Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Reading time: three minutes.
Wisdom teeth do not develop the same way for everyone. These third molars sit at the very back of the mouth and typically appear in the late teens or early twenties, but timing and tooth count can vary. Some people develop all four, others develop fewer, and a small percentage never develop wisdom teeth at all.
Table of Contents
- Why the Number Varies
- The First Signs Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In
- How Dentists Track Wisdom Teeth
- When Wisdom Teeth Removal May Be Recommended
- Early Evaluation Supports Long-Term Oral Health
- Schedule a Visit
- FAQs
Why the Number Varies
Wisdom teeth form differently for each person, and much of that comes down to genetics and jaw development. If your parents never developed third molars, you may not develop them either.
Over time, human jaws have also become smaller due to changes in diet, which means there is often less space for these teeth to grow. As a result, some people develop all four wisdom teeth, some develop only a few, and others may have teeth that stay dormant under the gums or never form at all. All of these patterns are considered normal.
The First Signs Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In
Early changes often start before the tooth breaks through the gums. These shifts can create mild discomfort or irritation at the back of the mouth as the tooth begins to move into position.
Common symptoms include:
- Mild soreness or tenderness in the gums: The tissue becomes sensitive as the tooth begins to move upward beneath the surface.
- Redness or swelling behind your second molars: The area becomes irritated as the wisdom tooth approaches the gumline.
- Pressure or aching in the jaw: Erupting third molars can place pressure on nearby teeth and surrounding tissues.
- Difficulty cleaning the area: Limited space at the back of the mouth allows plaque and food debris to collect more easily.
- Bad breath or bad taste: When a wisdom tooth only partially erupts, bacteria can collect in the small space between the tooth and the gum.
If discomfort becomes severe or persistent, the tooth may be impacted. An evaluation will help determine the next steps.
How Dentists Track Wisdom Teeth
A dental X-ray gives the clearest picture of developing wisdom teeth. Even if you cannot see or feel them, imaging helps determine:
- Whether wisdom teeth exist
- The angle they are growing
- How close they are to nerves or sinuses
- Whether there is enough room for them to erupt
During routine appointments, the dentist checks your bite and gum tissue for early changes. This proactive approach helps prevent future complications.
When Wisdom Teeth Removal May Be Recommended
Not everyone needs a removal. If the teeth erupt in the correct position, remain healthy, and do not crowd nearby teeth, they may stay in place.
Wisdom tooth removal may be recommended when they:
- Grow sideways and push into other teeth
- Become impacted and never fully erupt
- Create a flap of gum tissue that traps bacteria
- Lead to recurring pain, swelling, gum disease, or tooth decay
- Pose a risk of infection or future surgical complications
Early Evaluation Supports Long-Term Oral Health
Regular dental exams from childhood play an important role in tracking how wisdom teeth develop. X-rays taken throughout adolescence help your dentist see whether the teeth are forming, how much space is available, and whether they are likely to erupt normally. This allows potential issues to be identified long before symptoms appear.
At Clearwater Dentistry, we monitor wisdom teeth as part of your routine care. Our team evaluates growth patterns, spacing, and changes in the jaw over time so decisions about removal or continued observation are made at the right stage. This proactive approach supports comfort, protects your surrounding teeth and gums, and reduces the risk of complications later on.
Schedule a Visit
Wisdom teeth can develop in many different ways, and an exam is the best way to understand what is happening beneath the surface. Whether you are noticing new discomfort or want to stay ahead of potential problems, Clearwater Dentistry provides thorough evaluations to help you make informed decisions about your oral health.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Greeley, CO, call (970) 515-3550 or visit us at 3110 67th Ave Pl, Greeley, CO.
FAQs
Yes. Having six wisdom teeth is very rare and happens when extra teeth, called supernumerary teeth, develop. This condition is known as hyperdontia. Extra wisdom teeth appear in only a small percentage of the population, and having more than four is considered uncommon.
Wisdom tooth removal is a common oral surgery procedure done safely every day. Like any medical procedure, there are risks, but complications are rare. Choosing an experienced dental professional and following aftercare instructions support comfortable, predictable healing.
Wisdom teeth can cause ear pain because the nerves in the jaw, teeth, and ears are closely connected. When a wisdom tooth is erupting or becomes impacted, the pressure and inflammation in the area can radiate toward the ear. An exam can help determine whether the wisdom tooth is the source of the discomfort.
If you live in Greeley or the surrounding communities, Clearwater Dentistry can evaluate your wisdom teeth and determine the best treatment plan. Our team performs many routine wisdom tooth extractions in our office, and if a case is more complex, we will guide you through the referral process to a trusted local oral surgeon.
