Wisdom teeth are really nothing special, except that they grow into adulthood. They are located at the end of the tooth row. Some people grow all four teeth, while others never see them.
When do wisdom teeth appear?
Typically, wisdom teeth begin to form like regular teeth, somewhere around age 7. The first wisdom teeth begin to erupt from about 18 to 27 years of age. Of course, there are exceptions, but they are rare. By the age of 27, the body is basically fully formed and stops growing, which is why these teeth got their name.
How long do wisdom teeth take to grow?
It all depends on how big your jaw is and how the tooth row is positioned. If there is not enough room for the tooth to erupt, it may not erupt at all or may grow very slowly. The growth period lasts from 2-3 months to 3 years.
Is it always worth removing wisdom teeth?
Sometimes it doesn't. A wisdom tooth may stop growing and never show up. It won't cause any problems and in that case, it shouldn't be touched. But, often, when the wisdom tooth begins to grow, it causes significant discomfort.
First, it can be misaligned and put pressure on a neighboring tooth. Secondly, even if the tooth is growing properly, its "distant" location creates a risk of bacteria accumulation and the development of tooth decay and periodontitis. For this reason, the dentist usually advises the extraction of these teeth.
If you are having problems with your wisdom teeth, don't hesitate to see your doctor.
An experienced dentist will give you advice and tips on how to take good care of your teeth. Your problem may not be related to the growth of your wisdom teeth, so don't delay visiting the dentist until the last minute.