If you’re approaching your late teens or early twenties, you may be expecting your wisdom teeth to come in soon. Indeed, it’s a good idea to be prepared for the arrival of these specific teeth, as it’s often necessary to remove them before they can cause severe pain and other oral health complications. But are wisdom teeth really something that everyone has? The answer might surprise you.
What are Wisdom Teeth?
The wisdom teeth are the final set of permanent teeth, and they’re sometimes referred to as “third molars.” They are located near the back of the mouth, and they tend to erupt much later than the other teeth. Due to the limited space available, wisdom teeth often become impacted, leading to numerous issues such as an increased risk of decay.
So Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
Many people have four wisdom teeth, with one being present in each quadrant of the mouth (upper left, upper right, lower left, lower right). But while having a complete set of wisdom teeth is common, it’s not universal. Not only do some individuals have three or fewer wisdom teeth, but there are people who don’t have wisdom teeth at all.
Why are some people lacking wisdom teeth? Researchers aren’t completely sure, but certain factors like environment and diet might play a role. Genetics may matter as well; you could be less likely to have wisdom teeth if one or both of your parents never had them.
It’s important to note that a lack of wisdom teeth isn’t an oral health issue. The mouth can function just fine without third molars. Furthermore, many people need to have their wisdom teeth removed if they’re found to be doing more harm than good.
How Will You Know If You Have Wisdom Teeth?
Oftentimes, your dentist will be the first to confirm that you have wisdom teeth by taking an X-ray of your jaw. Additionally, there are a few symptoms that may indicate your wisdom teeth are about to come in:
- Constant pain in the jaw.
- Swollen, bleeding, or tender gums.
- Facial pain (which may occur if the wisdom teeth are pressing on certain nerves).
- Small flecks of white in the space behind your posterior teeth.
Once you notice these signs, you should schedule a dental appointment. Your dentist can help you determine whether or not an extraction will likely be necessary.
In short, not everyone has wisdom teeth, but if they are present in your mouth, then you need to take the proper steps to figure out whether or not you’ll be able to keep them in the long run.
About the Practice
At the Lake Nona Dental Group, our dentists have been trained in a variety of dental fields. We always strive for excellence in everything we do, and we aim to meet all of our patients’ oral health needs under a single roof. When necessary, we can remove wisdom teeth that are causing problems. To schedule a consultation at our office in Orlando, visit our website or call (407) 277-1779.
