Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to develop and appear in your mouth.
They typically come in during your late teens or early twenties, but the number of wisdom teeth varies from person to person.
In this comprehensive guide, we will look into the details of how many wisdom teeth you can have, why this number varies, and what it means for your oral health.
Quick Answer: How Many Wisdom Teeth Can You Have?
Most people have four wisdom teeth, one in each corner of the mouth, but the number can vary due to genetics and evolutionary factors.
Some may have fewer than four, or no wisdom teeth at all, while a rare few might have more than four (hyperdontia).
The best available data suggests that ~1% of people have extra (>4 total) wisdom teeth, while >20% are missing 1+ wisdom teeth.
There is no absolute “maximum” number of wisdom teeth that a person can have. In rare cases, 8, 10, or even more wisdom teeth have been observed in a patient.
The number of wisdom teeth impacts oral health, with potential issues like crowding and impaction, often leading to the recommendation of extraction for relief and preventing further dental complications.
The Typical Number of Wisdom Teeth
Most people have four wisdom teeth, with one in each of the four quadrants of the mouth: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. These teeth are the last to emerge, often causing discomfort and requiring extraction.
However, not everyone will have all four wisdom teeth. Some people may have fewer, while others may have none at all.
This variation is due to genetic factors and has been a subject of extensive research in dental and anthropological studies.
Why the Number of Wisdom Teeth Varies
The number of wisdom teeth a person has can vary due to several factors.
The primary reason is genetics. If your parents or grandparents had fewer than four wisdom teeth, you might also have fewer.
Evolutionary adaptation also plays a role. Anthropologists believe that our ancestors had larger jaws that could accommodate more teeth, which were necessary for their diet. As human diets changed and cooking became more common, there was less need for these extra teeth, leading to a decrease in the number of wisdom teeth over time.
Hyperdontia: Having More Than Four Wisdom Teeth
While it's less common, some people may have more than four wisdom teeth, a condition known as hyperdontia. This condition is rare and affects roughly 1% of the population (although some studies have found an incidence of >2%).
It's more common to have extra teeth in the upper jaw than the lower jaw. Usually there will be only one or two extra teeth — 3+ extra teeth is possible but quite uncommon. It is also much more common for people of African descent to have extra wisdom teeth.
Hyperdontia can cause various problems, including overcrowding of teeth, misalignment, and discomfort. If you have more than four wisdom teeth, your dentist may recommend extraction to alleviate these issues.
Agenesis: Having No Wisdom Teeth
Believe it or not, more than 20% of people experience “agenesis” of one or more wisdom teeth. This is just the technical term that means “a wisdom tooth never formed.”
It is more common to have missing wisdom teeth in the upper jaw than the lower. And the rates of agenesis are significantly different between different ethnic populations.
Implications for Oral Health
The number of wisdom teeth you have can impact your oral health. If your mouth doesn't have enough space to accommodate these teeth, it can lead to discomfort, decay, gum infections, and other dental issues.
Impacted wisdom teeth, those that don't have enough room to grow normally, can cause pain and infection. They can also damage neighboring teeth. For these reasons, dentists often recommend removing impacted or partially-impacted wisdom teeth.
Wisdom Teeth Extraction
Wisdom teeth extraction is a common dental procedure. It's typically performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the extraction and the patient's comfort level.
Recovery from wisdom teeth extraction usually takes a few days. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide specific instructions to follow during the recovery period to help alleviate discomfort and promote healing.
Final Thoughts
While the typical number of wisdom teeth is four, it's not uncommon to have fewer or even none at all. On the other hand, having more than four wisdom teeth, though rare, is also possible.
Regardless of the number of wisdom teeth you have, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups are crucial to ensure your mouth stays healthy.
Remember, if you have any concerns about your wisdom teeth or any other dental issues, it's best to consult with a dental professional. They can provide personalized advice and treatment options based on your specific needs and circumstances.
FAQs
Can someone have 8 wisdom teeth?
Yes, it's possible for someone to have 8 wisdom teeth, although it's rare. This condition, known as hyperdontia, involves having extra teeth beyond the standard set. Having 8 wisdom teeth is an uncommon occurrence and often requires dental intervention to address potential overcrowding, alignment issues, or cyst formation.
Is it okay to have 5 wisdom teeth?
Having 5 wisdom teeth is uncommon but not a cause for concern by itself. However, the extra tooth can sometimes lead to dental issues such as crowding, impaction, or cyst formation. It's important to have regular dental check-ups to monitor the condition and determine if any intervention, like extraction, is needed.
How rare is it to have 4 wisdom teeth?
Having 4 wisdom teeth is actually quite common. Most adults have four wisdom teeth, with one located in each corner of the mouth. While the number can vary, having all four wisdom teeth is considered typical.
Should I get 2 or 4 wisdom teeth removed?
The decision to remove 2 or all 4 wisdom teeth depends on individual circumstances, including the teeth's alignment, the potential for crowding or impaction, and the patient's overall dental health. Some may only need to remove problematic teeth, while others might benefit from removing all four to prevent future issues. Consult with a dental professional for personalized advice.
* Though the author of this post is a licensed dentist in the state of Kansas, this information is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Please use your best judgment and contact emergency medical services in the event of an emergency.