Are you wondering whether everyone has wisdom teeth? If so, this guide is for you. Teeth typically grow in stages, from incisors and canines to premolars and molars. Wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth to erupt. They grow at the back of your mouth. Most young adults get their wisdom teeth between the age of 17 and 21. Third molars are named wisdom teeth because they grow when people reach adulthood. You can expect them to emerge during the late teens and early adult years. While many people have one to four wisdom teeth, everyone doesn’t need to have one. In fact, it’s normal to not have any at all.
Since these teeth are the last set to grow, they often don’t get enough space to erupt properly. This can cause complications for which you need to visit your dentist for wisdom teeth removal in Houston.
WHY YOU MAY NOT HAVE WISDOM TEETH
There was a time when wisdom teeth were essential for an early human diet comprising meat, leaves, nuts, and roots. However, these teeth are no longer necessary. This is because now our diet consists of well-cooked and softer foods that we can chew easily.
You might be wondering, why do we have them if we don’t need them? Anthropologists suggest that wisdom teeth are a leftover relic of human evolution. The increased complexity and brain size have left us with a shortened dental arcade. That’s why people don’t have enough space to grow their third molars.
WHAT IF YOUR WISDOM TEETH HAVE NOT ERUPTED?
Sometimes, wisdom teeth don’t get enough space to grow fully. Or they get trapped under the gums or in the jaw and fail to erupt properly. Your wisdom tooth can become impacted if it doesn’t erupt correctly. This may result in infection, pain, or nerve damage.
If your wisdom tooth grows at an angle instead of coming out straight, it may cause severe pain. The neighboring molar can also obstruct their path, causing you pain. Suppose your wisdom teeth haven’t emerged yet. In that case, your dentist will use clinical examinations and X-rays to predict their eruption and let you know if removal is required.
WHEN TO SEE YOUR DENTIST
Every individual is unique, so you won’t know when exactly your wisdom teeth will emerge. But you may get an idea whether your last set of teeth are growing properly or not. Impacted wisdom teeth cause severe pain at the back of your mouth. Other symptoms are gum or jaw pain. But it’s possible not to feel any pain at all. So make sure to get them checked by a dental professional to avoid:
- Infection
- Cavities
- Nerve pain
- Bone support loss
- Shifting teeth
Final Words
Now that you know whether or not everyone has wisdom teeth. It’s important to note that there’s no need to worry if you don’t have wisdom teeth. Not having third molars is common. But if you have them, make sure to get them checked, as these teeth can sometimes cause problems. If your wisdom teeth are impacted or causing you pain, it’s advisable to get them removed. Otherwise, it’s not necessary to extract them. Feel free to reach out to Vintage Oral Surgery. Our oral surgeon in Houston will check your oral condition and recommend solutions if required. Call now at 281-800-8852 for more information.