Can wisdom teeth grow back?

Do wisdom teeth grow back?

No. Healthline says once removed, wisdom teeth do not regrow. A tooth is a single structure with a crown and roots, and surgery removes it, so the original tooth does not return. Cleveland Clinic describes wisdom teeth as third molars, the last teeth to grow in, usually between about ages 17 and 25.

Why a tooth can seem to grow back

Healthline says some people have more than the typical four wisdom teeth, and these extra teeth, called supernumerary teeth, can erupt after the original wisdom teeth are extracted. It cites a 2015 study of over 7,300 people that estimated about a 2 percent chance of having them, and says they can appear anywhere in the mouth and usually show up on standard dental X-rays. So a tooth that appears where a wisdom tooth was removed may be a different tooth that was already there, waiting to erupt.

What if something feels like it is growing back?

A new lump or hard area in the gum can have several causes, and the sources we read for this guide do not describe each one. Healthline's article does not discuss retained tooth fragments or other tissue. A dentist can tell whether it is an extra tooth, gum tissue healing or another problem with an exam and X-ray, so do not wait or try to remove it yourself.

Are teeth left behind after extraction?

The sources we read do not discuss tooth fragments left behind or whether they can regrow. If you are worried about retained root pieces or a persistent problem in the extraction site, ask your oral surgeon or dentist, who can check on an X-ray.

When do wisdom teeth grow in?

Cleveland Clinic says wisdom teeth usually emerge between about ages 17 and 25, later than other permanent teeth, and its eruption chart gives 17 to 21 years. Healthline says they usually emerge in the late teens or 20s. Dentists can see them on a panoramic X-ray before they break through.

What to do if you think a tooth is coming in

If you notice swelling, tenderness or a hard spot in the area, book a dental visit rather than waiting. A dentist can take an X-ray to see what is under the gum and check for infection. Keep brushing gently and rinse with warm salt water as your dentist advises, and avoid poking the area.

How wisdom teeth come in and what to expect

Healthline lists signs of wisdom teeth coming in: gum swelling behind the second molars, jaw pain, tender or bleeding gums, difficulty opening the mouth, a bad taste and bad breath, with the pain usually mild with an occasional sharp stab. Our guides on what wisdom tooth pain feels like and where wisdom teeth grow explain more.

Why dentists monitor wisdom teeth

Healthline says dentists monitor wisdom teeth for improper position, crooked growth, partial eruption and lack of space, since these can trap food, cause infection or damage neighboring teeth, and that impacted wisdom teeth may cause no symptoms at all, though infection or damage can develop without warning. Regular checkups and X-rays help. If a wisdom tooth needs removal, our guide on removal costs explains what a quote covers.

Questions to ask your dentist

If you have had wisdom teeth out, these questions help with follow-up.

• Were all four removed, and did the X-ray show any extra teeth?
• Should I expect anything to appear in the area, and what is normal?
• How long should the area take to heal?
• Which changes should I report, and who do I call?
• Do I need a follow-up X-ray?

Frequently asked questions