Wisdom teeth are one of those milestones that everyone seems to hear about, but not everyone experiences. So, when do wisdom teeth come in? Some people barely notice them arriving, while others deal with pretty nasty discomfort, swelling, or even impaction. Knowing the timing and signs can help you prepare—mentally and physically—for what is to come.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?
Most people can expect their wisdom teeth to start coming in around the ages of 17 to 25, though earlier and later are both possible. These third molars develop beneath the gums during your early teenage years and begin to move upwards in your late teens to early twenties. While some people’s wisdom teeth never move upwards, others may only get one or two, while others have a full eruption of four teeth. A tooth eruption is when your teeth grow up through and emerge from the gumline. For some, this eruption is smooth and relatively painless, but for others, it can lead to further issues that may require a wisdom tooth extraction.
How Do You Know If Your Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In?
One of the earliest signs your wisdom teeth are coming in is discomfort or pressure at the back of your mouth. When a wisdom tooth erupts, it tends to push up against and put pressure on other teeth or gum tissue. This can lead to soreness or swelling, as well as:
- Difficulty opening your mouth all the way
- Pain when chewing or biting
- Swollen or tender gums behind your molars
- Headaches or jaw aches
Along with these symptoms, some patients may also experience slight fevers or notice a change in how their bite feels. If you’re around the typical age for eruption and notice any of these symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a dentist. A simple X-ray is enough to confirm whether a wisdom tooth is on the move.
What Happens If There Isn’t Enough Room For Wisdom Teeth?
When there isn’t enough room for a wisdom tooth, things can get tricky. The fact of the matter is that not everyone has enough space in their jaw for these additional molars. If your mouth is already full, then your wisdom tooth may not erupt properly and could become impacted.
Impacted wisdom teeth can grow in at odd angles, press against surrounding teeth, or even remain trapped beneath the gums. In these cases, a wisdom tooth extraction is usually the recommended solution.
Can Wisdom Teeth Erupt Without Pain or Problems?
Absolutely! While we often think of pain when we talk about wisdom teeth, that’s not always the case. Some people experience a totally normal eruption process, with little more than a little soreness. If there’s enough room in your mouth and your teeth are coming in straight, you may not need any intervention at all.
Do All Wisdom Teeth Need to Be Removed?
Not necessarily. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, and not pushing on other teeth in your mouth, we might recommend leaving them in place. However, this is less common than you may think! The majority of wisdom teeth wind up needing to be removed, usually to prevent problems rather than fix them after the fact. This includes a propensity to cause issues down the line or even be more prone to decay, thanks to their position in the back of the mouth.
What’s the Best Age for Wisdom Tooth Removal?
While a wisdom tooth can technically erupt at any point between the ages of 17 and 25 (or even beyond), the best time for extraction is often during the late teen years or early twenties. This is because the roots are often not fully formed, making the procedure less complicated and recovery easier.
Removing a wisdom tooth sooner rather than later can help avoid common problems like:
- Crowding of other teeth
- Pain and inflammation
- Infections or cyst formation
- Damage to adjacent molars
Even if you have an erupted wisdom tooth that isn’t causing problems now, it’s smart to monitor it with regular check-ups. Your dentist may recommend proactive removal to prevent future complications, especially if X-rays show they’re growing at awkward angles or unlikely to erupt naturally.
Ready For a Wisdom Tooth Consultation?
If you think your wisdom teeth might be coming in or just want to check on their status, call East Highland Dental today or schedule a consultation. We’re here to help you stay comfortable and confident at every stage of your dental journey.