How Long Does It Take a Wisdom Tooth to Come In Once It Starts?
Anyone who has ever had a wisdom tooth erupt will tell you that they can be one of the most uncomfortable, not to mention confusing, processes in oral medicine. Question: Once a wisdom tooth starts coming through, how long does it take? You’re not alone. This question many of you will be asking, especially when that irritating throb in the rear of your mouth starts to roll around even more frequently. In this blog, I am gonna take you through my experience and what I learned and answer this question in all possible directions.
The third and final set of molars are referred to as wisdom teeth, they appear at the back of your mouth. They typically arise between the ages of 17 and 25, although in some cases not until much later or never at all. But once these teeth begin to emerge, how long do they take in reality? So, let’s get started and see if can solve the mystery!
What Does It Mean When a Wisdom Tooth Starts Coming In?
Pain, Pressure, and Other Symptoms
When a wisdom tooth is coming in, it means that the tooth is attempting to break through the fleshy gums. This can take some time and for others, it can hurt or feel uncomfortable as the tooth is breaking through the gum tissue. As for me, my earliest awareness was probably around age 21. Then one day, I began to experience a deep pain in the back of my jaw, but there was no immediate distress signal. Eventually, I learned it was the very first stages of my wisdom teeth coming in.
At first, you’ll probably be a little bit uncomfortable—this is completely natural. You may also notice irritation of the gums around the tooth that is coming in, and it may feel as though a dull ache or sharp stabbing sensation constant pain feels. However, in some cases the tooth will be at least partially impacted or blocked by the gums, and it can take a lot longer for them to come through. Tooth movement was in millimeters every day to my experience. As if to trust that moment — which took forever!
Typical Symptoms Associated with Wisdom Teeth Eruption:
– Swelling in the gums
– Discomfort or discomfort in the back of the jaw
– A slight fever or bad breath
– A change in your bite
So, How Long Does It Really Take for a Wisdom Tooth to Come In?
My Personal Experience with Wisdom Teeth
So, on to the question we all need answered: how long until this tooth finally breaks through? The answer is not that simple. For others, it may take only a few months. For some, it may decades. Wisdom teeth actually begin breaking through the gums at around 17 to 25 years of age. However, it takes an average of 6 months to up to 2 years for them to become completely erupted and in use.
To be honest it took me a while. I was around 21 or so when my wisdom teeth decided they would be coming in, but it wasn’t until I reached the age of 24 that there finally began to actually protrude. It was a long, drawn-out process, one that I believe happens to many people over time, but it felt like years.
On the other hand, some people just never get them out. They can get stuck in the gums and need to be cut out. I avoided that a far as feel with other friends who told me, the other side of surgery is totally different time waster you no more told by a crooked grown to hell along one.
Factors That Can Affect How Long Wisdom Teeth Take to Come In
Age and Genetics
Your age does, of course, matter a lot. The younger you are, the faster the teeth might emerge — and genetics plays a role too. Everyone in my family, for example, had a pretty straightforward time with wisdom teeth emerging; could be genetic.
Impacted Teeth
Even when all goes well the process is slowed, sometimes a lot so — especially in cases of impacted wisdom teeth (those that are trapped below the gums or angled incorrectly). In this instance, they might only emerge partially or you fail to emerge at all. Friends of mine have faced this: with months of unsettling feeling, never to fully come through.
Size of the Tooth and Jaw
The breadth of your jaw can also have a role in it. In such cases, there may not be adequate room for the wisdom teeth to come in, due to the size of your jaw. I personally never had this problem, but I hear horror stories of people getting their wisdom teeth removed just for the fact that they did not fit!
Health Conditions
Sometimes, gum disease or infection may impede the emergence of wisdom teeth. I never had issues as such but watching others and how hard it can be.
How to Deal with the Pain While You Wait for Your Wisdom Teeth to Come In
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
Not Your Average Pain The Strain DaVinci so naturally, I took some over the counter pain medicine like ibuprofen to control the pain. The secret was not to go overboard but rather implement them gently to control the discomfort that accompanied this tooth as he would gradually emerged.
Saltwater Rinse
Saltwater rinses were one technique that worked for me. It is an old wives remedy that can reduce inflammation and speed up the healing process. Rinsing multiple times a day with half a teaspoon of salt mixed in warm water. This helped me feel better for sure.
Ice Packs
Putting an ice pack over the jaw can also help relieve swelling and pain discomfort. I tried to do this a few times per day, especially when the pain was most severe.
What Happens After a Wisdom Tooth Fully Comes In?
Long-Term Care for Wisdom Teeth
It is normal to feel some pain after your wisdom tooth has fully emerged as it is finding its spot. But after you have it in place, usually the hardest part is done. Me personally, I didn’t have the pressure about 6 months in. The tooth was completely natural, and I no longer had to worry about it.
Once the tooth comes in, you still want to ensure the proper care is being taken. If there was not much room for the tooth to fit in your mouth, it is very important that you brush and floss regularly so as to not get an infection. I made sure to keep my mouth clean and, luckily, they came in without complication.
When Should You See a Dentist?
Signs You Should See a Dentist
However, if you have excruciating pain or the tooth simply does not appear to be erupting at all, then it is time to consult your dentist. I had some mild soreness, but certainly not needing any help. But if you have severe swelling, infection, or it is impacted the tooth removal may be needed to make an appointment.
– Intense pain or discomfort that ×90 you can not get rid of
– Swelling that gets worse
– Difficulty opening your mouth
– Fever with pus, or symptoms of infection
How to Speed Up the Process (If Possible)
Sadly, there are no shortcuts to change it what you will have an accelerated wisdom tooth eruption time. Of course, however, there are some measures you can follow that will allow for as smooth of a process as possible:
– Maintain good oral hygiene
– Take over the counter pain relief as required
– If you suspect complications, see a dentist
Conclusion: Wisdom Teeth and Patience Go Hand in Hand
Everyone’s wisdom tooth coming in journey is different. In other words, it can be a pretty arduous exercise in patience and self-care. Once your wisdom teeth come in they can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to fully come in but again everyone is different! It felt like forever to me the entire time, but it all really pays off in the end.
While waiting for that wisdom tooth to come through, try taking life one day at a time. Soothe the irritation, and when in doubt see your dental practitioner. The pain of a new wisdom tooth coming through will heal, and before long, it is just another piece of the smile you have!