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How to regain my face structure after a surgical extraction?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At August 3, 2022
Reviewed AtOctober 11, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I had a surgical extraction of my wisdom tooth. After six months, I lost prominence on the left side of my face, impacting my jaw appearance and facial height. I also have pain, unilateral chewing, dry mouth, headaches, and bad breath. My acquaintance has also noticed my facial changes.

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Alfiya K Jamal

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Jaw pain, swelling, difficulty in opening the mouth are commonly present for a few days after the surgical extraction of wisdom tooth. Healing depends on the type of impaction, bone coverage, or traumatic extraction. Bad breath occurs due to difficulty in mouth opening while brushing or food lodgement. Avoid sticky foods and keep the area clean. Gargle with lukewarm salt water after every meal to make the healing faster. Facial changes occur due to swelling. Follow up after three days. Also, kindly share the images.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I got my wisdom tooth removed five years ago and have noticed these symptoms since then.

Kindly advise.

Answered by Dr. Alfiya K Jamal

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

We must take the necessary measures if it is more than five years. From the reports attached (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), your wisdom tooth had no contact with the opposing tooth during occlusion. Bone resorption occurs after an extraction. You have got four teeth extracted. So bone remodeling and jaw remodeling has occurred on the left side to compensate for occlusion. I suggest you consult your dentist for the management of the same. You do not have a fracture, but please check for sinusitis as you have a dry mouth and headache. Your symptoms are not related to the extraction.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I am concerned about my facial appearance. What are the treatment options?

Kindly suggest.

Answered by Dr. Alfiya K Jamal

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Since you are 25 years old, your bone transforms due to malocclusion or bone resorption after an extraction. The probable cause is bone resorption after extraction or malocclusion. Treatment options include bone regeneration (bone graft is placed in the resorbed area for bone growth) or orthodontic treatment for correcting the malaligned teeth. I suggest you consult your dentist for the management as they know your previous facial profile better.

I hope this helps.

Kindly revert in case of further questions.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

What kind of specialist should I consult? Unfortunately, my dentist is not available. This was done a few years ago.

Kindly suggest.

Answered by Dr. Alfiya K Jamal

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

In your case, firstly, we need to rule out if there are any complications in your extraction. I have reviewed your OPG (orthopantomogram) reports (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity) and found nothing unusual in them. Still, in the OPG, only bones can be seen. So, we cannot confirm it only through the OPG. So, you need to consult an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for a detailed check-up. I hope he can help you with face deformity issues also. If you have swelling or any bone deformity, various treatment procedures are available.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Alfiya K Jamal
Dr. Alfiya K Jamal

Dentistry

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