Word to the Wise: Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are known for causing discomfort, crowding, and last-minute trips to the dentist—but did you know that not everyone actually has them? These third molars typically appear between ages 17 and 25, but their presence and development can vary widely from person to person. Genetics, evolution, and individual anatomy all play a role in whether you’ll ever see (or feel) your wisdom teeth.

Some People Are Born Without Them

It’s completely normal—and increasingly common—for people to be missing one, several, or even all of their wisdom teeth. Studies show that anywhere from 20 percent to 35 percent of people never develop at least one third molar. In some cases, all four are absent.

Why? Evolution may be the reason. Early humans needed wisdom teeth to chew tough, raw foods. As diets softened and jaws became smaller over generations, the need for extra molars decreased. Today, many people simply don’t have the genetic blueprint for them.

Some Wisdom Teeth Never Erupt

Even if you have wisdom teeth, you may never see them. Sometimes the teeth form beneath the gums but never fully erupt. This can happen for a variety of reasons:

• Lack of space in the jaw.
• Angled or impacted positioning.
• Thick gum or bone tissue covering the teeth.

In these cases, X-rays are the only way to know whether the teeth are present. Impacted wisdom teeth may still cause problems, such as infection, cysts, or pressure on nearby teeth, even if they never break through the surface.

Some People Have More or Fewer Than Four

Most people have four wisdom teeth, but variations aren’t unusual. Some may have only one or two; others may have extra teeth called supernumerary molars. The number depends on genetics and individual dental development.

Do Wisdom Teeth Always Need to Be Removed?

Not necessarily. Many people live comfortably with wisdom teeth that are fully erupted, healthy, and properly aligned. However, removal is recommended when the teeth:

• Cause pain or pressure.
• Become impacted.
• Lead to repeated infections.
• Damage neighboring teeth.
• Create crowding.
• Interfere with orthodontic or restorative work.

Your dentist determines this by evaluating X-rays and monitoring how your wisdom teeth develop over time.

No—not everyone has wisdom teeth, and even among those who do, some may never erupt or cause issues. Regular dental checkups and X-rays are the best way to know what’s happening beneath the surface. Whether you have all four, none at all, or somewhere in between, your dentist can guide you on the healthiest path forward for your smile.

About the Practice

Are your wisdom teeth giving you trouble? At Anderson Dental Center, we can help with wisdom tooth extraction. Our in-house oral surgeon means you don’t need a referral to another office. Nervous to see the dentist? We have multiple sedation options available to ensure your comfort. We also welcome and maximize dental insurance benefits to save you as much of your hard-earned money as possible. Schedule an appointment online or call (201) 546-7435.