Can Wisdom Teeth Grow Back or Are They Completely Gone?

TLDR;

Wisdom teeth do not grow back once they are completely removed, because permanent teeth have no ability to regenerate. If you feel pain, pressure, or a new bump after wisdom tooth extraction, it is often due to extra teeth, retained fragments, or healing changes, and you should consult a dentist like Buford Dentist to confirm the cause.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars. They typically appear between ages 17 and 25. These teeth are considered vestigial, meaning they once had a purpose for our ancestors who needed them to grind tough foods but have little use today.

Anatomy of wisdom teeth includes:

  • Crown, the part above the gumline

  • Root, which anchors the tooth in the jawbone

  • Tooth bud, which develops from the dental lamina in early growth

Wisdom teeth are permanent teeth, not like baby teeth. Once removed, they do not come back.

Why Wisdom Teeth Are Removed

Dentists and oral surgeons recommend removal in many cases.

  • Impaction, when teeth fail to erupt properly

     

  • Crowding, when there is not enough room in the jaw

     

  • Decay or infection, because they are difficult to clean

     

  • Orthodontic reasons, to protect straightened teeth

     

During a tooth extraction, the entire tooth and its roots are removed. Complete removal prevents the chance of regrowth.

Myth vs Reality: Can Wisdom Teeth Grow Back?

The short answer is no. Permanent teeth do not regenerate. Unlike baby teeth, once wisdom teeth are taken out, the body does not replace them.

What people think is regrowth often includes:

  • Supernumerary teeth, which are extra teeth beyond the normal set

  • Residual root fragments left behind during surgery

  • Bone spicules or gum changes during healing

  • Neighboring teeth shifting into the empty space

Why People Think Wisdom Teeth Are Growing Back

After removal, patients sometimes feel sensations in the area that lead them to believe a tooth is growing again. Common reasons include:

  • Pain or pressure in the jaw as tissues heal

  • Small bumps from bone or gum tissue changes

  • Phantom sensations as nerves recover

  • Late eruption of extra teeth in rare cases

These experiences can mimic tooth regrowth but are not evidence of new wisdom teeth forming.

Conditions That Mimic Regrowth

Several dental conditions can explain why people feel like their wisdom teeth are coming back.

Supernumerary Teeth (Hyperdontia)

Some people have extra teeth due to genetic factors. Studies suggest this occurs in less than 4 percent of the population. These teeth may erupt years after wisdom tooth removal.

Residual Root Fragments

If small pieces of the tooth or root remain after surgery, they can move closer to the surface later. This creates the sensation of a tooth returning.

Bone Spurs

During healing, bone can form sharp edges called spicules. These feel like a tooth fragment but are part of normal healing.

Shifting Adjacent Teeth

When a wisdom tooth is removed, nearby molars sometimes shift slightly, causing pressure that feels like eruption.

Diagnosis: How Dentists Confirm the Cause

A dentist will use clinical exams and imaging to determine the true cause.

  • Dental history helps identify whether extra teeth are possible

     

  • Physical examination locates bumps, swelling, or sensitivity

     

  • Panoramic X-rays and CBCT scans show whether fragments or supernumerary teeth exist

     

Dentists like Buford Dentist rely on imaging to give a clear answer and ensure the area is healing correctly.

What to Do If You Suspect a Problem

If you think your wisdom teeth are growing back, take these steps:

  • Watch for symptoms such as swelling, pain, or a visible bump

  • Schedule an appointment with a dentist

  • Bring previous X-rays and treatment records for comparison

Possible treatments include:

  • Removing retained fragments

  • Extracting extra teeth if present

  • Managing infections or gum complications

Healing After Wisdom Tooth Extraction

Healing varies by individual but follows general stages. Some patients also explore home remedies like pineapple juice for wisdom teeth, which may help reduce swelling due to its natural anti-inflammatory properties.

  • First few days: swelling and mild discomfort are common

     

  • One to two weeks: gums close and soreness decreases

     

  • Several months: bone and soft tissues remodel completely

     

Normal sensations include pressure, tingling, and mild sensitivity. Abnormal signs include severe pain, swelling, or pus, which should be checked by a dentist.

Rare Cases and Research Frontiers

Although permanent teeth do not regrow naturally, researchers have studied dental stem cells. Experiments in animals show some potential for tooth regeneration, but no treatment is available for humans today.

Rare genetic anomalies also exist where individuals develop multiple sets of extra molars, but these are exceptions and not true regrowth of extracted teeth.

Final Takeaway: Wisdom Teeth Do Not Grow Back

FAQs

Can wisdom teeth grow back after they have been removed?

No. Permanent teeth do not regrow.

Why does it feel like wisdom teeth are growing back?

Pain, nerve healing, gum changes, or extra teeth may cause this feeling.

What are supernumerary teeth?

These are extra teeth that develop beyond the normal 32 permanent teeth.

Can bone fragments cause pain years after extraction?

Yes, small fragments can surface later and cause irritation.

How common is it to have extra wisdom teeth?

Studies suggest less than 4 percent of people develop extra wisdom teeth.

Should you get X-rays if you feel pressure where wisdom teeth were?

Yes, imaging is the best way to confirm whether fragments or extra teeth exist.

Wisdom Tooth Removal and Long-Term Oral Health

Tooth Retention with Gum Disease: What You Need to Know

Wisdom tooth removal is a common procedure that improves oral health by preventing impaction, decay, and crowding. When fully removed, wisdom teeth do not grow back. If you feel discomfort or think a tooth is returning, see a dentist for a professional check. Buford Dentist provides accurate diagnosis, treatment, and reassurance for patients with these concerns.