When Do Wisdom Teeth Come In?

There's a certain rite of passage that many of us go through in our late teens or early twenties. It's not college or getting our first job. It's the arrival of our wisdom teeth. But when exactly do these late bloomers start to make their appearance? That's what we're going to explore in this blog post.

Understanding Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to erupt in your mouth. This usually occurs between the ages of 17 and 25, a time of life that has been called the "Age of Wisdom," hence their name. 

• Wisdom teeth are located at the back of your mouth, behind your second molars.
• Their arrival can often be accompanied by discomfort or pain. 
• Not everyone develops wisdom teeth. In fact, these teeth don't appear in 35% of the population. 

However, the timing can vary significantly from person to person, and some people may never develop wisdom teeth at all. It's also possible for wisdom teeth to become impacted, meaning they're unable to fully emerge through the gums.

Signs and Symptoms of Erupting Wisdom Teeth

As wisdom teeth start to come in, they can cause a variety of symptoms. These can range from mild discomfort to more severe pain, and can last for several days or even weeks. 

• Pain or discomfort in the back of your mouth, behind your molars.
• Swelling, redness, or tenderness of the gums in the area where a wisdom tooth is coming in.
• Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing.
• An unpleasant taste in your mouth or bad breath.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's a good idea to see a dentist or oral surgeon. They can take an X-ray of your mouth to see how your wisdom teeth are coming in and whether they're causing any problems.

Why Do Some People Need Their Wisdom Teeth Removed?

While some people's wisdom teeth come in without causing any problems, others aren't so lucky. Impacted wisdom teeth, or wisdom teeth that don't have enough room to come in properly, can cause a host of problems:

• Damage to other teeth: If a wisdom tooth pushes against another tooth, it can damage the second molar or cause tooth decay.
• Cysts: If a wisdom tooth becomes impacted in the jaw, a cyst can form, leading to damage to the jawbone or teeth.
• Infection: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can be hard to clean, leading to tooth decay and gum disease.

In such cases, it's often necessary to have the wisdom teeth removed to prevent further problems.

The Procedure for Wisdom Teeth Removal

Wisdom teeth removal is a common procedure, often performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia by a dentist or oral surgeon. 

• The surgeon will make a small incision in your gums to expose the tooth and bone.
• Any bone blocking access to the tooth root will be removed.
• The tooth will be divided into sections if it's easier to remove in pieces.
• After the tooth is removed, you'll likely need stitches. Some stitches dissolve over time, and some need to be removed after a few days.

After the procedure, you'll need a few days to recover. During this time, you'll need to eat soft foods and avoid strenuous activity.

Wisdom Teeth Removal in Virginia Beach

At Coastal Virginia Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr. Frank Yeh is an expert in wisdom teeth removal. With years of experience and a commitment to patient comfort and safety, Dr. Yeh provides top-notch care for patients in Virginia Beach. If you're experiencing discomfort from your wisdom teeth or have been told you need them removed, don't hesitate to reach out to us at (757) 426-6155 to request an appointment.