When we enter our late teens and early twenties, the last set of molars starts to erupt. Also known as wisdom teeth, these late blooming molars can cause painful symptoms if they don’t come in the right way. For instance, many people suffer from impacted wisdom teeth. In such cases, the dentist might recommend wisdom teeth removal. But, many individuals wonder if this is the permanent fix. So, can your wisdom teeth grow back?
To answer, wisdom teeth cannot grow back after they’ve been extracted. Sometimes, though, you might notice extra teeth growing in your gums. Or, perhaps, more than the usual four molars erupt. This does not mean the extracted wisdom tooth grew back. These are just supernumerary wisdom teeth.
We will discuss more of this phenomenon in this blog; keep reading to find out more about supernumerary wisdom teeth.
How to Deal With Extra Wisdom Teeth Growing in Gums
As discussed above, some people grow more than four wisdom teeth. So, wisdom teeth can’t grow back, but you might have an additional one. You can think of it as a mutation that occurs in some people. Still, the chances of supernumerary wisdom teeth are very rare. Your dentist can conduct dental X-rays to see if you have extra wisdom teeth growing in. This can help you in the following ways:
Some people will have more than the typical four wisdom teeth. In simpler terms, the wisdom teeth don’t grow back — it’s just an extra molar in the mouth. You can view it as a mutation that occurs in some people. However, supernumerary wisdom teeth are very rare. Although they don’t necessarily represent something bad, it’s better to visit your dentist if you notice one.
The dentist will conduct a dental X-ray to investigate the situation. After the X-ray, you’ll have the answer to the following questions:
- Are medical tests necessary? This is because the extra teeth could indicate genetic conditions.
- Am I at risk of oral health conditions?
- Do I require orthodontic treatment?
- Is extraction needed?
Signs You Need Wisdom Tooth Extraction
We don’t have wide or big jaws like our ancestors. Therefore, accommodating four wisdom teeth can result in painful symptoms. This is because the third molars can’t move into position due to the presence of other teeth. Furthermore, in some cases, the wisdom tooth aligns horizontally. Hence, the lack of space and horizontal position leads to an impacted wisdom tooth. If you have an impacted wisdom tooth, you’ll need to undergo surgical tooth extraction.
But how to tell if your third molars should be removed? There are a few signs that indicate a need for wisdom tooth extraction. These include the following:
- Jaw pain
- Jaw stiffness
- Swollen or inflamed gums
- Gum infection
- Difficulty eating
- Pain that radiates from the back of your mouth to your neck, ear, and even your head
Are you experiencing the above-mentioned symptoms? Consult your dental specialist right away. After you undergo wisdom tooth extraction, the dentist will give you aftercare instructions. These include sticking to a soft food or liquid diet, no alcohol or smoking, a lot of rest, and more.
The Takeaway
To conclude, some people might notice supernumerary wisdom teeth, which means additional third molars — but it is very rare. It does not mean your wisdom teeth can grow back, just that an extra one is erupting. Visit your dentist when you notice anything strange; they’ll offer an adequate solution!
At Gessner Smile Dentistry, we offer many dental treatments, including wisdom teeth extraction. So if you have any dental issues, make your way to our office at 1507 Gessner Rd Suite A, Houston, TX 77080. Contact our team at (713) 858-8513.