Wisdom tooth erupting? We hear it from literally everyone the discomfort its eruption is likely to cause. In fact, for many, it is no less than a nightmare. But what is a wisdom tooth and why does it sound so scary? Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the teeth that often arrive later than the rest.
Their emergence, commonly associated with discomfort and dental complications, raises questions about the timeline of this process. Besides, its eruption is no less than an unannounced devil. The understanding of its eruption signs and timeline are of great importance.
If you know about it, there is a lot you can do to reduce the discomfort and of course, an oral surgeon can help you too. But, before we consider that option let’s first understand the anatomy of wisdom tooth as this will better help manage the “issue”.
Unraveling the Anatomy of Wisdom Tooth
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are the rearmost set of molars situated at the back of the mouth. Typically, individuals possess four wisdom teeth, distributed as two on the upper jaw and two on the lower jaw. These molars are intriguingly remnants of our evolutionary past when our ancestors had larger jaws that could comfortably accommodate these additional molars.
In today’s humans, wisdom teeth often struggle to emerge due to space constraints, leading to various dental complications.
When is it likely to occur?
Wisdom tooth eruption is a gradual and complex process that can take several months or even years. This process can be categorized into several stages. The first stage is its development. The journey of wisdom teeth begins during early adolescence, usually around the ages of 16 to 18.
At this stage, these teeth remain deeply embedded within the jawbone and have yet to emerge. Nonetheless the actual eruption phase usually kicks off in late adolescence or early adulthood, typically occurring between the ages of 17 to 25.
During this phase, wisdom teeth start moving from their initial position within the jawbone towards the surface of the gums. As wisdom teeth continue their upward journey, they eventually break through the gum tissue.
This stage can vary in duration, with some teeth emerging relatively quickly, while others may take several months to fully breach the gumline. When a wisdom tooth has completely emerged through the gumline, it is considered to be fully erupted.
This usually takes place between the ages of 18 to 30, though there is considerable variation among individuals.
What are the Underlying Symptoms?
During the process of wisdom tooth eruption, individuals may experience a range of signs and symptoms, which can vary in intensity:
- Pain and discomfort
- Swelling
- Inflammation
- Displacement of nearby teeth
- Infection
When to See a Dentist?
The timeline for wisdom tooth eruption is highly variable, influenced by genetics, available space, and other factors. While some individuals may experience a relatively quick and painless eruption, others may face a more prolonged and uncomfortable process.
If you have concerns about your wisdom teeth, it is vital to consult with a dentist. The finest facilities in oral healthcare is available for you at AK Dental. Dial (512) 653-3008 or locate them at 7010 State Highway 71, STE 225, Austin, TX 78735.