What Age Do Wisdom Teeth Come In? A Comprehensive Guide
The third molars are also known as wisdom teeth since they are the last to emerge. They often originate at the posterior part of your throat. Presently there are numerous questions related to wisdom teeth among people. They want to know when they are coming in, how it is going to feel, and whether they need to see the dentist. Here are the answers to all those questions and much more that you are certainly going to get in this detailed guide. We are going to inform you about the age that most individuals get their hugely coveted wisdom teeth, indications to watch out for, when to see the dentist, and how to avoid any nuisance. By the end of this article, you should be equipped with all the information you require inclusive of wisdom teeth.
What Age Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?
Typical Age Range
In general, the third set of molars, known as the wisdom teeth, appear between the age of 17 and 25 years. This is still quite a large age span so it is quite possible that your experience was somewhat different. Others may have their wisdom teeth come in a little earlier, say at about 16 years of age. Some people do not have wisdom teeth until they are in their late twenties. All of this is normal.
Variations in Timing
One must not forget that in terms of oral health and specifically wisdom teeth these are fundamentally different people. It is still important to note, your friend may have developed wisdom teeth at the age of 17, you may not also develop it at such age. There are countless factors which may cause your wisdom teeth to erupt at a specific time in your life. Such factors as your genes, how your jaw develops, and the overall dental development are some of the factors involved. So if your wisdom teeth come in earlier or later than what seems typical, don’t worry. That’s very common and is not something one should worry about at all.
First Signs of Wisdom Teeth Coming In
Common Symptoms of Eruption
As your third molars begin to erupt, you will begin to notice some sensations associated with the emergence of these teeth at the back of the oral cavity. Probably the most frequent symptom is a sensation of tension or a mild discomfort in the very rear of the jaw. This is where your wisdom teeth are located. The gums that are around this area could also look somewhat inflamed and feel a little sore if one touches them. It is reported to some as a throbbing pain, which may be frequently tingling while the teeth begin to emerge from the gums.
In addition to these sensations, you may also experience some other signs, and these other signs include the following. Sometimes, your jaw might be slightly sore, particularly in the morning or if you have spent a lot of time chewing. Once in a while you may get a little headache here and there. People can also feel that their other teeth have slightly moved to create space for new teeth to grow. All of these experiences are fairly typical and mostly not a cause for concern.
Recognizing Potential Problems
It is normal to feel some pain when your wisdom teeth are growing but there are red flags that you should look out for. If you constantly feel unbearable pain that is not relieved by simple analgesics, this should be a cause of concern. Any redness or swelling that continues for a few days or means that your mouth has become difficult to open is another sign that something might be wrong.
In these cases, your wisdom teeth might be coming out at an awkward angle or may be trapped in your gums. It could be that they are applying excessive force on the other teeth within the mouth. If you experience any of these more severe signs you should visit your dentist as soon as possible.
They can use X-rays if they have to in order to determine what the situation really is and how it should be addressed. It always pays to keep up with your health because if you allow a danger to develop to its full potential well then be ready to pay the price.
Do All People Get Wisdom Teeth?
Genetic and Evolutionary Factors
This is a fact that might shock a lot of people – not everyone develops wisdom teeth. Indeed, going through various patient cases, the present-day incidence of individuals with no wisdom teeth at all appears to be on the rise. The experts believe that this is attributable to biology plus evolution traits of human beings.
Indeed, in the distant past, our forefathers required the aid of 4 wisdom teeth to chew crude, raw meals. This, of course, has an impact on our contemporary way of living and eating, as well as cooking since our jaws over thousands of years have gotten smaller. And it is quite logical: we just do not require additional teeth as much as we used to before. Well for some fortunate individuals, the genes that decide how and when wisdom teeth grow, are effectively switched off. They never grow any wisdom teeth anywhere within their mouths.
Differences Between Individuals
Still, the situation is different when it comes to those who actually develop wisdom teeth: there can be serious differences even between individuals in their experience of the latter. Some people have all the four third molars or the wisdom teeth, one at each corner of the mouth. Others can only find one or two or maybe three. Once in a while people can end up developing extra than four wisdom teeth. This condition is referred to as hyperdontia.
It is also possible for your wisdom teeth to grow in different places. It is possible to have impacted wisdom teeth on the upper, lower or both jaws. And even if you manage to get all four, they may not all arrive together.
When to Consult a Dentist About Wisdom Teeth
Monitoring Eruption in Teens and Young Adults
The fact that wisdom teeth usually erupt in the late teens and in the early twenties makes it critical for people at this age to schedule their dental appointment. During these regular dental check ups, the dentist will monitor the growth and eruption of your wisdom teeth.
They use x-rays to determine how the individual’s teeth are aligned below the gum line. They will inspect the gums to determine whether all the teeth grow straight or any crowding and alignment complications are occurring. It means that in case they see any signs of trouble they can step in and stop it. This might mean having the wisdom teeth pulled out before they start causing problems. The best way to avoid adverse outcomes later on is to closely check the patient.
Signs of Impacted Wisdom Teeth
There are several problems with the eruption of third molars, and one of the most famous ones is called Impaction. This is when it is partially embedded in the gum and cannot erupt wholly through the gum line. Perhaps it’s growing at an angle, or maybe there just isn’t enough space in the jaw for teeth to develop properly. Effected wisdom teeth could cause a lot of trouble if there is no attendance given to them.
Some common symptoms that may indicate that you have an impacted wisdom tooth include sharp pain, a swollen face and a stiff jaw that cannot be fully opened. The gum around the tooth could be red, swollen and sensitive to touch. There may be an uncomfortable feeling as if there is a taste or odour that you do not like in your mouth. Contact your dentist in case you develop any of these symptoms. The affected teeth may require extraction to prevent occurrence of infection or deterioration of your other teeth.
Do Wisdom Teeth Always Need to Be Removed?
Situations Requiring Extraction
Although many people develop impacted or partially impacted third molars that require surgical removal, it is not necessary for everyone to have his or her wisdom teeth extracted. There are some cases however when extraction would be necessary for the sake of oral and dental health.
In some cases, where the wisdom teeth are causing crowding or other teeth to shift out of position then this surgery is advised. Teeth which are partially erupted, have infection prone or decay also require extraction. A logical prescription will also involve the surgical removal of impacted teeth that are diseased or troublesome in their location.
Your dentist has to consider your specific situation very carefully. Possible factors they will use include the state of alignment of the teeth, your age, your health status, and whether you are experiencing any discomfort. It allows you to determine whether extraction is most appropriate when you are working with her together.
Cases Where Wisdom Teeth Can Stay
There are times Wisdom teeth can remain in place without any complications or problems affecting a person’s oral health. In particular, if you have the third molars growing to the surface, are properly aligned, and are healthy, your dentist may advise you to keep them.
It is especially safe if the hygiene of the oral cavity is maintained in good condition and it does not have histories of caries and gum diseases. However, your dentist will still likely prefer to monitor those teeth carefully even in these circumstances. Those should be cleaned very thoroughly because they are not easily accessible with a simple toothbrush. It will be necessary to make dental check ups so that the teeth would be healthy for as long as possible.
How to Manage Pain and Discomfort from Wisdom Teeth
At-Home Remedies for Eruption Pain
In case your wisdom teeth are causing a little discomfort as they emerge, you can do the following to ease the pain. Using warm salt water mouthwash is a straightforward solution that you can take several times in a day.
For mild to moderate pain, patients can take easily available drugs for pain including fever and pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Other pieces of advice are to avoid biting on hard foods, to massage the gums around the tooth, and to use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth. If you are especially having a hard time trying to brush the back of your mouth, then it is recommended that you might have to use an electric toothbrush or a water flosser to maintain cleanliness.
When to Seek Professional Help
If some level of discomfort is felt during the eruption of wisdom teeth, then there must be severe or persistent pain that should be looked at by a dentist. If your symptoms are making their way to you having less appetite, falling asleep or carrying out your regular activities, then it’s time to get professional help.
Other warning signs that you need to see your dentist are the swelling on your jaw and face, pus formation around the affected tooth, and a high fever. These are symptoms of a bacterial infection that requires immediate use of antibiotics. If you find it difficult to open your mouth wide or you notice a change in your bite, then it is high time you visited your dentist.
Do not wait for too long to seek assistance if you have some of these symptoms. Consulting your dentist, he or she will be able to identify the root of the problem and treat accordingly through prescription drugs, a dental cleaning session or a wisdom tooth extraction.
Why Choose Crystalline Dental for Wisdom Teeth Care?
The personnel employed at Crystalline Dental are very experienced and knowledgeable in their respective fields endeavoring to render the best service. Our team gives you confidence and comfort using modern technology and different techniques.
No matter whether you would like to book a check-up for your wisdom tooth that has been bothering you, or you just want to have your teeth cleaned, or maybe you will require an extraction due to some reasons, we can assist. We will also spend the right time listening to your concerns as well as answering your questions before we proceed to offer you perfect treatment solutions that suit you all through.
Our modern facility and caring team will help you to feel comfortable and relaxed. There is nothing as important to us as making sure you feel comfortable with the quality of care you are receiving. Also, for your benefit, we have convenient working hours and payment structures to ensure your treatment process is as comfortable as possible.
Book Your Consultation Today
If you are having symptoms of the eruption of the third molars or if it’s time for your check-up, do not delay. Call Crystalline Dental now to book your appointment. We can also be reached by phone at +1 905-303-0700 or you can find the convenient time using our online schedule.
Important thing to note is that when it comes to oral health; it is always better to be proactive and look for any signs of trouble. Obviously, it is important to keep track of your wisdom teeth situation so you can avoid a lot of pain and complications in the future.