Can Wisdom Teeth Grow Back or Are They Completely Gone?

TLDR;

No, wisdom teeth do not grow back once they are completely removed. However, some people may experience sensations or see new teeth emerge later due to rare conditions like supernumerary teeth—not actual regrowth. Buford Dentist explains why this confusion exists and what it really means.

Do Wisdom Teeth Grow Back? Here’s the Truth

No, once your wisdom teeth (third molars) are removed—including the roots—they are gone for good. They don’t grow back like baby teeth.

Still, people often report strange post-extraction sensations or discover unexpected teeth later, leading them to wonder if regrowth is possible. Here’s where that idea comes from—and what’s actually happening in your mouth.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically emerge between ages 17 and 25.

They’re located at the very back of the mouth, both top and bottom.
In many people, there isn’t enough space for them to emerge properly, which can lead to impaction or crowding.

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

From an evolutionary perspective:

Early humans needed these extra molars to grind down raw plants and tough meats.
Over time, jaw sizes shrank due to changes in diet and cooking methods.
Now, most people don’t have room for them, which leads to extraction being common.

Why Wisdom Teeth Are Removed

Wisdom teeth are often more trouble than they’re worth:

Impaction: Teeth get trapped in the jaw, causing pain or infection.
Crowding: New molars push other teeth out of alignment.
Cavities or Gum Issues: They’re hard to clean, making them prone to decay.

Removing them is typically a preventive measure to avoid:

Tooth damage
Infections
Jaw pain
Cysts or tumors

The Wisdom Tooth Extraction Process

What Happens During Removal?

During a tooth extraction, an oral surgeon or dentist numbs the area or uses sedation.

An oral surgeon or dentist numbs the area or uses sedation.
The tooth is loosened and removed completely—roots and all.
If the tooth is impacted, a small incision may be needed.

What’s the Healing Timeline?

First 2–3 days: Swelling and discomfort are common.
First week: Tissue starts to close up.
2–3 weeks: Most people are fully healed.

Can Wisdom Teeth Grow Back?

Once removed properly, wisdom teeth do not grow back.

However, there are three main reasons people think they do:

1. Supernumerary Teeth

These are extra teeth that develop in addition to your normal 32.

Also called hyperdontia
Rare—affects less than 4% of the population
Can appear where a wisdom tooth once was
Often mistaken for “regrown” wisdom teeth

2. Remaining Tooth Fragments

If a tooth wasn’t fully extracted:

Small root fragments may remain.
These can shift or break the surface later.
They’re not new teeth but leftover pieces.

3. Phantom Tooth Sensation

Some people feel:

Pressure
Tingling
Pain

This is typically caused by:

Nerve regeneration
Gum healing
Sensory memory of the tooth

It does not mean a new tooth is forming.

What Are Supernumerary Teeth?

These are real extra teeth that can emerge later in life, sometimes after wisdom teeth are removed.

Causes:

Genetic factors
Developmental conditions
Rare syndromes

Where Do They Appear?

Near the molars
In the upper jaw
Sometimes even in the roof of the mouth (palate)

Common Issues:

Misalignment
Crowding
Delayed eruption of other teeth

Diagnosis:

Dental x-rays
Clinical exam

Treatment:

Monitor if harmless
Extraction if they cause problems

Buford Dentist recommends early evaluation to prevent issues if you suspect you have extra teeth.

Strange Sensations After Wisdom Tooth Removal

Many people feel odd things where their wisdom teeth were. These sensations are normal and, in some cases, people turn to remedies like pineapple juice for wisdom teeth to reduce inflammation and promote healing.

Common Sensations:

Tingling or itching in the gums
Pain during nerve healing
A feeling of pressure like something is “coming in”

These Sensations Are NOT:

Tooth regrowth
An emerging wisdom tooth

When should you see a dentist?

If the sensation gets worse over time
If you see white or hard material coming through the gums
If pain is persistent beyond the expected healing time

Preventing and Managing Post-Extraction Complications

Proper care after wisdom tooth removal is essential.

Keep the Area Clean

Rinse with warm salt water
Avoid vigorous spitting
Don’t poke the area with your tongue or fingers

Watch for Complications

Dry Socket: Severe pain after the blood clot is dislodged
Infection: Redness, swelling, or pus
Nerve Damage: Numbness or tingling beyond the recovery window

Follow-Up Appointments

Buford Dentist strongly recommends post-surgical visits to monitor healing and address potential issues.

Why People Confuse Regrowth with Dental Anomalies

The belief that wisdom teeth can regrow comes from:

A misunderstanding of dental development
Confusing rare dental anomalies like supernumerary teeth with regrowth
Post-surgical sensations misinterpreted as tooth formation

It’s Easy to See Why:

A new tooth appears years after removal
Strange gum feelings mimic tooth eruption
X-rays show unexpected molars

But actual “regrowth” of a removed wisdom tooth simply doesn’t happen.

Dental Health Awareness: Clearing Up the Myth

Understanding what’s happening in your mouth helps avoid panic and misinformation.

Key Takeaways:

Wisdom teeth do not grow back once fully extracted.
If you see a new tooth after removal, it’s likely a supernumerary tooth, not regrowth.
Phantom sensations are common but harmless.
Professional diagnosis is critical to know what’s really happening.

Still Feeling Something After Extraction? Here’s What to Do

Buford Dentist encourages patients not to ignore unusual sensations post-extraction.

Schedule a checkup if discomfort persists.
Ask about dental x-rays to identify leftover fragments or extra teeth.
Don’t assume—it’s better to confirm.

Being proactive avoids bigger dental issues down the road.

What If a New Tooth Shows Up Years Later?

This doesn’t mean your wisdom tooth has grown back.

Possible explanations include:

A supernumerary tooth that was dormant
An unerupted molar finally making its way to the surface
Rare cases of delayed eruption

The bottom line: It’s not regrowth—it’s something different.