Wolf Tooth

A wolf tooth is a small, rudimentary first premolar located in the gap between the incisors and cheek teeth (the diastema). It sits just ahead of the first large cheek tooth (P2/06)—meaning it lies closer to the front of the mouth than P2 does. Wolf teeth have no function and are considered evolutionary remnants.

Prevalence varies (approx. 10–40%). They may appear on one or both sides and are far more common in the upper jaw; lower‑jaw wolf teeth are rare. They develop during the first year of life and may erupt between 5–18 months or remain unerupted as “blind” wolf teeth.

Bit pressure can push the soft tissues of the diastema against a wolf tooth, causing discomfort, loosening, or fractures, which may lead to bitting resistance. An oral exam before first bitting is recommended. Extraction is usually performed under standing sedation; general anesthesia is only rarely needed (e.g., strong roots or blind wolf teeth).