Reading time: three minutes
Wisdom teeth usually appear during the late teen years or early twenties. As these third molars develop and begin moving through the gums, many people notice pressure, soreness, or swelling in the back of the mouth.
Table of Contents
- 8 Common Signs Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In
- When To Have Wisdom Teeth Evaluated
- Wisdom Teeth Evaluation At AZ Max
- Oral Surgeon in Queen Creek, AZ
- FAQs
8 Common Signs Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In
Wisdom teeth are the final molars to develop. As they move upward through the jawbone and gums, they can create pressure, irritation, or swelling near the back of the mouth. Symptoms often appear gradually as the tooth begins to emerge or shifts beneath the gum tissue.
Common signs include:
- Tender or swollen gums behind the last molars: The gum tissue at the back of the mouth may become sore, red, or slightly swollen as the tooth begins to push upward.
- Jaw pressure or aching in the back of the mouth: Many patients notice dull pressure along the back of the jaw as the developing wisdom tooth moves through the jawbone.
- Pain or sensitivity when chewing: Biting or chewing near the back teeth can cause discomfort if pressure is placed on the erupting tooth or surrounding gum tissue.
- Food getting trapped behind the last molar: Partially erupted wisdom teeth can create a small pocket where food debris becomes easily trapped.
- A visible white point of tooth emerging through the gum: As the tooth begins to break through the gum surface, a small portion of enamel may become visible at the back of the mouth.
- Jaw soreness: Some patients feel soreness along the jaw as the tooth develops and shifts within the jawbone.
- Headaches: Pressure from developing wisdom teeth can sometimes lead to headaches, particularly in the back of the head or near the temples.
- Mild difficulty opening the mouth: Inflammation near the erupting tooth can make it uncomfortable to fully open the jaw.
These symptoms may appear slowly over several weeks or months as the wisdom tooth continues moving into position.
When To Have Wisdom Teeth Evaluated
If symptoms appear, an exam can help determine whether the teeth are erupting normally or becoming impacted. During a wisdom teeth evaluation, the position of the teeth, the direction they are growing, and how close they are to nearby molars is assessed.
If imaging shows the wisdom teeth are not positioned correctly or are unlikely to erupt properly, wisdom tooth removal may be recommended before they cause problems. Monitoring wisdom teeth early allows potential issues to be identified and treatment to be planned before more serious complications develop.
Another common time wisdom teeth are evaluated is right after braces are removed. Many orthodontists recommend wisdom tooth removal to prevent orthodontic relapse after teeth have been aligned. It is best to protect the investment you have made in your child’s orthodontic care.
Wisdom Teeth Evaluation At AZ Max
The surgical team at AZ Max Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons has performed thousands of wisdom teeth procedures over the years. This experience allows our team to carefully evaluate developing third molars and determine the most appropriate timing for treatment.
Patients throughout the Phoenix area trust AZ Max for wisdom tooth care, reflected in the hundreds of five-star reviews from individuals who have undergone wisdom teeth removal at our practice. Early evaluation helps identify potential concerns and protect surrounding teeth and long-term oral health.
Oral Surgeon in Queen Creek, AZ
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Queen Creek, call or text (480) 830-5866 or visit us at 18610 E. Rittenhouse Rd., Ste.105, Queen Creek, AZ 85142.
📍Other locations
AZ Max Oral Surgery in North Mesa
AZ Max Oral Surgery in Show Low
FAQs
What are the first signs of wisdom teeth coming in?
The earliest signs usually include gum tenderness, jaw pressure, or soreness behind the last molars. Some people also notice swelling or irritation in the gum tissue where the tooth is beginning to emerge.
What does wisdom tooth pain feel like?
Wisdom tooth pain often feels like pressure or aching in the back of the jaw. Some patients also experience gum swelling, tenderness while chewing, or discomfort near the ear or jaw joint.
How can you tell if wisdom teeth are growing in wrong?
If wisdom teeth do not have enough space to erupt normally, they may grow sideways or become trapped beneath the gums. Persistent pain, swelling, or repeated infection around the back molars may indicate impaction.
How long does it take for wisdom teeth to come in?
Wisdom teeth often erupt slowly over several months. Some teeth partially emerge and remain impacted, while others continue developing beneath the gums for years before causing symptoms.
