Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last set of teeth that typically emerge in the back of your mouth. These teeth are often associated with discomfort, as many people experience pain when they begin to grow in. However, understanding the process of wisdom tooth eruption and growth can help alleviate some of the concerns that come with it.
So, how long does it actually take for wisdom teeth to fully grow and last? This article will explain the stages of wisdom teeth growth, the factors that affect this timeline, and what you can expect throughout the process.
The Stages of Wisdom Teeth Growth
The process of wisdom teeth developing is relatively slow and occurs in distinct stages. From the time the tooth begins to form to the point when it erupts and settles into place, several years may pass. Let’s break down these stages in more detail.
1. Formation of Wisdom Teeth
The development of wisdom teeth begins long before they become visible in your mouth. In fact, the formation of your wisdom teeth begins at a young age, usually in childhood. While your primary teeth (baby teeth) and secondary teeth (permanent adult teeth) form and erupt relatively quickly, your wisdom teeth develop at a much slower pace.
Age Range: Wisdom teeth start to form underneath the gums during childhood, typically around the ages of 7 to 10.
However, they do not begin to emerge or cause any noticeable changes in the mouth until much later.
Location: These teeth form in the back of your jaw, in an area that is often referred to as the “third molar” region. At this stage, wisdom teeth are still in their early development phases, and you may not even be aware of their existence.
2. Eruption of Wisdom Teeth
The next stage of wisdom tooth growth involves the teeth actually breaking through the gum line, a process known as eruption. This is the stage that most people experience pain, swelling, and discomfort. Wisdom teeth are typically the last teeth to emerge, which means they have the least space in the mouth to grow properly. This can lead to impaction or other issues.
Age Range: Wisdom teeth typically begin to emerge from the gums between the ages of 17 and 25. For some individuals, the teeth may begin to erupt earlier or later, but this range is most common.
Partial vs. Full Eruption: In some cases, wisdom teeth may only partially erupt. This means that part of the tooth will appear above the gum line, while the rest of the tooth remains buried beneath the gums.
This partial eruption can lead to discomfort and may require dental intervention to correct.
3. Full Eruption and Growth
After the teeth have broken through the gum line, they will continue to grow and settle into their final position. Full eruption means that the tooth has emerged completely above the gums and is functioning like any other molar.
Age Range: Full eruption typically occurs between the ages of 18 and 25, although some individuals may experience eruption as early as 16 or as late as 30. By the time the wisdom teeth have fully emerged, they may have adjusted to the surrounding teeth and gums.
Duration of Full Growth: The full growth of wisdom teeth can take several months to a few years. As the teeth continue to settle into place, they may undergo subtle changes in shape and alignment. This process can last anywhere from 6 months to a few years, depending on the individual’s oral health, age, and the space available in the mouth.
4. Maturation of Wisdom Teeth
Even after the wisdom teeth have fully erupted, their growth isn’t necessarily complete. These teeth may continue to mature and adjust their size and position in the mouth over time.
Time Frame: Maturation can take several years. For some people, the wisdom teeth may settle and remain in place, fully integrated with the other teeth in the mouth. For others, they may cause issues as they settle into position, such as crowding, infection, or impaction. The maturation process can last up to 5 years in some cases.
Potential Issues: During this maturation period, wisdom teeth can lead to dental problems, including overcrowding of other teeth, misalignment, and the formation of cysts or infections. If problems arise, it may be necessary to remove the wisdom teeth, especially if they are causing pain or discomfort.
Factors That Affect The Timeline for Wisdom Teeth Growth
Several factors can influence how long it takes for your wisdom teeth to fully grow and last. These include genetics, oral health, and the space available in your mouth for the teeth to emerge. Let’s take a closer look at these factors.
1. Genetics and Family History
Your genetic makeup plays a significant role in how long it takes for your wisdom teeth to emerge and grow. Some people may experience early eruption, while others may have delayed development. If your parents or other family members had late-growing wisdom teeth, there’s a higher chance that you may have a similar timeline.
2. Space in Your Mouth
The amount of space available in your mouth is another key factor. Wisdom teeth are known to cause problems when there isn’t enough room for them to erupt fully. If your jaw is too small or overcrowded with other teeth, your wisdom teeth may become impacted, meaning they cannot break through the gum line properly. Impacted teeth may take longer to grow or may need to be removed altogether.
3. Oral Health
Your overall oral health can also impact the growth and longevity of your wisdom teeth. Poor oral hygiene can result in infections or complications that can slow down the eruption process. Additionally, if you have gum disease or cavities, it can affect the surrounding tissues and potentially delay the development of the wisdom teeth.
4. Presence of Impaction
In some cases, wisdom teeth do not emerge properly or may become trapped beneath the gums, a condition known as impaction. Impacted teeth may not be able to fully erupt, and they can lead to pain, swelling, or even infection. If you experience impaction, your dentist may recommend removal of the impacted teeth to avoid complications.
5. Age
The age at which your wisdom teeth begin to emerge is another important factor in how long it will take for them to fully grow. As mentioned earlier, most wisdom teeth begin to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. However, some individuals may experience later eruption, while others may see them come in earlier. As you age, the process of eruption may also slow down, so those in their 30s or beyond may experience a longer timeline.
Typical Timeline for Wisdom Teeth Growth
To summarize, here is a general timeline of how long it takes for wisdom teeth to fully grow and last:
Formation: Wisdom teeth begin forming underneath the gums between the ages of 7 and 10.
Eruption: The wisdom teeth typically start to erupt around ages 17 to 25.
Full Eruption: Full eruption occurs between 18 and 25 years of age, although it may happen earlier or later.
Maturation: The final maturation of the wisdom teeth can take several years, from 6 months to 5 years, depending on individual factors.
When Should Wisdom Teeth Be Removed?
In many cases, wisdom teeth are removed either before they fully erupt or shortly after they have fully emerged. This is especially true if they are impacted, causing discomfort, or threatening the health of surrounding teeth. Your dentist will monitor your wisdom teeth through X-rays and regular check-ups to determine if and when extraction may be necessary. If you experience persistent pain or swelling, it’s essential to consult with your dentist.
Conclusion
The process of wisdom teeth growing and fully developing can take anywhere from a few years to several decades, depending on a variety of factors such as age, genetics, oral health, and the amount of space available in your mouth. While most people will experience some discomfort during eruption, these teeth will typically grow and last without issue if monitored regularly by a dentist. If complications arise, it may be necessary to remove the wisdom teeth to maintain optimal oral health.
