Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are a frequent topic in oral health discussions. They often raise questions about their development, potential problems, and removal. Understanding them can clarify common misconceptions.
Understanding Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth are the final set of molars to emerge, typically between ages 17 and 25. Most individuals develop four, one in each corner of the mouth, behind the second molars. While some erupt without issues, many find them problematic due to insufficient jaw space.
The limited space often leads to wisdom teeth growing at an angle or becoming “impacted,” meaning they are trapped beneath the gum line or bone. This impaction can cause various issues, including pain, swelling, infection, and damage to adjacent teeth. Food and bacteria can easily become trapped around partially erupted wisdom teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. For these reasons, many wisdom teeth require extraction to prevent further oral health complications.
Do Wisdom Teeth Grow Back?
Once a wisdom tooth is developed and extracted, it does not grow back. Humans produce two sets of teeth in a lifetime: primary (baby) teeth and permanent adult teeth. Wisdom teeth are part of this single set of permanent dentition.
Tooth formation involves specialized cells that create the tooth structure, including enamel and dentin. Once a permanent tooth erupts and its roots fully form, the cells responsible for its initial development are no longer active in producing new tooth material. Unlike some animals that continuously regenerate teeth, humans do not possess the biological mechanisms to regrow a permanent tooth after it has been removed.
More Than Four Wisdom Teeth
While an extracted wisdom tooth will not regrow, some individuals might perceive having “wisdom teeth twice” due to the presence of extra teeth. This phenomenon involves supernumerary teeth, which are teeth that develop in addition to the typical number. These extra teeth, also known as hyperdontia, are relatively uncommon, affecting approximately 1-3% of the population.
In the molar region, these additional teeth are sometimes referred to as “fourth molars” or “distomolars,” as they are located behind the third molars (wisdom teeth). These extra teeth are distinct from the standard set of wisdom teeth and are not a regrowth of an already removed tooth. Like typical wisdom teeth, supernumerary molars can remain impacted or cause issues such as crowding or displacement of other teeth, often requiring their removal. Their presence is typically identified through dental X-rays during routine examinations.