How to Know If Your Wisdom Teeth Are Coming In

Reviewed by Dr. Thien-Thao Le, DDS, MD

Reading time: four minutes

Wisdom teeth tend to show up unannounced. Early symptoms often appear gradually in the back of the mouth. Recognizing these signs helps determine whether monitoring or removal may be necessary.

Table of Contents

• Early Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Development
• When Do You Get Wisdom Teeth
• Why Wisdom Teeth Can Cause Pain
  • Partial Eruption
  • Impaction
  • Infection or Inflammation
• How to Ease Wisdom Tooth Pain
• When to See an Oral Surgeon
• Wisdom Teeth Removal at Foley & Le Oral Surgery
• Oral Surgeon in Boulder, CO
• FAQs

Early Symptoms of Wisdom Teeth Development

You can often tell if your wisdom teeth are coming in by noticing changes in the back of your mouth. These teeth typically emerge behind your second molars and may cause mild to moderate symptoms as they develop.

Common signs include:

• Dull or aching pain in the back of the jaw
• Swelling or tenderness in the gums behind your last molars
• Red or irritated gum tissue
• Pressure or a feeling of tightness in the jaw
• Difficulty opening your mouth fully
• Occasional bad taste or odor from partially erupted teeth

Some people may also notice a small portion of the tooth breaking through the gum. In other cases, wisdom teeth remain impacted beneath the surface and cause pressure without visible eruption.

When Do You Get Wisdom Teeth

Wisdom teeth usually develop between the late teenage years and early adulthood. Most people get wisdom teeth between the ages of 17 and 25, although timing can vary.

Development typically occurs in stages:

• Formation of the tooth beneath the gums during the early teen years
• Gradual movement toward the surface in late teens
• Partial or full eruption in the early 20s

Not everyone develops all four wisdom teeth. Some may have fewer, while others may not develop them at all. Even when wisdom teeth form normally, limited space in the jaw often prevents proper eruption.

Why Wisdom Teeth Can Cause Pain

Pain related to wisdom teeth is typically caused by pressure, inflammation, or improper positioning.

Partial Eruption

When a wisdom tooth only partially emerges, the surrounding gum tissue can trap food and bacteria. This may lead to irritation, swelling, and localized discomfort.

Impaction

Impacted wisdom teeth remain trapped under the gum or bone. This can create pressure against nearby teeth and contribute to jaw pain.

Infection or Inflammation

Bacteria can accumulate around partially erupted teeth, increasing the risk of infection. 

This may cause:

• Increased swelling
• Pain when chewing
• Gum sensitivity
• Bad breath
• Swelling
• Food impaction

How to Ease Wisdom Tooth Pain

Mild wisdom tooth pain can often be managed at home while monitoring symptoms.

Common ways to help wisdom tooth pain include:

• Rinse with warm salt water to reduce irritation
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
• Apply a cold compress to the outside of the jaw to reduce swelling
• Keep the area clean with gentle brushing

These measures may reduce discomfort, but do not address underlying issues such as impaction or infection. 

When to See an Oral Surgeon

Ideally, wisdom teeth should be evaluated before your pain develops. Your general dentist will monitor your wisdom teeth development during routine checkups. If they see that there is not enough room for them to grow in or that they are impacted, they will refer you to an oral surgeon for evaluation and removal.  

If you do not see your dentist regularly and are experiencing these symptoms…

• persistent or worsening pain
• swelling that does not improve
• difficulty opening your mouth
• signs of infection, such as pus or fever
• damage or pressure affecting nearby teeth
• Changes to your bite or relapse of previous orthodontic work

…it would be recommended to schedule a wisdom tooth consultation for evaluation. 

Wisdom Teeth Removal at Foley & Le Oral Surgery

At Foley & Le Oral Surgery, care is provided by a team of board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons. Assessment includes a clinical exam and imaging to evaluate tooth position, jaw space, and surrounding structures.

Based on these findings, recommendations may include monitoring, wisdom tooth removal, or treatment if infection is present.

If you notice signs that your wisdom teeth are coming in or have ongoing discomfort, a dental examination can help identify potential issues before they progress. 

Oral Surgeon in Boulder, CO

To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 444-2255 or visit us at 1420 28th St, Suite 100, Boulder, CO. If you would like your dentist to refer you to our office, they can complete our referral form.

FAQs