If you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed and feel something changing in the back of your mouth, you might wonder: “Can wisdom teeth grow back?” It’s a common question. And the short answer is no—once a wisdom tooth is fully taken out, it doesn’t grow back. But that doesn’t mean something else isn’t going on. Let’s talk about why some people feel like their wisdom teeth are growing back, and what might really be happening.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars. Most people get them between the ages of 17 and 21. They’re located all the way in the back of your mouth—two on the top and two on the bottom. Long ago, people needed these extra teeth to help chew tough foods. But today, they often cause more problems than help.
Not everyone has all four. Some people have fewer, and some don’t get them at all. And in rare cases, a person might have more than four wisdom teeth. These extra ones are called supernumerary teeth.
What Are Supernumerary Teeth?
Supernumerary teeth are extra teeth that grow in your mouth. When they form in the back near the wisdom teeth, they’re sometimes mistaken for wisdom teeth “growing back.” These extra teeth are not common. A 2015 study showed that only about 2% of people have them.
These teeth can appear in many places—near your regular molars, up in the roof of your mouth, or even in between your front teeth. But if they’re near the back, and you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed, it might feel like you’re getting another one.
Dentists use X-rays to find out what’s really happening. If you feel pain, pressure, or notice a new tooth coming in after a removal, it’s best to get checked. You could be dealing with a supernumerary tooth, not a regrown wisdom tooth.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed in the First Place?
There are a few reasons why dentists recommend removing wisdom teeth:
- They’re impacted – This means they don’t come in all the way or get stuck under the gums.
- They grow sideways or at an angle – This can push on nearby teeth and cause pain or damage.
- They cause crowding – If your mouth doesn’t have room, they can shift other teeth out of place.
- They’re hard to clean – Wisdom teeth are way in the back, so brushing and flossing can be tough. This makes them more likely to get cavities or infections.
Some people have no problems at all with their wisdom teeth. Others might deal with pain, swelling, infections, or even jaw stiffness.
If your dentist sees any issues coming, they may suggest removing the teeth early—before they cause trouble.
What Happens After Wisdom Teeth Are Removed?
After your wisdom teeth are taken out, your mouth begins to heal. Over the next few days or weeks, swelling goes down, the pain fades, and your gums close over the area where the teeth used to be.
But for some people, months or even years later, they feel something again—like pressure, a bump, or tooth-like pain in the same spot.
This can be confusing. After all, you had those teeth removed, so what’s going on?
Why It Might Feel Like Your Wisdom Teeth Are Growing Back
There are a few possible reasons:
- You had more than four wisdom teeth – Some people have five or even six. If only four were removed, another might be coming in now.
- A small piece of tooth was left behind – This is rare, but sometimes a tiny piece of the tooth or root stays in the gums. If it starts to move, it could cause discomfort.
- A cyst or infection is forming – Sometimes fluid-filled sacs (called cysts) form in the spot where the tooth was. These can press on nearby tissue and feel like something is growing.
- Other molars are shifting – If the teeth behind the removed wisdom tooth move around, it might feel like something is erupting again.
If you notice swelling, pain, or anything unusual, it’s a good idea to see your dentist. They’ll take an X-ray and figure out what’s going on.
What Is Hyperdontia?
Hyperdontia is the medical term for having extra teeth—more than the usual 32 adult teeth. This includes supernumerary wisdom teeth.
Most extra teeth don’t cause problems. But if they’re crooked, impacted, or growing in strange places, they can lead to pain, crowding, or infections. That’s when your dentist may need to remove them.
Hyperdontia doesn’t happen often. But it can run in families, and it’s more likely in people with certain genetic conditions. Dentists can usually spot it during a routine exam or when you get X-rays.
Should You Worry About Wisdom Teeth Growing Back?
In most cases, you don’t need to worry. If your wisdom teeth were removed completely, they won’t grow back. But if you feel anything unusual, it’s worth getting checked.
A dentist can tell you if you have an extra tooth or if something else is going on. It’s always better to catch problems early before they turn into something painful or hard to fix.
What to Do If You Think Your Wisdom Teeth Are Coming Back
If you’ve had your wisdom teeth removed and think they’re growing back, here’s what to do:
- Check for symptoms – Are you feeling pressure, swelling, or pain in the back of your mouth?
- Look in your mouth – Do you see a new tooth coming in?
- Call your dentist – Schedule a visit to get a full check-up and possibly an X-ray.
The sooner you find out what’s going on, the easier it is to treat.
Why X-Rays Matter
Dental X-rays help your dentist see what’s happening below the surface. They can find:
- Extra teeth (supernumerary teeth)
- Leftover root pieces
- Cysts or bone problems
- Tooth movement
Without an X-ray, it can be hard to know for sure what’s causing your symptoms. That’s why regular dental visits are helpful—even if you’re not in pain.
Take Care of Your Mouth After Wisdom Teeth Removal
Even after your wisdom teeth are gone, it’s important to keep your mouth healthy. Here are a few simple tips:
- Brush and floss every day, especially near the back teeth.
- Rinse with salt water after surgery to help healing.
- Avoid hard or sticky foods during recovery.
- See your dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups.
If you take care of your mouth, you’ll lower your chances of infection, gum problems, or new issues popping up later.
When in Doubt, Ask a Dentist
Wisdom teeth do not grow back once they’re removed. But it’s possible for extra wisdom teeth—or other dental problems—to appear later and cause confusion. If you feel like something’s wrong, don’t wait. A simple exam and X-ray can give you peace of mind and keep your smile healthy.
If you’re in Littleton, CO, and want to speak with a dentist about wisdom teeth or any changes in your mouth, give us a call at (303) 933-2522. We’re here to help you figure it out.
Category: General