No, it is not possible to grow a third set of teeth. Humans have a set of baby teeth, also known as deciduous teeth, that fall out to make way for a set of permanent teeth. When this set of adult teeth have fully developed and come in, usually between the ages of 6-12, individuals are left with two sets of teeth.
Although there are conditions that cause extra teeth to erupt, such as Odontomes, or an extra complete or incomplete tooth, humans are not biologically capable of growing a third set of teeth. This can be attributed to the fact that a human’s jaw bone does not grow or expand with age, which is necessary for the third set of teeth to erupt.
Table of Contents
How common is a third set of teeth?
The occurrence of a third set of teeth, or supernumerary teeth, is an uncommon phenomenon. According to an analysis of 452 patients in a 2015 study, only about 0. 4% of people have a third set of teeth.
In fact, it is estimated that less than 5 percent of people have more than four sets of teeth.
Though it is rare, it can happen at any age, although supernumerary teeth most commonly appear between the ages of 5 and 18. They are most often found in the lower jaw and can come in the form of an extra single tooth or a full set of teeth.
Supernumerary teeth may look like a regular tooth, but they may also form differently, such as having a peg-like shape, being cone-shaped, or having a few cusps.
The causes of supernumerary teeth are not known, but it may be genetic, due to trauma, or due to certain diseases or syndromes.
If supernumerary teeth are causing pain, impeding orthodontic treatment, or damaging other teeth, they may need to be removed. In some cases, they may be treated surgically or with the help of orthodontic braces.
Is it possible to have a 3rd set of teeth?
Yes, it is possible to have a third set of teeth! It is known as supernumerary teeth, or a condition in which extra teeth form in any region of the jaws. This phenomenon is seen quite often in the upper lateral region, where it can cause crowding and misalignment of adjacent teeth.
Supernumerary teeth can be either erupted into the mouth or non-erupted, just under the surface of the gums. Moreover, supernumerary teeth can differ in size, shape or structure, and may even resemble a normal tooth.
In rare cases, multiple supernumerary teeth can erupt in one region, known as hyperdontia. Treatment of supernumerary teeth typically involves extracting the extra teeth to avoid misalignment. Furthermore, if the supernumerary teeth cause crowding and the adjacent teeth need more room to erupt, orthodontic treatment including braces may be recommended.
Should supernumerary teeth be removed?
Whether or not supernumerary teeth should be removed can depend on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, the more impact the extra teeth have on the mouth, the more likely it is that they should be removed.
Supernumerary teeth can cause a variety of problems, such as overcrowding the space intended for other teeth to grow, blocking the normal eruption of other teeth, or creating a problem with the bite.
In addition, they may even cause cysts and tumors that can require removal. In situations where space is limited and the supernumerary tooth is not functioning properly, orthodontists may recommend that the extra tooth be removed to make room for other teeth to come in correctly.
However, there are also cases where it is not recommended to remove the supernumerary teeth. If the extra tooth is in a healthy position, it is supportable by the other teeth, and it is not causing any problems with the bite, it might be preferable to leave it alone.
In this case, it could even be possible to restore the additional tooth with a crown, bridge, or implant to improve the patient’s smile.
Ultimately, whether or not supernumerary teeth should be removed needs to be determined on a case by case basis. It is important to have a thorough evaluation from an orthodontic specialist in order to determine the best course of action to take.
Are extra teeth hereditary?
Yes, extra teeth can be hereditary. Hereditary or familial hyperdontia, is an autosomal dominant condition and is significantly more common than supernumerary teeth resulting from other causes. This means that if one parent carries the trait, it is likely that their children will also develop extra teeth.
According to the National Human Genome Research Institute, it is estimated that hereditary hyperdontia can occur in 3-4% of the population, with the condition more likely to affect males than females.
Hereditary hyperdontia can present in many ways. In some cases, a single extra tooth appears in place of a normal tooth or it may appear in the roof of the mouth instead. Additional extra teeth may occur in multiples or as more complex formations.
In rare cases, an entire extra jaw may be present in addition to the normal one. These extra teeth can cause crowding and displacement of permanent teeth, which can result in pain and discomfort. Orthodontic intervention such as surgical extraction and/or orthodontic correction may be necessary in these cases.
It is important to note that there are certain genetic disorders, including Gardner syndrome and Cleidocranial dysostosis, that can increase the likelihood of extra teeth appearing. Although these are genetic conditions, extra teeth can still appear in individuals who do not have any of these syndromes.
Therefore, if you have a family history of extra teeth or abnormally shaped teeth, it is best to speak to a doctor or dentist to ensure a confirmed diagnosis.
What syndromes have supernumerary teeth?
Syndromes associated with supernumerary teeth include cleidocranial dysplasia (CCD), cherubism, Gardner’s Syndrome, Cushings Syndrome and Down’s Syndrome. In CCD, supernumerary teeth are commonly observed on the maxillary and/or mandibular anterior region, and may appear as single, double or multiple tooth germs.
In cherubism, multiple supernumerary teeth can occur both in the maxilla and mandible which vary in size, shape and eruption pattern. Gardner’s Syndrome is another rare disorder characterised by multiple impacted supernumerary teeth.
Cushings Syndrome is an endocrine disorder caused by an overproduction of cortisol, and is associated with multiple impacted ectopic teeth. Lastly, in Down’s Syndrome, the most commonly observed supernumerary teeth are on the maxilla and mandible, below or next to the permanent teeth adjacent.
How common is it to only have 3 wisdom teeth?
It is very common to only have three wisdom teeth. Many people naturally have only three wisdom teeth, which means the fourth wisdom tooth is missing from the mouth. According to National Institutes of Health estimates, 20-30% of people have a fourth wisdom tooth present, while 70-80% of people have three.
In fact, the number of people with four wisdom teeth has decreased in the last few decades, likely due to environmental factors and evolution.
In today’s culture, many people opt to have their wisdom teeth extracted if they are causing pain or discomfort, regardless of the number of teeth present. Wisdom teeth can become “impacted” when there is not enough room for them to erupt normally, making them difficult to clean.
This can lead to potential oral health problems. In summary, having three wisdom teeth is common, and individuals should talk to their dentist to discuss options if their wisdom teeth are causing any issues.
How many sets of teeth can a human grow?
Humans typically grow two sets of teeth in their lifetime. The first set, known as the “baby teeth,” typically begin to come in around 6 months of age, although it can sometimes take as long as a year before they all emerge.
This set typically consists of 20 primary teeth, 10 on the top and 10 on the bottom of the mouth. The primary teeth then fall out and are replaced by the permanent “adult teeth” between the ages of 6 and 12.
The permanent teeth consist of 32 teeth, 16 on the top and 16 on the bottom. These teeth generally last a lifetime if they are properly cared for and are not lost due to an injury or disease.
Can you have a third teeth grow in?
No, it is not possible for a third teeth to grow in. Teeth usually come in pairs, with one on the top and the bottom of the jaw, and the number of teeth a person is born with is generally number the same number they will have for their lifetime.
Although, it is possible for a person to have extra teeth, called supernumerary teeth, which is when more than two teeth grow in the same space, or when extra teeth push other teeth out of the way. This can happen with wisdom teeth, which are the third and final set of molars that often appear in a person’s late teens or twenties.
However, the most common cause of extra teeth is genetics, although it can also occur due to trauma or infection. If a person is suffering from extra teeth, it is important to have them monitored and removed as necessary, as extra teeth can lead to more serious dental problems, such as impacted teeth or malocclusion.
Why do some people have 3 sets of teeth?
Some people have three sets of teeth because they suffer from a condition known as Hyperdontia. This is a condition where extra teeth, known as supernumerary teeth, grow beyond the normal number of teeth, which is typically 20 primary teeth and 28 permanent teeth.
Supernumerary teeth can affect both primary and permanent teeth and grow in different areas of the mouth, including both the upper and lower jaw. While it is unclear exactly why hyperdontia occurs, it is thought to be due to genetics, environmental factors or a combination of both.
Treatment for hyperdontia typically involves extracting the extra teeth, although in some cases, it may be possible to leave them in the patient’s mouth. The best course of action will depend on the position of the extra teeth and the patient’s overall dental health.
What are 3rds teeth?
Third molars, also known as “wisdom teeth,” are the last set of permanent teeth to appear in the mouth. They usually erupt in the late teen years, around the ages of 17 to 21. Depending on the person, they may erupt all at once, one at a time, or not at all.
Most people have four, one at the back of each arch (top and bottom). These teeth are positioned differently from other molars and are further away from the others in the mouth.
Third molars can cause a number of problems, including overcrowding of other teeth, damage to adjacent teeth, cavities, and gum disease. They may also be impacted, which is when a tooth does not fully erupt and can become trapped in the jawbone or gums.
Impacted wisdom teeth can cause infection, extreme pain, and damage to surrounding teeth and tissue. In some cases, your dentist or oral surgeon may recommend the removal of third molars.
Are we born with 2 sets of teeth?
No, we are not born with two sets of teeth. Permanent teeth develop during childhood and adolescence, replacing the primary teeth (also called “baby teeth”). Humans typically have 20 primary teeth and 32 permanent teeth.
Primary teeth are not replaced by permanent teeth until a child is between six and twelve years old. After all 32 permanent teeth have erupted, no additional replacements are issued. Gaps left by missing teeth are the only exceptions, and these are typically filled with the assistance of dentures, bridges, or implants.
Is extra teeth genetic?
Extra teeth are a relatively rare condition that can be partly caused by genetic factors. Generally, extra teeth are termed “supernumerary teeth,” and they develop when tooth buds form on the jawbone that normally would not be present.
Scientists believe that genetic mutations can be responsible for the formation of supernumerary teeth. Depending on the individual, having extra teeth can cause a wide range of impacts, such as crowding (or lack thereof) in the jaw, the need to extract teeth, and sometimes pushing other teeth out of their normal alignment.
It is especially common for extra teeth to form in the premolar region, though other areas of the mouth can be affected as well.
Overall, although extra teeth are usually considered an inherited trait, this condition can range from mild to severe from person to person. It’s important to speak with your dentist or doctor to better understand the risks, causes, and treatments associated with supernumerary teeth.
