For many of us, wisdom teeth are a distant memory—those pesky third molars removed to make way for a healthier smile.
But imagine you’re going about your day, only to suddenly feel discomfort in the same spot where your wisdom teeth once were.
You might find yourself wondering, “Can wisdom teeth regrow?”
It’s a common question we get here at Airdrie Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and today, we’re diving deep into the topic to clear up any confusion.
We’ll explore why you might think your wisdom teeth are growing back, what’s really happening, and why oral surgery may be needed again in some rare cases.
Plus, we’ll cover what the wisdom teeth removal process entails and why it’s such an important part of maintaining good oral health.
Let’s dig into the mystery of wisdom teeth regrowth and how we at Airdrie Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery can help you maintain a healthy, pain-free mouth.
Can Wisdom Teeth Regrow: A Common Concern
You’ve probably heard rumours about people experiencing their wisdom teeth growing back.
But is it true?
Can wisdom teeth regrow after they’ve been removed, or is this just an urban legend?
The short answer is no, wisdom teeth do not regrow once they’ve been removed. However, there are some interesting nuances to consider, which might explain why some people feel like they’re growing again.
A small percentage of the population may develop extra wisdom teeth known as supernumerary teeth. These extra teeth can erupt even after your original wisdom teeth were removed, leading to discomfort or confusion. Typically, adults have four wisdom teeth, but some individuals may have fewer, more, or even extra supernumerary molars.
Why You Might Feel Like Your Wisdom Teeth Are Growing Back
Though it’s rare, people sometimes feel sensations in their jaw or gum tissue that make them think their wisdom teeth grew back.
More often than not, what’s really happening is the development of other teeth issues, such as the movement of adjacent teeth or the eruption of supernumerary teeth.
Your body’s healing process can also lead to sensations in your extraction site that feel like new growth, but in most cases, it’s just your jawbone or gum tissue settling.
Still, if you’re feeling pain in that area, it’s essential to consult your oral surgeon to rule out any complications like infection or tooth decay.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth: Why Do We Have Them?
Before we get into the nuts and bolts of whether or not wisdom teeth regrow, it helps to understand what wisdom teeth actually are and why we have them in the first place.
The Role of Wisdom Teeth in Oral Health
Wisdom teeth are the last set of permanent teeth to develop in your mouth, usually appearing in your late teens or early twenties. For some people, they come in without any issues, but for many, there isn’t enough space in the jaw to accommodate them. This lack of room can cause impacted wisdom teeth, which means the teeth grow improperly and can lead to serious oral health issues like tooth decay, gum disease, or even damage to the other molars.
When to Consider Wisdom Teeth Removal
If your wisdom teeth don’t have enough room to grow properly, or if they become impacted, it’s time to consider wisdom tooth removal.
Impacted wisdom teeth can lead to jaw pain, infection, or even shift the alignment of your adult teeth. In such cases, extraction is usually the best course of action.
Make sure you visit your dentist regularly to monitor the growth of your wisdom teeth. Early intervention can prevent a host of problems later on, and X-rays can help your dentist see if impacted wisdom teeth are forming before they cause pain.
What Happens During Wisdom Teeth Removal?
If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort from wisdom teeth, and your dentist has recommended extraction, you may be wondering what the process entails.
Wisdom teeth removal is a standard procedure performed by oral surgeons, like the team at Airdrie Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, to prevent further complications.
The Wisdom Tooth Removal Procedure
During a wisdom tooth removal, your oral surgeon will administer anesthesia to ensure you’re comfortable throughout the procedure.
The gum is then opened to expose the wisdom tooth, and if necessary, the tooth is broken into smaller pieces for easier removal.
Afterward, the extraction site is cleaned, and the incision is stitched up. Recovery typically takes about a week, and proper aftercare—like keeping the area clean and avoiding certain foods—helps prevent infection.
Can Wisdom Teeth Regrow After Extraction?
So, back to the burning question: can wisdom teeth regrow after extraction?
While the original wisdom teeth can’t come back, there’s a rare possibility of extra wisdom teeth—also known as supernumerary teeth—forming in the same area.
Supernumerary Teeth: The Uninvited Guests
In about 2% of the population, additional teeth can develop, even after the original wisdom teeth removal. These extra wisdom teeth can emerge later in life and may require extraction, much like their predecessors.
The exact cause of supernumerary teeth isn’t entirely understood, but genetic factors are thought to play a role.
Don’t Ignore Jaw Pain
If you’ve already had your wisdom teeth removed but are experiencing jaw discomfort or notice any new teeth coming in, it’s time to see an oral surgeon. Ignoring the symptoms can lead to bigger problems down the road.
The Importance of Proper Care After Wisdom Teeth Removal
While wisdom teeth don’t grow back, proper care post-surgery is critical to ensure long-term oral health. Failing to properly care for the extraction site can lead to infection or other complications, which is why your recovery plan is so important.
Maintaining Oral Health Post-Extraction
After your wisdom teeth removal, make sure to brush gently around the area, avoid strenuous activities for a few days, and follow all the guidelines provided by your oral surgeon.
Doing so can help you avoid potential complications like infection, dry socket, or swelling.
A healthy recovery from wisdom tooth removal is the key to ensuring that the discomfort of the procedure is just a temporary bump on the road to better oral health.
Conclusion: Your Guide to Wisdom Teeth and Their Mysteries
So, can wisdom teeth regrow? While it’s unlikely that your original wisdom teeth will return, the possibility of supernumerary teeth makes it worth paying attention to any changes in your mouth post-extraction.
If you’re feeling discomfort or noticing new teeth emerging, be sure to consult your oral surgeon.
Contact us! At Airdrie Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, we are here to guide you through every step of the process, from diagnosis to recovery.
Whether you’re dealing with impacted wisdom teeth, wondering about supernumerary teeth, or simply want expert advice on oral health, our team is ready to provide the care you deserve.