Signs your wisdom teeth are coming in
Wisdom teeth typically emerge in late teens or early twenties. Learn what symptoms to expect, when partial eruption or impaction may cause problems, and why a dental evaluation matters.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jose, DDS — June 24, 2026
When wisdom teeth emerge
Wisdom teeth are your third set of molars, located at the very back of your upper and lower jaw. They typically begin to erupt in your late teens or early twenties, though some people’s wisdom teeth emerge later—or not at all. The timeline varies widely and is partly inherited.
Common signs of eruption
As wisdom teeth push through the gum line, you may notice:
- Aching or throbbing at the back of your jaw
- Pressure or fullness in the area where the tooth is emerging
- Tender or swollen gums around the back molars
- Mild difficulty opening your mouth or chewing
- Slight swelling on the side of your face or jaw
These sensations are often temporary and may come and go as the tooth erupts. Over-the-counter pain relief (ask your pharmacist or dentist what’s appropriate for you) and a soft-food diet can help while your mouth adjusts.
When partial eruption causes trouble
Sometimes a wisdom tooth only partially breaks through the gum—a condition called partial eruption or impaction. When this happens, the space between the tooth and gum can trap food and bacteria, leading to inflammation and infection (a condition called pericoronitis). Signs include:
- Persistent, throbbing pain in the back of the jaw
- Swelling and redness of the gum around the partially erupted tooth
- Difficulty opening your mouth that worsens over a few days
- Bad taste or odor in that area
- Swollen lymph nodes under the jaw or in the neck
Partially erupted teeth are harder to clean, which is why they’re prone to trouble. Your dentist will assess whether the tooth can fully erupt or if removal is the best option.
Impacted wisdom teeth
An impacted wisdom tooth is one that doesn’t have room to erupt fully or at all. It may be angled toward the tooth in front of it, tilted sideways, or trapped beneath the gum and bone. Impaction can lead to:
- Chronic pain or no pain at all (some impacted teeth cause no symptoms)
- Damage to the tooth roots of adjacent molars
- Cyst or bone loss around the impacted tooth
- Crowding of other teeth
Impaction is usually detected on an X-ray during a routine dental exam. Your dentist will explain what they see and discuss whether monitoring or removal makes sense for your situation.
When to see a dentist
Schedule a dental visit if you experience:
- Persistent pain at the back of your jaw lasting more than a few days
- Significant swelling of the gum, jaw, or face
- Difficulty opening your mouth or swallowing normally
- Any change in how your other teeth fit together
If you develop a spreading swelling, fever, severe difficulty swallowing, or trouble opening your mouth, seek prompt dental or medical care. These symptoms can indicate an infection that needs urgent attention.
What a dental evaluation includes
Your dentist will:
- Examine the back of your mouth visually
- Take X-rays to see the tooth’s position, angle, and roots
- Check for signs of decay, infection, or pressure on neighboring teeth
- Discuss your symptoms and any concerns
- Explain your options—whether that’s monitoring, improving oral hygiene around the area, or removal
X-rays are the only reliable way to know if a wisdom tooth is impacted or headed for trouble, so don’t skip them.
How MediMouth helps
If you’re experiencing symptoms around your back molars, a MediMouth dentist can evaluate your wisdom teeth with a thorough exam and imaging. We’ll help you understand what’s happening, explain your options clearly, and support you in making the choice that’s right for your dental health. Use our find-a-dentist tool to book an appointment with a network provider near you.
Frequently asked questions
What age do wisdom teeth usually come in?
Wisdom teeth (also called third molars) typically emerge between the late teens and early twenties, though the timeline varies. Some people's wisdom teeth erupt without problems; others experience discomfort or complications. A dentist can track their development with X-rays.
Does a wisdom tooth always need to be removed?
Not necessarily. If a wisdom tooth erupts fully, stays clean, and doesn't cause pain or crowding, removal may not be needed. A dentist will assess the tooth's position, health, and impact on your other teeth to recommend the best course of action.
What should I do if my symptoms get worse?
If you develop a spreading swelling, fever, severe difficulty swallowing, or trouble opening your mouth, seek prompt dental or medical care. These can signal a more serious infection that requires urgent evaluation.