I know that with each tooth extraction the facial height/width shrinks 2-4mm, is this true for wisdoms? Strongly cons. implants.

Question

Hi, To say I'm despondent over getting my wisdom teeth removed would be putting it lightly..I have done thorough research on the subject and found that the face commonly ages and narrows after wisdom extractions as the bone atrophies/recedes without the stimulation from the teeth. To be perfectly honest, I'm a little livid that this isn't mentioned as a part of informed consent..I know it's not usually done but I'm strongly considering dental implants to regenerate the bone. Is this feasible?

Elly Tehrani, DMD, MSD · Answer

Implant placement  in Wisdom teeth location is not normally performed the only time we are concerned about bone loss once wisdom teeth are extracted, is when the roots are very close to the the 2nd molar roots. After wisdom tooth extraction, bone defects might develop on 2nd molar. This usually is regenerated using bone grafts. Implants are not needed

Mark Weiser, DDS · Answer

To maintain facial height (or what we call vertical dimension), it is critical that patients keep their premolars and first molars. Second and third molars (wisdoms) are not critical to maintaining vertical dimension. Many occlusal analyses demonstrate that in normal dentitions, biting forced are concentrated on the premolars and first molars.

Susan Hollinsworth, DDS (retired) · Answer

Most of us do not have room for the wisdom teeth to come in and if they do, most are not in contact with each other. Thus, there can be no stimulation and there would be no room for implants. Although there will be some bone lost back there when they are removed, that will have no effect on facial height, aging or narrowing. Your premolars and first molars are the ones to be concerned with. If you are doing research, please be sure that your knowledge comes from reputable scientific sources that do appropriate research. Anyone can post anything on the internet and make claims without scientific verification.

I know that with each tooth extraction the facial height/width shrinks 2-4mm, is this true for wisdoms? Strongly cons. implants.

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I know that with each tooth extraction the facial height/width shrinks 2-4mm, is this true for wisdoms? Strongly cons. implants.

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Dental Implants

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