Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
If you've ever had dental X-rays or experienced soreness in the back of your mouth as a teen or young adult, you’ve probably heard about wisdom teeth. But does everyone have wisdom teeth? And if so, do they always need to be removed?
These are common questions, especially for people navigating their first encounters with oral surgery or dental development. The answers depend on a mix of genetics, evolution, and individual anatomy.
Inside the Wisdom Tooth Mystery
What Wisdom Teeth Are and Why We Have Them
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
Why Some People Don’t Develop Them
When Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems
Does Everyone Have to Get Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?
What to Expect If They Do Need Removal
Talking to Your Dentist About Your Options
What Are Wisdom Teeth—and Why Do We Have Them?
Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that typically emerge in the late teens or early twenties. For many people, this timing aligns with early adulthood—hence the name “wisdom teeth.” Historically, our ancestors relied on these extra molars to chew rough, raw foods like roots, nuts, and meats. In an era before dental tools and cooked diets, losing teeth due to wear and tear was common, so having a third set of molars was useful.
However, modern diets and dental care have reduced the need for extra molars. Over time, human jaws have evolved to be smaller—leaving less space for wisdom teeth to emerge comfortably.
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
The short answer is: no, not everyone has wisdom teeth. While most people develop one to four wisdom teeth, it’s entirely possible to have none at all. Some individuals may have all four, others just one or two, and some may never develop them at all.
Genetics play a major role. If your parents or grandparents didn’t have wisdom teeth, you’re more likely to be missing them as well. In fact, researchers believe that 10 to 35 percent of people are congenitally missing at least one wisdom tooth.
In some cases, wisdom teeth are present but remain hidden below the gum line. They may stay impacted—trapped beneath the gums or bone—without ever erupting. These unseen molars might never cause issues, or they may become problematic later in life.
Why Some People Don’t Develop Them
Evolution and heredity are key factors in why some people don’t develop wisdom teeth at all. Over generations, as human diets have softened and cooking has become standard, the jaw has gradually shrunk in size. Fewer teeth are now needed to process food efficiently, and in response, many people are born without these third molars.
Some other contributing factors include:
Genetic mutations affecting dental development
Cultural ancestry, with certain populations more likely to be missing wisdom teeth entirely
Jaw size, which influences whether teeth have space to erupt or remain impacted
Even with advanced imaging, a dentist might not see wisdom teeth developing in younger teens—because in some cases, they never will. This is why regular monitoring is key through adolescence.
When Wisdom Teeth Cause Problems
Even when wisdom teeth do develop, they don’t always need to be removed. Some erupt normally and align perfectly with existing teeth. But in many cases, there isn’t enough room for them, or they emerge at odd angles.
Common issues related to wisdom teeth include:
Impaction (trapped below the gum or bone)
Crowding of existing teeth
Pain or jaw stiffness
Infection or gum inflammation around partially erupted teeth
Tooth decay, especially since wisdom teeth are hard to reach and clean
Cysts or damage to adjacent teeth or bone in rare cases
If any of these symptoms occur—or if your dentist anticipates future problems based on X-rays—removal may be recommended before the issues become more severe.
Does Everyone Have to Get Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?
This is another frequently asked question: does everyone have to get their wisdom teeth removed? The answer is no—not everyone needs surgery. If the teeth are healthy, fully erupted, positioned correctly, and easy to keep clean, there’s often no need to remove them.
However, many dentists take a preventive approach, especially for younger patients. That’s because problems with wisdom teeth often emerge in the late teens or early twenties, and removal is generally easier and recovery quicker at that age.
Still, a one-size-fits-all answer doesn’t apply. The decision to remove wisdom teeth depends on:
How many teeth are present
Their angle and location
Current symptoms (if any)
Risk of future complications
The patient’s age and overall oral health
Some patients may live their entire lives with healthy wisdom teeth. Others may require removal after discomfort, infection, or crowding becomes apparent. A thorough evaluation—including X-rays—is essential to making the right call.
What to Expect If Removal Is Needed
If your dentist recommends removing your wisdom teeth, the procedure is generally straightforward and commonly performed. Most extractions are done in a dental office or oral surgery clinic under local anesthesia, with sedation or general anesthesia available depending on complexity.
Here’s what typically happens:
Initial consultation with X-rays to assess positioning and risk
Pre-operative instructions, including what to eat and medications to avoid
Procedure day, where teeth are extracted and sutures may be placed
Post-operative care, which includes managing swelling, avoiding certain foods, and keeping the area clean
Recovery time varies, but most patients return to normal activities within a few days to a week. Pain and swelling can usually be managed with medication, rest, and soft foods.
Costs for wisdom tooth removal depend on how many are being taken out, the complexity of the procedure, and whether sedation is needed. For an accurate estimate, it’s always best to request a custom quote from your dental provider.
Talking to Your Dentist About Wisdom Teeth
If you’re unsure whether you have wisdom teeth—or whether they need to come out—a dental checkup is a great place to start. Dentists can use panoramic X-rays or 3D imaging to determine if the teeth are present, how they’re positioned, and whether any action is needed.
If you’re looking for a dentist near Belle Fourche, our team at Blauer Family Dental is here to guide you through the process with clarity and care. We’ll review your options, answer your questions, and help you decide what’s right for your oral health.
So… Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
Not everyone has wisdom teeth—and not everyone needs them removed. While they’re common, the presence and positioning of these molars vary widely from person to person. If you have them, staying informed and proactive can help you avoid complications. If you don’t, you’re not missing out—just evolving in line with nature.
As always, regular dental visits, honest conversations with your dentist, and periodic X-rays will help you keep your oral health on track—whether your wisdom teeth are present, impacted, or nowhere to be found.
