Wisdom teeth do not grow back once they are removed. A common myth suggests they can “grow back,” but this confusion often arises if extra teeth—called supernumerary or extra molars—emerge in the same area. These are rare and unrelated to the original wisdom teeth. If you experience new discomfort or see changes in that area after extraction, it’s best to consult your oral surgeon to rule out other issues.
Dr. Salin, Dr. Weiner, Dr. Semanoff, Dr. Nack, and Dr. Kosakowski are board-certified oral surgeons who perform dental extractions in the comfort of our surgical suites in Feasterville-Trevose, Newtown, and Abington, PA. We make the wisdom teeth removal process seamless and ensure your comfort. Contact Innovative Oral Surgery & Dental Implants today to schedule a consultation for you or your child.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth to develop, typically emerging in the late teens or early twenties. Located at the back of the mouth, they were once useful for chewing tough, coarse foods, but modern diets and smaller jaws often leave little room for them. As a result, wisdom teeth can become impacted, misaligned, or cause crowding, leading many to have them removed to prevent future problems.
While some people may have all four wisdom teeth erupt around the same time, it’s common for them to emerge at different rates—or not at all. In some cases, one or more may remain impacted beneath the gum line, or a person might have fewer than four wisdom teeth due to natural variation. The timing and pattern of eruption can vary widely from person to person.
What is Hyperdontia?
Hyperdontia and wisdom teeth are both related to the development of teeth, but they are distinct conditions. Wisdom teeth are a normal part of the adult dentition—typically the third set of molars—while hyperdontia involves additional, abnormal teeth beyond the usual number. In rare cases, extra teeth from hyperdontia may develop near the wisdom teeth, which can add complexity to diagnosis and treatment.
Although both involve tooth eruption and crowding issues, hyperdontia is considered a developmental anomaly. However, their symptoms can overlap—such as impaction or crowding—which may require similar treatment approaches like extraction or orthodontic correction.
The Aftermath of Wisdom Teeth Removal
After wisdom teeth removal, it’s common to experience mild swelling, discomfort, and some bleeding for the first few days. Ice packs and prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications can help manage these symptoms. Most patients can resume light daily activities within a day or two, but it’s best to avoid strenuous exercise and stick to a soft diet while the area heals.
Full recovery usually takes about one to two weeks, depending on the complexity of the extraction. Keeping the area clean, following post-op care instructions, and avoiding smoking or drinking through straws can help prevent complications like dry socket or infection. Regular follow-up appointments ensure the healing process is on track and any concerns are addressed early.
Schedule a Wisdom Teeth Consultation for You or Your Child
At Innovative Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we walk you through every step of your care so you know what to expect. We take detailed 3D scans of your mouth to assess the size and position of wisdom teeth and offer many anesthesia options to choose from, including local anesthesia, IV anesthesia, laughing gas, and general anesthesia. Most patients undergo IV anesthesia for wisdom teeth extraction.
We look forward to improving the oral health and comfort of you and your loved ones through the highest level of oral surgery care. Contact us to schedule an appointment at the office nearest you to learn more about wisdom teeth removal.
