What to expect as your wisdom teeth emerge.

What to expect as your wisdom teeth emerge.

Growing wisdom teeth is much more common than most people realize. You hear all about the crazy stories of wisdom teeth that must come out, but you rarely hear detailed accounts of what it’s like to grow them safely. This lack of information can lead to unnecessary anxiety and confusion for those experiencing this natural process.

So if you find yourself growing in your final set of molars, today we’re here to offer some interesting insights on what’s happening inside your mouth. We aim to demystify the process and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect as your wisdom teeth emerge.

Let’s closely examine what it feels like to grow in a wisdom tooth. Whether you have one, two, or all four ready to emerge, this guide will help you navigate the experience with confidence and knowledge.

Squishy GumsRemember when you were a kid and had to grow new teeth? Your child’s tooth would fall out and the gums would be all squishy. And as the new tooth grows in, the gums get a little swollen and sore. This is because the tooth pushes through the gums but ends up in an established socket.

Your wisdom teeth are similar but slightly different. As the new teeth emerge, they cut through the gums and push them out of the way. This process is more intense than what you experienced as a child because there’s no pre-existing socket for the tooth to occupy.

So your gums will feel squishy and puffy, similar to when you were a kid. And don’t be shocked if they become sore before the tooth begins to emerge. This tenderness is a normal part of the process and usually isn’t cause for concern.

You might notice that the area around your emerging wisdom tooth feels softer than the rest of your gums. This is because the tissue is stretching and adapting to make room for the new tooth. You may also experience a slight ache or pressure in the back of your jaw as the tooth moves upward.

It’s important to maintain good oral hygiene during this time, as the swollen gums can create pockets where bacteria can accumulate. Gentle brushing and rinsing with warm salt water can help keep the area clean and reduce discomfort.

Feeling the Ridge With Your TonguePerhaps the most exciting aspect of growing wisdom teeth is the sensation of the first little bit of tooth poking out of your gums. The tooth isn’t entirely implanted, but it has indicated the location where it will appear. This moment is exciting because it’s the first tangible sign that your new tooth is on its way.

During this stage, you’ll be able to feel the tooth’s little ridge with your tongue and may find it enjoyable to poke at. Do not fear; unlike baby teeth, you cannot wiggle your wisdom tooth out by squirming. The tooth is firmly anchored in your jaw and will continue to emerge gradually.

This ridge might feel sharp or rough at first, as only the very top of the tooth has broken through the gum line. As more of the tooth emerges, you’ll start to feel the smoother surface of the tooth crown. It’s a fascinating process to experience firsthand, as you can feel your body changing day by day.

You might notice that food particles tend to get caught around this new ridge. This is normal, but it’s important to pay extra attention to cleaning this area to prevent irritation or infection. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush or an interdental brush can help keep the area clean without causing discomfort.

Temporary Pericoronitis is No Big Deal

You may endure something temporary known as pericoronitis, which occurs when a piece of gum becomes jammed between the new tooth and the teeth above or below. In other words, the gums swell around the tooth ridge, causing you to bite it frequently. This is a frequent problem that normally resolves itself as the tooth emerges.

Ice and mouthwash can help, and once the tooth has grown in, it will typically push the gums out of the way. So chew on the opposite side of your mouth in the meantime. If not, see your dentist to have the gums trimmed back into a more manageable form. Your dentist can perform a simple procedure called an operation to remove the excess gum tissue if necessary.

Pericoronitis can cause some discomfort, but it’s generally not a serious condition. You might experience symptoms such as:

1. Swelling of the gum tissue around the emerging tooth
2. Difficulty opening your mouth fully
3. A bad taste in your mouth due to trapped food particles
4. Mild pain or tenderness in the affected area

To manage pericoronitis at home, you can:

1. Rinse your mouth with warm salt water several times daily.
2. Use an antiseptic mouthwash to reduce bacteria
3. Gently brush the region with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
4. Use a cold compress on the outside of your cheek to minimize swelling. 

If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult your dentist for professional treatment.

Making a Little Room

Wisdom teeth often come in at a “dangerous” angle because they are supposed to help ancient humans deal with lost teeth. So, if you have a gap, the wisdom tooth forces all of your other teeth inward to fill it while occupying the final position in your mouth. This evolutionary adaptation was beneficial for our ancestors who often lost teeth due to wear, decay, or injury.

But modern humans don’t lose teeth all that much, thanks to improved dental care and hygiene practices. So if your healthy wisdom teeth come in at an angle (one your dentist says is safe), you can expect a little pushing on your other teeth. It might even be beneficial in some cases, such as closing small gaps between teeth. But it feels really weird.

During the pushing phase, your gums become tender and painful near the wisdom teeth. One at a time, your other teeth will feel sore, and the gums will be slightly mushy. This sensation is caused by the pressure of the emerging wisdom tooth on the surrounding teeth and bone.

First the tooth next to your wisdom tooth, then the one toward the center from that, then toward the center from that. But only one tooth at a time. If you experience anything more painful than soreness, consult your dentist. This gradual shifting is normal, but severe pain or rapid changes in your bite should be evaluated by a professional.

The process of your teeth shifting to accommodate the new wisdom tooth can take several months. During this time, you might notice:

1. Slight changes in your bite alignment
2. Temporary sensitivity in the affected teeth
3. A feeling of pressure in your jaw
4. Minor changes in the appearance of your smile

It’s important to note that while some shifting is normal, significant changes to your bite or tooth alignment should be monitored by your dentist. In some cases, orthodontic treatment might be recommended to ensure your teeth remain properly aligned after the wisdom teeth have fully emerged.

The Gum Gap

Because of the shape of the molars, there is a ‘dip’ in the center of the tooth. This means that as the cutting upper edges of the wisdom tooth come in, there may be a ‘valley’ in the middle that creates a channel straight into your gums. This temporary gap can be a source of discomfort and requires special attention during oral care.

And it hurts like the dickens if crunchy food gets ‘chewed into’ the area. This is no big deal and your tooth will grow out soon. However, if you do develop a gum gap, simply treat it softly and chew carefully for a few weeks. And, once again, mouthwash is your best friend for all pain and soreness relating to wisdom teeth and your gums.

To manage the gum gap:

1. Avoid hard or crunchy foods that could get lodged in the gap
2. Rinse your mouth thoroughly after eating to remove any trapped food particles
3. Use a water flosser or interdental brush to clean the area gently
4. Apply a topical oral anesthetic gel to relieve any discomfort

As the tooth continues to emerge, the gap will gradually close. However, if you notice persistent pain, swelling, or signs of infection (such as fever or pus), consult your dentist promptly.

Becoming a Happy Tooth Monster

The final phase is the best of all: your wisdom tooth grows in. If you have enough room in your mouth for all of those teeth, you can proudly show off your abnormally complete set of choppers as the happy tooth monster that you are. Especially for those who have been fortunate enough to have all four wisdom teeth develop safely. 

Having fully grown wisdom teeth can offer several benefits:

1. Improved chewing efficiency: More teeth mean a larger surface area for grinding food
2. Enhanced facial structure: Fully emerged wisdom teeth can provide additional support for your jaw and facial muscles
3. Potential backup teeth: In case you lose other molars later in life, your wisdom teeth can serve as replacements
4. A sense of accomplishment: Successfully growing wisdom teeth can be a rite of passage into full adulthood

However, it’s important to remember that even fully grown wisdom teeth require special care:

1. Regular brushing and flossing: Pay extra attention to cleaning around your wisdom teeth, as their location can make them prone to decay
2. Routine dental check-ups: Your dentist will monitor your wisdom teeth to ensure they remain healthy and properly positioned
3. Watching for signs of problems: Even after fully emerging, wisdom teeth can sometimes cause issues later in life, so stay vigilant for any changes or discomfort

Check In With Your Dentist

And, of course, always remember to keep your dentist in the loop. If your wisdom tooth or gums are hurting more than usual. If you’re concerned that your wisdom tooth is coming in at too sharp an angle. And if you develop pericoronitis that doesn’t look like it’s going away… you get the gist.

Your dentist is there to assist you with both big and small details concerning your teeth. Furthermore, they will be delighted to witness the uniqueness of a healthy wisdom tooth procedure after removing so many from other patients. Regular dental check-ups during the wisdom tooth eruption process are crucial for several reasons:

1. Monitoring progress: Your dentist can track the growth and positioning of your wisdom teeth through X-rays and visual examinations
2. Early problem detection: Any potential issues, such as impaction or infection, can be identified and addressed promptly
3. Personalized advice: Your dentist can provide specific care instructions based on your situation
4. Adjusting treatment plans: If necessary, your dentist can modify your dental care plan to accommodate your emerging wisdom teeth

Remember, every person’s experience with wisdom teeth is unique. What’s normal for one individual might not be for another. That’s why professional guidance is so important throughout this process.

For more insights into your wisdom teeth and how to take care of them, contact us today! Our team of experienced dental professionals is here to support you through every stage of your oral health journey, including the exciting (and sometimes challenging) process of growing your wisdom teeth.

In conclusion, growing wisdom teeth is a natural process that, while sometimes uncomfortable, is often manageable with proper care and attention. By understanding what to expect and maintaining good oral hygiene practices, you can navigate this experience with confidence. Remember to stay in touch with your dentist, listen to your body, and enjoy the unique sensation of your final set of teeth making their grand entrance!