Your adult teeth begin erupting from your gums at about age six to replace your primary or baby teeth. The first of these is your six-year molar that comes in behind your primary molars. Most people experience thirty-two tooth eruptions by the time they reach their early twenties. However, some people can have more or less than this number. Continue reading to learn does everyone have wisdom teeth?
If you have any questions or concerns about your wisdom teeth, schedule an appointment with Trident Dental for a comprehensive oral exam and wisdom teeth evaluation.
Why Are They Called Wisdom Teeth?
Dentists typically refer to your molars by number as they erupt in your mouth. Behind your premolars or bicuspids, you have the first molar erupting around age six to seven. Five to seven years later, you get your second molars. The last tooth to erupt is your third molars, typically around age seventeen to the early twenties. Several centuries ago, people began calling these “teeth of wisdom,” which eventually morphed into wisdom teeth. The third molars likely acquired this name because you are thought to have gained wisdom when they erupt.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Come In?
Wisdom teeth usually come in between the ages of 17 and 21. Several factors can cause a variety of possible eruption patterns, such as:
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Fully erupted. These wisdom teeth erupt behind the second molars into a normal position. However, they can cause problems due to the difficulty in removing dental plaque.
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Partially erupted. You can see a part of the tooth protruding through the gums with a partially erupted wisdom tooth. The remainder of the tooth lies under the gum and possibly, the jawbone.
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Soft tissue impaction. A soft tissue impaction involves a wisdom tooth that makes it through the bone but remains trapped predominantly under the gums. Although you may not see the tooth, it can cause intermittent problems such as pain and swelling.
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Bony impaction. You likely will think a bony impaction wisdom tooth never developed. It lies entirely in the bone and is only detected when your dentist takes an x-ray.
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
Any adult tooth may never form beneath the primary tooth. This condition, known as congenitally missing teeth, or hypodontia, is quite common. Some studies find that about one in five adults has at least one congenitally missing tooth. The most common tooth to never develop is the third molar. It is not uncommon to miss any number of third molars, from a single tooth to all four. Missing third molars cause no problems and can prevent you from experiencing the common problems caused by their eruption.
What Problems Can Wisdom Teeth Cause?
Wisdom teeth are well-known because most people have them removed during the teen or early adult years. Some of the common problems caused by wisdom teeth include:
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Infected gums.
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Swelling of the gums, cheek, jaw, or face.
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Headaches.
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Difficulty eating.
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Bad taste in your mouth.
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Halitosis.
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Cysts or tumors.
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Jaw pain.
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Difficulty opening your mouth.
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Damage to adjacent teeth.
Schedule Appointment
Contact us at Trident Dental to learn how we can help you with any questions or problems you might experience with wisdom teeth. We also provide regular dental checkups and professional teeth cleanings that help you maintain healthy teeth and gums and have a smile you have always wanted.