Expert: Steven C. Scherr, D.D.S. - 7/18/2007

Question
Hello doctor. I heard that remove wisdom teeth can have bad side effect such us facial collapsing and appearance of a sunken cheek. It is also to my knowledge that whenever a person is missing back teeth (in this case the wisdom teeth), the cosmetic result could be notice such as sunken cheek because the cheek lost it support by the upper and bottom wisdom teeth. Is there any true to this doctor ? I am concern because my dentist told me to have all 4 of my wisdom teeth remove soon  but i'm worry about the negative cosmetic effect. By the way i'm 22 .

Answer
Kenny,

This can occur following removal of the first and second molars (the teeth immediately in front of the wisdom teeth).  I have never heard of this occurring with removal of the wisdom teeth because they sit too far back in the mouth to be noticed.  In fact, most people don't even have enough room for the wisdom teeth to come all the way in properly.

I don't think you have anything to be concerned about with the wisdom teeth.  Keep your other molars clean and healthy to avoid these concerns in the future.

Best wishes,

Steve