When Do Wisdom Teeth Grow In?

A person sits on a couch holding the side of their jaw in discomfort, suggesting wisdom tooth discomfort.

Most people develop wisdom teeth between the ages of 17 and 25, but not everyone gets them, and they do not always grow in without issues.

Wisdom teeth, or “third molars,” are known for arriving later than the rest and often bringing some surprises. While some come in normally, others can crowd nearby teeth, get stuck under the gums, or lead to ongoing discomfort. 

The timing and development of wisdom teeth can vary from person to person, which is why regular dental visits are crucial. Being aware of changes in your mouth and staying on top of regular check-ups can help you avoid problems before they become serious.

Common Age Range for Wisdom Teeth Growth

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, typically emerge between the late teens and early 20s, generally between the ages of 17 and 25. But not everyone develops wisdom teeth. Many people are born without wisdom teeth at all, while others may only develop one, two, or three of these molars.

If these molars decide to make an appearance, you'll usually notice it during your formative years. The timing can vary significantly from person to person, and some people may not develop their wisdom teeth until their late 20s or even early 30s. This variation depends on factors like genetics, jaw size, and individual development patterns.

A good indicator of their growth is regular dental X-rays during adolescence, which can reveal a lot about whether these molars are developing properly. These X-rays can show your dentist the position, angle, and potential pathway of your wisdom teeth long before they break through the gum line.

Why Early Monitoring of Wisdom Teeth is Important

You might wonder what the point of monitoring wisdom teeth before they show up is, and the answer lies in prevention. Early monitoring helps detect potential issues so they can be addressed before they become serious problems requiring emergency wisdom teeth removal.

Here are a few reasons why regular check-ups during adolescence are helpful for keeping wisdom teeth growth on track:

  • Avoiding surprises: Catching early signs of impaction or misalignment provides a preventive approach to dental health. Your dentist can identify potential problems before they develop into more serious complications.
  • Preventing crowding: Wisdom teeth can sometimes cause other teeth to shift out of alignment, undoing years of orthodontic work or creating new spacing issues.
  • Preserving dental health: Regular monitoring enables dentists to assess how wisdom teeth may affect surrounding teeth and gums, thereby helping to maintain your overall oral health.
  • Planning treatment timing: If wisdom teeth removal becomes necessary, early detection allows for better timing—often when patients are younger and heal more quickly.

Potential Problems with Wisdom Teeth Growth

Wisdom teeth don't always have the smoothest entry. Sometimes, there's simply not enough space in the jaw for them to grow naturally. Other times, they grow at odd angles. Here are some common issues that can arise during their development:

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

This occurs when wisdom teeth become impacted under the gum line or grow into the adjacent molars. Impacted wisdom teeth are one of the most common problems, affecting about 90% of people who have wisdom teeth. There are different types of impaction:

  • Soft tissue impaction: The tooth has partially erupted but remains partially covered by gum tissue
  • Partial bony impaction: The tooth is partially trapped beneath the bone
  • Complete bony impaction: The tooth is completely trapped beneath the bone and gum tissue

Crowding & Alignment Issues

If your jaw lacks sufficient space, wisdom teeth might push against other teeth, causing crowding or misalignment. This pressure can create a domino effect, causing your entire smile to shift over time.

Cavities & Decay

Wisdom teeth are challenging to clean due to their position at the back of the mouth. This makes them more susceptible to:

  • Tooth decay
  • Gum disease
  • Bad breath
  • Infections around the tooth

Wisdom Teeth Discomfort

When wisdom teeth begin to erupt or become impacted, they can cause discomfort. Wisdom teeth discomfort may present as:

  • Aching or throbbing in the back of the mouth
  • Swelling around the gums
  • Difficulty opening your mouth fully
  • Discomfort that radiates to the jaw, ear, or neck

By catching these problems early, there's a greater chance of minimizing the need for extensive treatments or emergency wisdom teeth removal later on.

Tracking Wisdom Teeth Development 

Here's how your dentist can help monitor their development and determine if wisdom teeth removal might be necessary.

Regular Exams

During routine dental exams, your dentist will keep an eye on the signs of wisdom teeth emergence. Even if you can't feel them yet, your dentist can spot potential problems by closely observing your gums and jaw structure. 

Dental X-Rays

X-rays are helpful for monitoring the growth of wisdom teeth. They provide a clear image of your jaw and indicate the position of your wisdom teeth. Panoramic X-rays are beneficial because they show the entire mouth in one image, allowing your dentist to see:

  • The position and angle of developing wisdom teeth
  • Available space in your jaw
  • Proximity to nerves and adjacent teeth
  • Signs of potential impaction

Developing a Personalized Plan

Regardless of how your wisdom teeth are coming in, your dentist will help guide you through the next steps, offering advice to keep your dental health in top shape. This might include:

  • Monitoring with regular check-ups
  • Discussing wisdom teeth removal options if necessary
  • Managing wisdom teeth discomfort with appropriate treatments
  • Providing guidance on proper oral hygiene for hard-to-reach areas
A close-up of a dental X-ray showing impacted wisdom teeth, with a hand pointing to the affected area.

Tracking Wisdom Teeth Development 

Wisdom teeth may seem minor, but monitoring their growth is crucial to maintaining long-term oral health. Regular dental visits, early monitoring, and good hygiene habits can help prevent discomfort, crowding, and more serious issues down the line.

At Wing Dental Centre, we pair innovative dental care with a personal touch. Whether you are experiencing discomfort, worried about impaction, or simply want peace of mind, our team is here to help. Book your consultation today and stay ahead of wisdom teeth problems with expert care you can trust.