Wisdom teeth can hide in the jaw for years, erupt painfully, or be absent from birth — and all of this is considered a normal variation. We explore why they were originally needed by humans and why modern people increasingly do not require them.
What Are Wisdom Teeth and When Do They Erupt
Wisdom teeth are third molars that typically emerge between the ages of 18 and 24. They complete the formation of the dental arch and have long been considered a necessary part of human anatomy. However, practice and research show that having all four "eights" is not universal.
Evolutionary Heritage
From an evolutionary perspective, wisdom teeth are a "hello" from our ancestors. Ancient humans had larger jaws and consumed tough, unprocessed foods: raw meat, roots, and plants. Additional molars helped efficiently chew such food.
Over time, diets became softer, and jaw sizes decreased. As a result, modern humans often physically lack space for all 32 teeth, which explains the frequent issues with eruption or the complete absence of wisdom teeth.
Why Some People Don’t Have Them at All
Congenital absence of wisdom teeth is called agenesis. This is not a pathology but a common phenomenon. According to various estimates, 10 to 41% of people lack one or more third molars.
Factors influencing this include:
- Genetics — if parents did not have wisdom teeth, the likelihood of their absence in the child is higher
- Gender — agenesis occurs slightly more often in women
- Ethnic background — absence of "eights" is more common among some Asian and Native American populations
- Jaw and facial size — compact facial structures are less likely to "accommodate" third molars
- Developmental conditions — childhood nutrition, birth weight, and overall health status
When Teeth Are Present but Not Erupted
Even with the presence of tooth buds, wisdom teeth may never erupt. Approximately 80% of young adults have at least one that remains impacted — hidden in the bone.
Such teeth may:
- grow at an incorrect angle
- press against neighboring teeth
- cause inflammation, pain, or infections
- lead to misalignment of the dental arch
Impacted teeth are the most common reason for dental visits.
Is It Necessary to Remove Wisdom Teeth?
In short — no. If a tooth has erupted properly, does not harm tissues, participates in chewing, and can be maintained properly, it can serve for many years.
Removal is recommended if the tooth:
- causes pain or swelling
- provokes recurrent inflammation
- contributes to crowding of teeth
- increases the risk of cavities and gum disease
- leads to the formation of cysts
The decision is always made individually — based on examination and X-rays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it rare to live without wisdom teeth? No. Complete or partial absence is a common occurrence.
Is it dangerous for health? No. The absence of third molars does not affect bite, chewing, or overall oral health.
Conclusion
Wisdom teeth are more of an evolutionary remnant than a necessity. Some people encounter them too closely, while others never do. Both scenarios are normal. Modern dentistry operates on a simple principle: if a tooth does not cause problems — it is preserved; if it poses a risk — it is removed. And if it is absent from the start, it can even be a small bonus from nature.
