Will Everyone Get Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth, often referred to as the third molars, are the final set of molars to emerge. For individuals in their twenties who have yet to experience the eruption of their wisdom teeth, questions may arise about whether they will ever develop these molars. Continue reading to learn whether everyone will develop wisdom teeth at some point in their life and how to know if you have them.

Does Everyone Get Wisdom Teeth?

It’s important to note that some individuals are born without wisdom teeth, while others may have a partial set, lacking one or more of these molars. This phenomenon is relatively common, with statistics suggesting that anywhere from 5% to 37% of individuals are missing one or more of their wisdom teeth.

The reason behind this variation is the non-essential nature of wisdom teeth in human survival. In addition to not offering any inherent advantages, these molars often pose potential oral health issues.

How Do I Know If I Have Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth typically make their appearance between the ages of 17 and 21. If you surpass this age range and haven’t experienced the eruption of your wisdom teeth, it’s conceivable that they may never emerge. Nevertheless, it’s worth considering the possibility that you may have wisdom teeth that are not yet visible.

Wisdom teeth are prone to impaction, a condition in which they become trapped beneath the gums, potentially leading to issues. It is crucial to seek the expertise of a dentist and obtain an X-ray to assess the situation with your wisdom teeth.

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

While some fortunate individuals experience the unproblematic eruption of their wisdom teeth, many others encounter challenges. Wisdom teeth often give rise to issues such as:

• Discomfort – The growth of wisdom teeth can sometimes lead to irritation of the nerves in your gums, resulting in varying degrees of pain, ranging from mild to severe. This discomfort may occur intermittently and persist for weeks or even months.
• Infection – When a wisdom tooth begins to emerge, it has the effect of creating openings in the surrounding gums, elevating the risk of potential infections.
• Tooth decay – Wisdom teeth have the tendency to entrap food particles between them and the neighboring teeth, making it challenging to maintain proper hygiene and potentially resulting in tooth decay.
• Crowding – Wisdom teeth can exert pressure on adjacent teeth, potentially causing them to shift and leading to dental crowding, which, in turn, may result in an uneven smile.

Wisdom teeth are a unique dental occurrence, and not everyone experiences their eruption. If you have concerns about your wisdom teeth or potential issues related to them, consulting with a dentist is the best course of action to ensure your oral health and comfort.

About Our Practice

DD Family Dentistry of Carrollton, located in the DFW area, is dedicated to providing compassionate and effective dental care to their Texas patients. Dr. Durga Devarakonda, a highly skilled dentist, leads the practice and is committed to delivering top-quality care to the Carrollton community. If you have any inquiries about wisdom teeth extractions or wish to schedule an appointment with Dr. Devarakonda, please contact DD Family Dentistry of Carrollton’s office at (972) 245-3395 or visit their website.