If you’ve ever heard someone say their wisdom teeth “came back” after surgery, you’re probably wondering if that’s even possible.
You go through the swelling, the soft-food diet, the ice packs, and then someone casually mentions, “Oh yeah, mine grew back.” Wait, what?
Do wisdom teeth really return after they’ve been removed?
Let’s clear this up right away: if you had a full wisdom teeth extraction in Wetaskiwin, the teeth themselves do not grow back the way baby teeth do, but here’s where the confusion happens: sometimes what people think is a “regrown wisdom tooth” is really something else happening beneath the gums.
So yes, this is one of those dental questions where the real answer is “it depends.”
Can Wisdom Teeth Actually Grow Back?
Here’s the straightforward truth: once a wisdom tooth is fully removed (root and all), it cannot magically regrow.
Tooth enamel does not regrow like hair or nails; this is where the myths begin. There are rare cases when people still have an extra tooth bud or a small piece of tooth left behind that continues to grow afterward.
So technically, when people ask, “Can wisdom teeth grow after removal?” the answer is only if the teeth weren’t fully removed in the first place or if an extra tooth was hiding below the gums, which is why you should consult a dentist in Wetaskiwin.
Why Do People Think Their Wisdom Teeth Can Regrow?
Some situations can create illusions of regrowth, which are as follows:
Extra or hidden wisdom teeth
Some people naturally have more than four wisdom teeth. Sounds wild, but it happens!
A small part of the tooth was left behind
If even a tiny piece of root remains, it can continue to grow, causing new pressure or pain.
Another tooth is erupting near the same spot
Sometimes, a normal molar erupts later in life and gets confused with a “returning” wisdom tooth.
Changes in the gums or jawbone after wisdom teeth removal
Your mouth continues to shift as you age, and something that feels like a “tooth coming in” may just be tissue healing or bone remodelling.
That’s why people ask dentists whether wisdom teeth grow back, because the sensation can feel oddly similar.
What Should You Look For After Removal?
If you begin feeling pressure, swelling, or discomfort months or years after wisdom teeth extraction, it doesn’t automatically mean a tooth is growing back, but it does mean it’s time for an exam.
Sometimes the issue is infection, bone growth, jaw pressure, or even sinus-related discomfort. The best person to diagnose that?
A dentist near you who can take an X-ray and see what’s actually happening under the gums.
What About Wisdom Tooth Regrowth?
“Wisdom tooth regrowth” is not a medically accurate term.
What is often perceived as regrowth is usually one of the following:
- A fragment left behind that continues to erupt
- A second (extra) wisdom tooth developing
- A cyst or infection causing pressure on the bone
All of these conditions are treatable and generally easier to address than the initial extraction.
Why Complete Extraction Matters
A full, careful wisdom teeth extraction removes both the visible crown and the roots beneath the gums.
That’s why surgical extractions are recommended instead of “yanking” visible teeth the old-fashioned way.
Roots can run deep, sometimes curving around nerves or sinuses, and leaving even 5–10% behind can cause problems later.
That’s also why patients often choose a dentist who explains imaging, shows X-rays, and makes sure nothing is left behind.
Wrapping Up!
Most people never experience anything close to “wisdom teeth coming back,” but if you ever feel new pressure or discomfort where those teeth used to be, don’t ignore it. A quick exam can rule out infection, leftover roots, or extra teeth that weren’t visible before.
If you have questions or need a follow-up exam after your extraction, our team at Wetaskiwin Family has got you covered – schedule your appointment now.
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