Relax. The fact is that wisdom teeth cannot grow back. But here’s the catch: some people actually have more than four wisdom teeth. However, these people are few and far between. Most dentists estimate only one or two people out of 100 actually have an extra set of wisdom teeth. But if you are part of that small group, it is possible for another set of wisdom teeth to grow once you have the original four removed.
But here’s the real problem. It is possible that during the removal process, your dentist may actually leave a part of the root of one or more of your wisdom teeth. When that happens, it is possible for the tooth to grow back.
Another possible scenario is your dentist may leave some tooth fragments behind. In that case, it’s possible for those tooth fragments to migrate back into your mouth, causing pain and discomfort. And ultimately leading to another trip to the dentist.
Can Wisdom Teeth Grow Back - All the Basics Discussed
The question "Can wisdom teeth grow back?" is very popular. After all, we all have or will have wisdom teeth. Most adults have 32 teeth. These include four canines, eight incisors, eight premolars, and 12 molars.
Your four wisdom teeth form a part of the 12 molars. Although children do not have as many teeth as adults, by the time they hit their late teens or early twenties, most people have a full set of 32 teeth.
But because there isn’t always enough room in your mouth for all 32, if the growing wisdom teeth cause pain and start to interfere with the alignment of your other teeth, your dentist will likely recommend you have your wisdom teeth pulled. In fact, over 85 percent of all adults have had their wisdom teeth removed.
What's a Wisdom Tooth?
Before we can really answer the question "Can wisdom teeth grow back?" let us know what a wisdom tooth is. Contrary to popular belief, having your wisdom teeth start to grow in does not mean you are getting wiser. Unfortunately, it just means you're getting older. Most people experience the growth of these last four molars between the ages of 17 and 21. They are located in the very back of their upper and lower jaw.
Typically, there will be two on each side of the upper jaw and two on each side of the lower jaw. It is not unusual for a person's wisdom teeth to grow in, and have to be removed, much later in life. And there are even a lucky few who never grow out their wisdom teeth at all.
Did you know?
Some dentists believe that the original purpose of the wisdom teeth was to substitute for lost or broken molars that were a constant reality due to the extremely rough diet that earlier man was accustomed to eating.
What are Impacted Molars?
Unfortunately for some, the wisdom teeth will sometimes be present in the mouth, but never actually break the skin. Dentists refer to these teeth as "impacted." The presence of these impacted teeth can cause a great deal of pain because they are constantly pushing up the skin, which causes inflammation and soreness. And even though the teeth don't actually break through the skin, dentists will likely advise patients to have them removed.
Signs of an Impacted Tooth:
- A stiff or painful jaw.
- Swollen, inflamed or infected gum tissue.
- A partially erupted tooth that causes pain or sensitivity.
Why Remove the Wisdom Teeth?
If you are worried if "Can wisdom teeth grow back?" read on and find out the answer. By the time your wisdom teeth arrive, there usually isn't enough room in the jaw to accommodate them. Even if your wisdom teeth do not cause you any pain when they come in, dentists will often advise removing the extra teeth.
This is because they serve no useful purpose and if they haven't already caused discomfort or inflammation, there is always the potential for pain and inconvenience later in life. Moreover, because they are located so far back in the mouth, it is often difficult to brush them properly, and that can lead to gum disease, infections, and tooth decay.
Did you know?
Some dentists believe that early man had a much bigger jaw, which could comfortably accommodate the wisdom teeth. It's believed that wisdom teeth were intended to help process a much rougher diet that earlies man was forced to consume.
What Happens After Wisdom Teeth Are Removed?
Most people experience some swelling on the outside of the jaw in the area where the teeth were removed. That swelling will disappear as soon as the inside of the mouth is completely healed. Some people worry that the structure of the face will appear different, but that is not the case.
In fact, after the healing, most people's mouths feel much more comfortable because of all the extra room. And they no longer have to worry about brushing and flossing those inconvenient back molars known as the wisdom teeth.
Gum Infection Rates in People with Wisdom Teeth
| Age | % |
|---|---|
| 25 & Under | 17 |
| 25 & Older | 33 |
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