Wisdom teeth usually begin to emerge between the ages of 17 and 25. Once they start to come in and cause discomfort, it typically takes several weeks to several months for a wisdom tooth to fully erupt through the gums. In some cases, the process can even take up to a year or longer. The timeline varies widely depending on factors like the tooth's angle, available space in the mouth, thickness of the gums, and whether the tooth is impacted (stuck under gums or bone). If the eruption is smooth, a tooth might break through the gums in a few weeks and fully come in within a few months. If impacted, it may never fully erupt without dental intervention. Mild pain or soreness is normal during this time, but persistent or severe pain should be evaluated by a dentist.
