Wisdom teeth are the last molars to erupt. If you’re in your twenties and have not had your wisdom teeth come in yet, you may be wondering if you’ll ever get them. Does everyone have wisdom teeth? Continue reading to learn whether it’s possible to never have your last set of molars come in, how to know if you have yours, and why they often have to be removed.
Does Everyone Get Wisdom Teeth?
Some people are born without wisdom teeth or they may have some but not all of them. In fact, anywhere from five to 37% of people are missing one or more of them. This is because wisdom teeth are not essential for human survival. Not only do they not provide any benefits, but they often lead to oral health problems.
How Do I Know If I Have Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth usually appear between the ages of 17 and 21. If you are older than that and do not have them yet, you may never have them. However, it is also possible that you have wisdom teeth that are not visible yet.
Wisdom teeth can easily become impacted, which means they can become stuck under the gums and cause problems. It is important to see a dentist to get an x-ray to see if this is the case with your wisdom teeth.
Why Are Wisdom Teeth Removed?
Some people are lucky enough to have wisdom teeth that come in without any problems. However, this is not the case for many. Wisdom teeth often cause issues like:
- Discomfort – Wisdom teeth growing in can irritate the nerves in your gums, causing pain that can be mild to severe. The pain may be intermittent and can last for weeks or months.
- Infection – As the wisdom tooth comes in, it opens up the gums around it. This increases the risk of infection.
- Tooth decay – Wisdom teeth can trap food between them and the adjacent teeth, which can be difficult to clean and lead to tooth decay.
- Crowding – Wisdom teeth can put pressure on other teeth, which can push them and lead to crowding and an uneven smile.
About Our Practice
At Steele Dental, we believe that a healthy smile is essential to a happy life. We are committed to helping the people of Coppell who are struggling with wisdom teeth issues. Our dentists have years of experience in their field, and you can be sure that we will be there to help you with whatever problem you’re facing. If you have any questions about wisdom teeth extractions or would like to make an appointment with Steele Dental, we can be reached at our website or by phone at (972) 315-3355.
