defined cheeks and jawline would be a good benefit, if you know what i mean.
I am a senior. I took anitbiotics for the removal of a wisdon tooth. I also have a heart murmur that is age related. I was suppose to have the removal done on May 21, 2011. I took the last pill on May 18, 2011. Will I need to have another round of anibiotics before I have my wisdom tooth removed? Will I also need to have additional medicaton due to my heart murmur.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
I already have defined cheekbones and jaws. I am supposed to have all wisdom teeth removed. I had one lower wisdom tooth removed but I think it’s lessening the defintition of my cheek! is this possible?
Yes, it is possible. Email me to hear my story
artfulgeek@gmail.com
Thanks for confirming this. I had my left wisdom teeth out ten years ago and have noticed slight facial asymmetry, particularly of the jaw, ever since. I never had it as a teen and rather suspected the teeth might’ve been the culprit. Just had the right side out so hopefully things will even out. Nice to know I wasn’t imagining things.
I could not understand why my face was not the same on both sides, on the right side were I have had my wisdom tooth removed it is more defined. Do you think that if I have my left wisdom tooth removed my face will become symmetrical?
It just might be possible. Email me to hear my own wisdom teeth story..
artfulgeek@gmail.com
Dr. Burhenne,
I had my #3 tooth removed close to three months ago due to a nonrestorable crack. I have already noticed an asymmetry in my face. The right side of my face seems to have sunk and my cheekbone is more pronounced. I am a thin person with naturally high cheek bones. However, I have a noticeable asymmetry that is really bothering my confidence. I have an appointment this week with my Doctor to see if I am a candidate for a dental implant.
What can I do to regain symmetry. Will an implant help regain a more symmetrical appearance.
Respectfully,
Amy
Hello, I had my wisdom tooth removed a couple of months ago. The surgery was very difficult and took around 3 hours, so my mouth was open wide all those hours. I noticed a change in my lips shape and when i smile i can see more of the gum, especially in the left side. Is this possible? Could this happen after a very long period of time opening the mouth?????????