Will teeth grow back after extraction at age 18?

Oct 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Liu Chao

Introduction

After the age of 18, teeth that have been extracted typically do not regrow naturally, as by this age all primary teeth have already been replaced by permanent teeth. Once permanent teeth are lost or removed, there are no natural replacements. Therefore, after a tooth extraction at age 18, one should not expect natural regrowth and should promptly plan for appropriate dental restoration under a dentist's guidance to prevent further oral health problems caused by tooth loss.

After tooth extraction at the age of 18, the removed tooth will not naturally regrow, as by this stage all teeth have been replaced by permanent teeth. Once a permanent tooth is lost or extracted, no other tooth can replace it. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Human tooth development consists of two stages: primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Primary teeth typically begin to fall out around age 6 and are gradually replaced by permanent teeth. By about age 12–13, all permanent teeth except wisdom teeth have usually erupted. At age 18, wisdom teeth have generally either erupted or ceased developing, meaning all teeth in the mouth are permanent. Once the roots of permanent teeth have fully developed, they become firmly anchored in the alveolar bone and lack the ability to regenerate. Therefore, once a tooth is extracted due to decay, periodontal disease, trauma, or other reasons, no new tooth bud will form in the alveolar bone, making natural regrowth impossible.

If a missing tooth is not addressed promptly after extraction at age 18, adjacent teeth may tilt into the gap and opposing teeth may over-erupt, disrupting normal occlusion (bite). This can also lead to alveolar bone resorption, increasing the difficulty of future dental restoration. Currently, the main options for replacing missing teeth after extraction include dental implants, fixed dental bridges, and removable dentures. After the extraction site has healed, an appropriate restorative solution can be selected based on individual oral conditions and personal needs to restore normal chewing function and aesthetic appearance.

Therefore, after a tooth extraction at age 18, one should not expect natural regrowth. It is important to consult with a dentist and plan timely restoration to prevent further oral health complications caused by tooth loss.

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How long does it usually take to extract a wisdom tooth?

In general, the time required to extract a wisdom tooth ranges from 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on various factors such as the growth condition of the wisdom tooth and the dentist's technical skill. Additionally, the dentist's clinical experience and procedural proficiency can also influence the duration. Experienced dentists are more efficient in handling different wisdom tooth conditions and can shorten the procedure time while ensuring safety.

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Can I take Ornidazole tablets after tooth extraction?

In general, whether metronidazole tablets can be taken after tooth extraction depends on the extent of trauma and risk of infection. If the trauma from the extraction is minor and there is no sign of infection, medication is usually unnecessary. However, if the extraction involves significant trauma, poses an infection risk, or if the doctor determines it necessary, then taking the medication is recommended. To promote healing of the extraction site and reduce the risk of infection, good oral hygiene should be maintained after surgery.

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Can you pull a tooth when you have a toothache?

In general, whether a tooth can be extracted when experiencing tooth pain depends on a comprehensive assessment of the specific cause of the pain, the overall oral health condition, and whether there is any acute inflammation. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention for evaluation by a professional dentist. Once tooth pain develops, one should promptly visit a reputable dental facility to have the underlying cause accurately diagnosed by a qualified dental professional.

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Can I drink alcohol on the ninth day after tooth extraction?

In general, whether alcohol can be consumed on the ninth day after tooth extraction depends on the healing condition of the extraction site and the individual's physical status. If any discomfort or uncertainty occurs, it is recommended to consult a doctor promptly. During the recovery period after tooth extraction, continuous attention should be paid to changes at the extraction site. If increased pain or bleeding occurs after drinking alcohol, alcohol consumption should be stopped immediately and medical attention sought without delay.