Does everyone's wisdom teeth grow in?

Generally, wisdom teeth—also known as third molars—do not erupt in everyone. Whether wisdom teeth will emerge depends on individual oral bone structure, genetic factors, and the development of tooth buds. A detailed analysis is as follows:

If an individual has sufficient jawbone space, a family history of wisdom tooth eruption due to genetic factors, and normal development of tooth buds, wisdom teeth are likely to emerge. In such cases, wisdom teeth typically erupt gradually between the ages of 17 and 26. If they grow in proper alignment, achieve normal occlusion, and are adequately cleaned during daily oral hygiene routines, they usually do not cause discomfort.

However, if the jawbone structure is narrow, tooth buds are congenitally absent due to genetic factors, or tooth bud development is abnormal, wisdom teeth may fail to emerge. Some individuals may only develop 1–3 wisdom teeth, while others may have fully impacted wisdom teeth that remain buried within the jawbone and never erupt. These situations can only be confirmed through dental X-rays. Impacted wisdom teeth that show no abnormalities generally do not require special treatment.

Regular dental check-ups are recommended to monitor the presence and development of wisdom teeth using X-rays. If erupted wisdom teeth cause recurrent pain, swelling, or negatively affect adjacent teeth, prompt medical evaluation is necessary to determine whether extraction is needed. Regardless of whether wisdom teeth emerge, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to prevent food debris accumulation and related oral health problems.