Can your wisdom teeth come in at 14

Wisdom teeth are the third set of molars that grow in on both sides of the mouth, top and bottom. They usually erupt when a person is between the ages of 17 to 21 – when they are perhaps a little “wiser” than when the majority of their adult teeth previously arrived.

Third molars that erupt at a sideways angle, only partially erupt through the gums or remain trapped beneath the gum line are known as impacted wisdom teeth and can lead to serious dental issues over time, such as gum disease, cysts and increased risk of tooth decay.

How Can I Know If My Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In?

Below are some of the common symptoms of wisdom tooth eruption:

• #1: Irritation in the Gums – You may feel slight irritation and notice swelling in the gums in the area behind the second molars.
• #2: Aches and Pains – Wisdom teeth growth often causes a dull ache near the back of the jaw that for some people can turn into frequent, more pronounced pain.
• #3: Pain in Other Areas – Wisdom teeth sometimes put pressure on nerves in a way that causes pain around the jaw, eyes and ears.
• #4: Redness – The gums that sit on top of wisdom teeth before they come in may turn red or dark pink as the teeth begin to push through.
• #5: Small White Specks – Small white specks emerging behind your second molars are a clear sign that your wisdom teeth are beginning to come in. The white specks are actually the top of your new teeth breaking through the gum line.

What Should You Do Next?

If you or your teenager are experiencing any of the above symptoms, you should schedule a consultation with your periodontist in Colorado Springs.

Wisdom teeth that erupt in an upright and functional position and do not cause pain often do not need to be extracted. However, impacted third molars can lead to a significant amount of pain and other serious dental problems, in which case wisdom tooth extraction is usually recommended.

Wisdom teeth are often easier to remove before age 20, when they have less developed roots. So, do not wait to contact your periodontist if you or your teenaged son or daughter are experiencing wisdom tooth-related discomfort.

About the Practice

Dr. Geoff Haradon and Dr. Karl Lackler have more than three decades of combined experience providing quality oral care, including wisdom tooth extraction. Together, they form the backbone of the expert team at Rocky Mountain Periodontal Specialists. To learn more about wisdom tooth extraction, visit their website or call 719-574-4867.

What are wisdom teeth? They’re the third permanent molars. They earned the nickname “wisdom teeth” because they generally erupt in the teenage years or young adulthood, when we’re supposedly older and wiser. If all four wisdom teeth come in, it will bring the tooth count to 32. 

It may seem like most people eventually have their wisdom teeth extracted, or removed. This is because it’s extremely common for the wisdom teeth to be partially or fully impacted (stuck under the tissue or bone). Dentists and oral surgeons often recommend wisdom teeth removal when impacted wisdom teeth, and even wisdom teeth that will be able to fully erupt, will create future problems. 

So, what are the most common reasons why wisdom teeth should be removed? Our Naperville pediatric dentistry practice has you covered. 

In this post, we’ll answer:

• When do kids get wisdom teeth?
• What are the most common wisdom teeth problems?
• What are the symptoms of wisdom teeth problems?
• Why is the early evaluation of kids’ wisdom teeth so important?

When do Kids Get Wisdom Teeth?

Can you get wisdom teeth at 13? What about at 30? Most people get their wisdom teeth between the ages of 17 and 25, however, they can erupt earlier or later than the standard age range. 

Does everyone get wisdom teeth? 

No, not everyone gets wisdom teeth. While most people have at least one wisdom tooth, in some people, none of the wisdom teeth develop at all. 

What are the Common Wisdom Teeth Problems?

The most common wisdom teeth problems and reasons why wisdom teeth should be removed include:

Not Enough Space

By far the number one reason it’s recommended that kids’ wisdom teeth be removed is when the wisdom teeth don’t have room to erupt inside of the mouth. Typically, the mouth of a teeanger or adult can fit 28 teeth, which fills in most available space. When the wisdom teeth try to move in, they may not be able to erupt fully or they may become impacted. When the wisdom teeth are impacted, it is often necessary to have them extracted.

Infection

Another reason why wisdom teeth could need to be removed is if they are causing an infection in the surrounding tissue or will in the future. As the wisdom teeth attempt to erupt, especially in the case of partially erupted wisdom teeth, food and bacteria can get trapped in the gums, resulting in an infection known as pericoronitis. Pericoronitis can, in turn, lead to chronic pain or irritation in the gumline, swelling, problems with chewing and/or swallowing, and stiffness. 

Since wisdom teeth are usually difficult to keep clean, they’re also more susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease, which is another type of infection of the teeth-supporting tissues. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, once gum disease, or periodontal disease, takes root in the area of the wisdom teeth, it can be persistent and progressive. However, the problem may improve after wisdom teeth extraction. 

Misalignment

Another wisdom teeth problem that indicates the teeth will have to be removed is if these third molars don’t come in aligned with the other teeth. Wisdom teeth can come in crooked, sideways or in otherwise less-than-ideal positions. When the wisdom teeth are misaligned, it may cause the rest of the teeth to shift over time. This can reverse the work that braces or Invisalign did and damage the surrounding teeth. 

Cysts

Lastly, there is a possibility that cysts can develop around the wisdom teeth. Cysts happen when the sac near the wisdom tooth is filled with liquid. These sacs of fluid can damage the surrounding areas of the mouth. Additionally, if not treated properly, this type of cyst can turn into a tumor. Even though this is a rare occurrence, a tumor requires a more intense surgical procedure than having the wisdom teeth extracted in the first place.

What are the Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Problems?

Signs of wisdom teeth problems include:

• Swollen, tender or bleeding gums in the back of the mouth
• Jaw pain
• Stiffness or swelling of the jaw
• Bad breath
• Trouble opening the mouth
• Pain and irritation in the gums
• A cyst 
• Other teeth shifting as the wisdom teeth erupt
• Cavities in wisdom teeth or the teeth nearby (the wisdom teeth can be hard to reach in order to brush and floss properly)
• Sinus problems (it’s rare but upper wisdom teeth can cause sinus problems, including sinus pain, pressure, congestion and headaches)

It’s important to note that not everyone has symptoms of wisdom teeth problems, but that doesn’t mean the teeth won’t cause issues down the road. Additionally, many of the symptoms above are also symptoms of other oral health conditions, which is why it’s a good idea to have your child evaluated by a pediatric dentist if they exhibit any of the signs. A dentist can determine whether things like pain, gum inflammation, or jaw stiffness are caused by wisdom teeth or a different concern.

Why is the Early Evaluation of Kids’ Wisdom Teeth so Important?

Kids can show signs of wisdom teeth problems as early as 12 or 13 years of age, while others may not notice a problem until they’re in their 20s. Once you reach your 30s, wisdom teeth complications are much more likely to occur. 

The good news is, a pediatric dentist can start keeping an eye on wisdom teeth early on. In fact, the early evaluation of kids’ wisdom teeth is extremely beneficial. Why? Well, extracting wisdom teeth before their root structure is fully formed makes the oral surgery procedure easier and the recovery faster and less painful. It also helps to reduce the risk of complications. In some cases, this could mean removing kids’ wisdom teeth in the early teen years. 

While adults can still have their wisdom teeth extracted, wisdom teeth removal in patients in their 30s or older is linked to a higher rate of complications and a much longer recovery period. This is because, in adulthood, the wisdom teeth roots lengthen and the jawbone becomes more dense. 

Schedule a Visit at Innovative Pediatric Dentistry today. Our expert dentists and team will help you keep your child’s Can a 13 year old have wisdom teeth coming in?

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