Extraction Inquiry: Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?

If you’re a young adult experiencing an ache in your jaw, or swelling in your gums behind your molars, you might be growing wisdom teeth. They typically show up when you’re between 17 and 25 years old and are extracted more often than not. In fact, this procedure is so common that many people think of it as a natural rite of passage into young adulthood.

But what if you’re in your twenties and you haven’t experienced any of the telltale signs of these last molars arriving? Could it be possible that you’re one of the lucky ones who don’t have them? Keep reading to learn more about wisdom teeth and why some people don’t have to worry about them.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars in the back of your mouth that appear long after your other permanent teeth have settled in. It’s believed that our ancestors would have needed them to supplement damaged or worn-down ones once they matured. Their primitive diet included plenty of raw plants, hard nuts, and tough meats that could harm their pearly whites, so the extra set may have been needed to ensure their continued survival.

In our contemporary world, we cook food and use utensils to shave, chop, or slice it into pieces that can be more easily chewed. Plus, we have dental technology and materials available to us that keep our smiles happy and healthy throughout our lives. This evolution in our diet and oral care has rendered wisdom teeth a vestigial structure, meaning that they no longer serve a functional purpose.

Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?

It’s natural to assume that everyone will have to face these late arrivals at some point in their lives, but that’s not the case. The Dental Research Journal has reported that anywhere from 5% to 37% of people don’t have them. While we don’t fully know why, it’s believed that genetics play a part. If one of your parents didn’t have wisdom teeth, for example, then you might not, either.

Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Although dentists typically work to preserve your natural pearly whites, when it comes to wisdom teeth, extraction is often preferred. They can harm your oral health in a few different ways, such as:

• Discomfort. It’s common to feel mild or intermittent pain that can last several months, or even years, as they grow in because they press on different nerves in your mouth.
• Swelling. You’ll notice redness and inflammation in your gums around your molars as they try to erupt through the surface.
• Impaction. Often, there is not enough room for them to fully emerge from the gums, and they become trapped, causing severe pain.
• Infection. It’s easy for harmful bacteria to penetrate below your gumline as these molars push through. This can cause an infection that can enter your bloodstream and travel to other areas if left unaddressed.
• Cavities. You’re more likely to have food trapped in them, which can cause decay. Plus, they’re difficult to reach to thoroughly brush and floss them.
• Misalignment. When they arrive, they’re known for pushing their neighbors out of the way, which can cause overcrowded or crooked teeth.

If you’re wondering whether you have wisdom teeth, your dentist can take an X-ray to determine whether they’re present and if they anticipate any issues down the road!

About the Practice

At Care 32 Dental of Grand Prairie, you benefit from the expertise of three dentists who work together to offer a full range of services under one roof. With decades of combined experience, they can handle everything from basic preventative care to more complex procedures, like wisdom tooth extractions. They combine a compassionate approach with advanced dental technology to complete the procedure in the office, so there’s no need to worry about finding additional providers. Plus, they know that your schedule is busy, so they have evening and Saturday hours available so that you can find an appointment time that works for you. If you’re worried about your wisdom teeth, you can request a consultation on the website or by calling (469) 837-8351.