Wisdom tooth coming in: symptoms and what to do
Why wisdom teeth start to grow
Wisdom teeth, or third molars, are referred to in dentistry as figure eights. They are the very last units in the dental arch, which in modern humans have lost their key chewing function. The reason for their problematic eruption lies in evolution: over the last thousands of years, due to dietary changes (soft, thermally processed food), the human jaw has shortened by 10-15 mm. According to anthropological studies data from 2026, 78% of Europeans have a space deficiency in the alveolar process for the full growth of their wisdom teeth. Nevertheless, the buds of these teeth form in children as early as 5-8 years old. They are genetically determined, even if there will be no room for them in the future. In Spain, including the province of Alicante, dentists note that the jaw structure in the Mediterranean population often features higher bone tissue density, which also affects the complexity of eruption.
At what age do wisdom teeth come in
Contrary to popular belief, the growth of wisdom teeth is not tied to any specific age of acquiring wisdom. Data from the Spanish Dental Association for 2026 shows that the eruption peak occurs between the ages of 25 and 34. However, in 12% of patients, this process may begin at 18-20 years old, and 8% of people completely lack wisdom tooth buds (this is called agenesis of third molars). Early eruption at 11-12 years old is always considered a pathology and requires immediate intervention, as it can deform the not-yet-formed bite. It is important to understand: at 30-40 years old, bone tissue is already fully formed and very dense, so eruption through hard structures is almost always accompanied by acute symptoms and a high risk of complications such as pericoronitis or dystopia.
Symptoms of wisdom tooth eruption
Recognizing the onset of wisdom tooth growth can be done through the classic clinical picture. The first sign is usually a dull ache deep in the gum, which can radiate to the ear, temple, or throat. This happens because the tooth crown begins to press on the tissues from within. Visually, you may notice hyperemia (redness) and swelling in the molar area. A so-called gum flap often forms – mucous membrane hanging over the erupting cusp. Bacteria and food debris accumulate underneath it, causing inflammation. Many patients experience a fever up to 37.2-37.8°C and enlargement of the submandibular lymph nodes. If you notice sharp bad breath combined with gum pain, it is a sign of incipient purulent inflammation under the flap.
Complications resulting from third molar eruption
If a wisdom tooth grows incorrectly, the consequences can affect the entire dentition. The most common complication is pericoronitis (purulent inflammation of the gum flap). If left untreated, the process leads to an abscess or phlegmon. The second most frequent phenomenon is dystopia, meaning the tooth grows at an angle or horizontally. Such a wisdom tooth presses against the root of the adjacent second molar, causing its resorption (destruction) and caries. Retention is also common – when the tooth remains completely or partially hidden in the bone. A retained tooth can trigger trigeminal neuralgia or lead to the formation of a follicular cyst. According to data from the Ap-denta clinic in Torrevieja, about 35% of surgical consultations are related precisely to these complications, exacerbated by the local warm climate which accelerates bacterial flora development.
Diagnosing wisdom tooth position
A simple examination is not enough for an accurate diagnosis. In modern dentistry in Spain (SECIB 2026 protocols), the gold standard is an orthopantomogram – a panoramic X-ray of the jaw. This method allows assessment not only of the tooth's position but also the shape, number, and curvature of its roots (which are often curved), as well as its impact on the roots of adjacent teeth and the inferior alveolar canal. In complex cases, such as suspected close relationship of roots to a nerve, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is prescribed. It provides a three-dimensional image and allows the surgeon to plan the operation with maximum precision. In our practice, we also pay attention to cephalometric analysis to understand if there is actually space for the tooth in the patient's jaw.
What to do if your gum hurts
If you detect eruption symptoms, it is important to act correctly. Before seeing a doctor, the use of topical anesthetic gels (Cholisal, Kalgel) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Nimesulide) is acceptable for relieving acute pain. Rinsing with antiseptics (e.g., 0.05% chlorhexidine solution) or chamomile infusions is recommended to reduce inflammation. A cold compress on the cheek helps reduce soft tissue swelling. However, these measures are temporary. If fever or pus appears, self-medication is dangerous. It is strictly forbidden to warm the sore area or try to remove the flap yourself. In the humid and warm climate conditions of the Spanish Levante, infection develops rapidly, so at the first signs of pericoronitis, you should urgently consult a specialist.
Treatment and surgical methods
The treatment strategy depends on the severity and type of pathology. If the wisdom tooth is growing straight but is hindered by the gum flap, an excision of the mucosa (pericoronomotomy) is performed under local anesthesia. This is a simple procedure lasting 10-15 minutes. In cases of diagnosed dystopia, retention, destruction of adjacent teeth, or severe pain, wisdom tooth extraction is indicated. Extraction can be simple (if the tooth has already erupted) or complex (if it lies horizontally in the bone). Complex extraction in Spain is performed using atraumatic techniques, an ultrasonic scalpel (piezosurgery), and mandatory suturing. After the operation, antibiotic therapy and antiseptic rinses are prescribed to prevent alveolitis (inflammation of the socket).
Prevention of complications
Prevention begins with regular diagnosis. Between the ages of 18 and 25, it is recommended to take a panoramic X-ray, even if nothing is bothering you. This will help predict potential problems. If it is detected that there is no room for the wisdom teeth or they are initially growing in the wrong direction, the doctor may recommend preventive extraction. This will save you from the risk of damaging adjacent teeth in the future. Thorough hygiene of the distal molar area is also important: use a single-tuft brush and an irrigator, as a regular brush cannot effectively clean these hard-to-reach areas.
Specialist's conclusion
Aleksandr Peterson, dental surgeon at the Ap-denta clinic in Torrevieja:
In our practice on the Costa Blanca coast, we often encounter advanced cases of wisdom tooth inflammation. Patients ignore the first symptoms, attributing the pain to a cold or fatigue. But due to the local climate characteristics – high humidity and temperature – acute pericoronitis develops twice as fast as in temperate zones. Modern Spanish protocols of 2026 are unequivocal: if a wisdom tooth has no space in the arch or is growing incorrectly, it must be removed before it damages healthy teeth. Do not endure the pain, come in for a diagnosis. The sooner we assess the situation, the simpler and safer the solution will be.
Meta Title: Wisdom tooth coming in: symptoms and what to do | Ap-denta Clinic Torrevieja
Meta Description: Is your wisdom tooth erupting and your gum hurts? Learn the symptoms of wisdom tooth eruption, causes of pain, and modern treatment methods in Spain. Advice from surgeon at Ap-denta clinic in Torrevieja.
