Impacts of Wisdom Tooth Extraction on Bite and Facial Symmetry

Q: Impacts of Wisdom Tooth Extraction on Bite and Facial Symmetry

Dear online friend： Hello! 1. <br>There will be no impact! 2. <br>(If only the lower wisdom teeth are extracted and the upper ones are not), over time, the upper wisdom teeth may elongate and eventually bite into the lower gum. <br>At this point, it is important to take good care

Wisdom tooth extraction issues?

Hello, doctor.
I have a few questions:
1.
If I only extract the wisdom tooth on the right side, will it cause an imbalance in my bite and lead to facial asymmetry?
2.
If I only extract the lower wisdom tooth and not the upper one, will it result in an improper bite or cause injury to the soft tissue in the lower jaw?
3.
If I only extract one wisdom tooth while the other three are normal and do not need extraction, will it still cause an improper bite or facial asymmetry, or will there be other effects? Thank you, doctor.

Wangyou, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/05/05

Dr. Huang Tingfang reply Dentistry

Dear online friend: Hello! 1.
There will be no impact! 2.
(If only the lower wisdom teeth are extracted and the upper ones are not), over time, the upper wisdom teeth may elongate and eventually bite into the lower gum.
At this point, it is important to take good care of the upper wisdom teeth! Wishing you peace and success! Sincerely, Dr.
Huang Ting-Fang, Dentistry.

Reply Date: 2020/05/05

More Info

The extraction of wisdom teeth can indeed have various impacts on both dental alignment and facial symmetry. Let's address your questions one by one.

1. Will extracting wisdom teeth on one side cause an imbalance in bite and facial asymmetry?
Yes, extracting wisdom teeth on one side can potentially lead to an imbalance in your bite and may contribute to facial asymmetry. The human jaw and dental arch are designed to work symmetrically; thus, removing a tooth from one side can disrupt the balance. This imbalance can lead to compensatory movements in the jaw, which may cause uneven wear on the remaining teeth and could affect the alignment of your bite. Over time, this may also lead to changes in facial appearance, as the muscles and bones adapt to the new bite.

2. If only the lower wisdom tooth is extracted, will it cause bite misalignment or injury to the soft tissue?
Extracting only the lower wisdom tooth while leaving the upper wisdom tooth can lead to bite misalignment, especially if the upper tooth is still present and continues to erupt. The upper wisdom tooth may intrude into the space left by the lower tooth, potentially causing trauma to the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the gums or the inside of the cheek. This can lead to discomfort and may require further dental intervention to correct.

3. If only one wisdom tooth is extracted while the others remain, will it cause bite misalignment or facial asymmetry?
Extracting just one wisdom tooth while leaving the others intact can still lead to bite misalignment, especially if the extracted tooth was contributing to the overall occlusion (bite relationship) of your teeth. The remaining teeth may shift over time, leading to changes in your bite and possibly affecting facial symmetry. However, the degree of impact varies from person to person, depending on factors such as the position of the remaining teeth, the overall dental health, and how the jaw compensates for the extraction.

In summary, while wisdom tooth extraction is often necessary to prevent future dental issues, it is essential to consider the potential impacts on your bite and facial symmetry. If you are concerned about these issues, it is advisable to consult with an oral surgeon or a dentist who specializes in orthodontics. They can provide you with a comprehensive evaluation and discuss potential treatment options, such as braces or retainers, to help maintain or restore proper alignment after the extraction.
Additionally, maintaining regular dental check-ups is crucial for monitoring any changes in your bite or facial structure following the extraction. If you experience any discomfort or noticeable changes in your bite or facial symmetry after the procedure, do not hesitate to reach out to your dental care provider for further evaluation and management.

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