Key Takeaways
- Wisdom teeth typically grow in between the ages of 17 and 25. However, some people never get them at all.
- Pain, swelling, or difficulty opening your mouth are all signs worth paying attention to.
- Not all wisdom teeth need to come out, but some do require removal to protect the rest of your smile.
- A dentist in Vernon can monitor your wisdom teeth and help you decide the right next step.
Discomfort Should Mean a Visit to Your Dentist
You might notice a dull ache at the back of your jaw, some soreness when you chew, or gums that feel tender where no tooth used to be. Most of the time, this feeling has a clear explanation.
Wisdom teeth are your last set of adult molars, and they typically grow in during your late teens or early twenties. Whether or not they cause problems often depends on how they come in and how much room your jaw has to work with. Our team at Elevate Dental can help you figure out what’s going on and what, if anything, needs to happen next. If you’re already due for a dental check-up and cleaning, that’s a great time to get your wisdom teeth looked at too.
Here’s what you need to know.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars, and they sit at the very back corners of your mouth. You can have up to four of them, one in each corner, though not everyone develops a full set.
Thousands of years ago, humans needed these extra teeth to chew rough, unprocessed foods. Today, with smaller jaws and softer diets, the wisdom teeth often show up with nowhere to go.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?
The Typical Age Range
Most wisdom teeth begin to grow in somewhere between ages 17 and 25. That said, some people see them arrive later, even into their late 20s. Every mouth is different, so the timing varies from person to person.
Not Everyone Gets Them
Some people never develop wisdom teeth at all, and that’s completely normal. You might grow in one, two, three, or all four. A dental X-ray is the most reliable way to see what’s forming beneath your gums before anything breaks through.
Signs Your Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In
Your body usually gives you a heads-up before a wisdom tooth erupts. Some discomfort during this process is common, but it’s worth knowing what to watch for. Common symptoms include:
- Jaw pain, tenderness, or swelling near the back of your mouth
- Swollen, bleeding, or tender gums where you wisdom teeth are coming in
- Difficulty opening your mouth all the way
When to See a Dentist in Vernon About Your Wisdom Teeth
Signs That Need Attention
Not every twinge needs an urgent visit, but some signs are worth taking seriously. If you notice any of the following, it’s a good time to book an appointment.
- Pain that persists or grows worse over a few days
- A bad taste in your mouth, bad breath, or visible swelling that doesn’t settle
These can point to infection or an impacted tooth, both of which are easier to manage when caught early.
What Happens If You Wait
Putting off a visit when something feels off can lead to bigger issues down the road. An impacted wisdom tooth (one that’s stuck under the gum or growing at an angle) can press into the tooth beside it and cause damage. There’s also a higher chance of decay, gum disease, or crowding that shifts your other teeth out of place.
Do Wisdom Teeth Always Need to Be Removed?
When Removal Is Recommended
Removal is often recommended when a wisdom tooth is growing sideways, stuck beneath the gum line, or causing pain and pressure. Infection and crowding are also common reasons for removal. If you want to learn more, you can read our blog on the wisdom teeth removal process.
When You Can Keep Them
If a wisdom tooth comes in fully, sits straight, and doesn’t cause any discomfort, it may not need to come out at all. Regular check-ups help your dental team keep an eye on them over time and catch any changes early.
Keeping your wisdom teeth clean matters too, since the back of the mouth can be tricky to brush properly.
At Elevate Dental, our team takes the time to look at the full picture before making any recommendations. If you have questions about your wisdom teeth or want a closer look at what’s happening in the back of your mouth, reaching out to a dentist in Vernon is a great first step. Book a visit today and get the clarity you need.
