If you’ve ever wondered how many teeth humans have, a typical count is 32, 16 on the top and 16 on the bottom, including 4 wisdom teeth. They are called third molars. It usually comes in between the ages of 17 and 25.
While our forefathers needed these molars to chew hard foods, today’s diet is soft and easy to chew. Because of that, wisdom teeth often cause more trouble. Many people face difficulty as they don’t have More space For 32 teeths hence the coming Tooth becomes turn or tilted which cause pain swelling or Infection. That’s why most dentists suggest removing wisdom teeth before they cause more trouble. Let’s discuss more about it below.
Did you know Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin in “Stranger Things,” (a Netflix Series) has missing teeth due to cleidocranial dysplasia, a rare genetic disorder causing delayed tooth development and missing teeth? If you think every person on this earth has 32 teeths it’s not true as some have less because of genetics, congenital issues or tooth loss due to decay or injury.
Types of Teeth and Their Functions
Each type of tooth plays an important role in how we eat and speak. Here’s a quick overview:
| Type of Tooth | Number in Adults | Function |
| Incisors | 8 (4 upper, 4 lower) | Cut and bite food |
| Canines | 4 (2 upper, 2 lower) | Tear food |
| Premolars | 8 (4 upper, 4 lower) | Crush and grind food |
| Molars (excluding wisdom teeth) | 8 (4 upper, 4 lower) | Grind and chew food |
| Wisdom Teeth | 4 (2 upper, 2 lower) | Often cause crowding or jaw pain from wisdom teeth |
How Many Teeth Do Children Have?
Before we talk more about wisdom teeth, let’s understand how our teeth develop over time.
| Age Group | Type of Teeth | Total Count | Notes |
| Children | Primary (Baby) Teeth | 20 | Fall out between ages 6–12 |
| Adults | Permanent Teeth | 32 | Includes 4 wisdom teeth |
| Adults (after extraction) | Permanent (without wisdom teeth) | 28 | Most common after removal |
Children start with 20 baby teeth, which eventually fall out and are replaced by 32 permanent teeth, including the four wisdom teeth. So, when someone asks how many teeth do humans have, the answer depends on their age, 20 for children, and 32 for adults.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Why It’s Sometimes Needed
So, why do wisdom teeth cause problems? The answer is simple, our jaws are smaller now compared to our ancestors, which leaves less space for these last molars to grow. When the extra teeth try to come in, they can press against nearby teeth, leading to crowding and pain.
Some signs you need your wisdom teeth removed include:
- Pain or jaw pain from wisdom teeth at the back of your mouth
- Swelling or redness in the gums
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Bad breath or an unpleasant taste caused by trapped food
In many people, the wisdom teeth only partially come out or stay completely under the gums. These are called impacted wisdom teeth, and they can lead to infections, cavities, or gum disease if not treated.
Dentists often suggest removing them as a preventive measure even before symptoms appear. Preventive extraction helps stop future alignment problems and makes it easier to clean your teeth properly. If you experience any discomfort, it’s best to know when to see a dentist for wisdom teeth before the pain worsens.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction Procedure
Before removing your tooth, your dentist will first take dental X-rays before extraction. This helps them see the position of your tooth and nearby nerves, so they can plan a safe and smooth procedure.
There are two main types of extractions:
1. Simple Extraction
This is used when the wisdom tooth has fully erupted and is visible in the mouth. The dentist loosens the tooth with a special tool called an elevator and gently removes it using forceps.
2. Surgical Extraction
This is needed when the tooth is impacted or stuck under the gums or bone. The dentist makes a small cut in the gum to reach the tooth. Sometimes, the tooth is divided into smaller pieces to make removal easier. In deeper cases, a bit of bone around the tooth may also be removed.
Different Anesthesia Options
Your comfort during the procedure is very important. Here are the common types used:
- Local anesthesia for tooth extraction keeps you awake but numbs the tooth and the area around it.
- Sedation anesthesia is given through an IV to help you relax and feel drowsy but pain-free.
- General anesthesia puts you completely asleep and is used for more complicated cases or when patients prefer not to be awake.
If you’re nervous, many clinics offer pain-free tooth extraction options so you can stay calm and comfortable throughout the procedure. Visiting our best dental clinic for wisdom tooth removal ensures you’re treated by experienced professionals who prioritize your safety.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery After Extraction
After the extraction, our dentist will place a small piece of gauze on the wound to help stop bleeding. In some cases, a few stitches might be used to close the gum tissue. Healing begins as soon as a blood clot forms in the empty tooth socket.
The recovery timeline after oral surgery is usually a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the complexity of your case. Here are a few helpful tips to make healing faster and smoother:
1. Rest and Relaxation
Get plenty of rest for at least the first 24 hours. Avoid heavy exercise, bending, or lifting objects. Too much activity can cause bleeding and slow down the healing process.
2. Pain Management
Our dentist may prescribe painkillers or antibiotics to help with swelling and prevent infection. Follow the instructions carefully and don’t skip any doses.
3. Cold Compress
Applying an ice pack on your cheek helps control swelling after wisdom tooth removal. Hold it for 15–20 minutes at a time during the first day.
4. Soft Foods
Stick to soft meals like soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, or smoothies for a few days. These are great foods to eat after wisdom tooth surgery because they’re gentle on your mouth and easy to swallow.
5. Oral Hygiene
For the first 24 hours, don’t rinse, spit, or use a straw. Doing so may dislodge the blood clot and cause a painful condition called a dry socket. After one day, rinse gently with warm salt water twice a day to keep the area clean.
Following these tips for faster healing after extraction helps you recover comfortably and lowers the risk of complications.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction: Risks and Complications
Wisdom tooth removal is safe, but like any dental procedure, it carries some wisdom tooth complications and risks. It’s important to know what to watch for:
- Dry Socket: When the blood clot comes out too early, it exposes the bone and nerves. Your dentist can help with dry socket treatment and prevention to ease the pain.
- Infection: Look for wisdom tooth infection symptoms like fever, pus, bad taste, or persistent pain.
- Bleeding: A little bleeding is normal. But if it continues, bite down gently on clean gauze for about 30 minutes.
- Nerve Damage: Rarely, the nerves near the tooth might be affected, causing tingling or numbness in your chin, tongue, or lips.
If you face any of these problems, contact our dentist or visit our emergency dental services for immediate help.
Cost and Insurance Coverage
The cost and insurance coverage for extraction vary depending on the case. A simple extraction usually costs less than a surgical extraction, and the type of anesthesia you choose also affects the price.
Many affordable wisdom tooth extraction clinics offer different packages, and some even provide free consultations. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to know whether they cover all or part of the treatment. Choosing a clinic that offers flexible payment plans makes dental care more accessible and stress-free.
Conclusion
Now you know how many teeth do humans have including wisdom teeth, the total is 32. These four extra molars may have helped our ancestors chew better, but today, they often cause problems like crowding, pain, or infection. If you feel jaw pain from wisdom teeth or notice signs you need your wisdom teeth removed, don’t ignore it. Visit our best dental clinic for wisdom tooth removal for expert advice and safe treatment from a skilled oral surgeon in Westerville. Proper care, good hygiene, and following your dentist’s instructions ensure a pain-free tooth extraction experience and a fast recovery.
