Wisdom tooth extractions are a common procedure for patients in their teenage or young adult years. The removal of the third molars can have some substantial oral health benefits! But you might wonder if everyone has to get their wisdom teeth removed. For that matter, you might be curious to learn if everyone even has wisdom teeth! This blog post provides some fascinating information.
Why Do Some People Never Get Wisdom Teeth?
For most people, their wisdom teeth develop in their teen years, well after all of their other permanent teeth have erupted. However, some people never get their third set of molars. In fact, according to one rough estimate published in Dental Research Journal, somewhere between 5% and 37% of people are missing at least one of their wisdom teeth.
There are a few possible reasons why some people never get wisdom teeth. The most obvious may be genetics. The human genome has changed over time; as society progresses, the human body changes to adapt to new circumstances. In the past, wisdom teeth were necessary for ancient peoples to eat a rough diet. They needed extra chewing power. In modern times, though, food is much easier to consume. Therefore, the wisdom teeth have become vestigial. People without wisdom teeth might simply be a step ahead of the rest of the population.
Other factors that might be responsible for a lack of wisdom teeth include diet and environmental influences.
Do You Have Wisdom Teeth?
If you have wisdom teeth, you might be able to feel them at the back of your mouth. But if you do not feel them, that does not necessarily mean you do not have them. In many cases, the third molars get impacted (stuck beneath the gumline).
To find out for sure if you have wisdom teeth, you need to visit your dentist. A simple X-ray can reveal if you have these teeth as well as how many of them are present. Most people develop four, but some people have fewer. Rarely, more than four wisdom teeth grow.
The Importance of Wisdom Tooth Removal
If you find out that you have wisdom teeth, your dentist should keep an eye on them during your routine checkups. If it looks like they might pose a threat to your oral health, you will likely need to get them removed. Failing to do so in a timely manner could lead to some complications, such as pain, dental decay, infections, cysts, and more.
Wisdom teeth are very common, but they are not universal! Talk to your dentist to find out more about this fascinating part of oral anatomy.
Meet the Practice
At Comprehensive Dental Associates of Central Connecticut, we are proud to offer wisdom teeth extractions as one of our many services. We always strive to perform this procedure in a comfortable manner. If you suspect that you might need to get your wisdom teeth removed, we are ready to consult with you. Get in touch with our East Hartford office at 860-288-5786.