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Wisdom teeth taking 15+ years to emerge

8 replies

TwinklyPlumOrca · 17/10/2025 10:37

In my mid-20s my wisdom teeth started to emerge. However it was an extremely slow and painful process. I'd suffer for a month (living on painkillers), then everything would settle for 6 months, then suddenly out of the blue, another month of immense pain.. and repeat. In my early 30s they finally erupted through the gum. By late 30s they were halfway through and a visit to a dentist assured me they aren't appearing as impacted and shouldn't cause any issues except the discomfort. However, at the time the dentist also told me it's really unusual for them to take so long to appear, he said they normally only take some years maximum. I'm now early 40s and after 1.5 years of no issues, this past few days have the tell-tale throbbing and nerve tingle from jaw to temple that accompanies it. I've just checked and yes, sure enough, wisdom on the right side is swollen and erupting again. They're still only halfway through on both sides and I feel at my wits end. Is this normal??? Has anybody else experienced this?? Will it ever end!

I cannot be the only one that seems to be in for the wisdom teeth long haul?!

OP posts:
SlipperyLizard · 17/10/2025 10:42

I had one emerge (impacted) in my early 20s, didn’t cause any pain but I had it removed on the recommendation of the dentist, causing long term nerve damage to my tongue. The second one emerged early 40s, also impacted but no pain. Am not getting it removed unless it causes an issue, not worth the risk!

Luckily I only have two!

TwinklyPlumOrca · 17/10/2025 11:00

SlipperyLizard · 17/10/2025 10:42

I had one emerge (impacted) in my early 20s, didn’t cause any pain but I had it removed on the recommendation of the dentist, causing long term nerve damage to my tongue. The second one emerged early 40s, also impacted but no pain. Am not getting it removed unless it causes an issue, not worth the risk!

Luckily I only have two!

I don't blame you not having it removed if it isnt giving you issues. After your last experience, it doesn't sound worthwhile! Just keep living with it. I'm relieved mine isn't impacted as I think i'd also turn down the extraction but i can't understand why it's taking this long to come through

OP posts:
QueenOfCastille · 17/10/2025 13:32

I have had a partially erupted wisdom tooth since I was about 20. I am 57.

WildCountry · 17/10/2025 13:33

I had one come through in my late thirties and another in early forties. The first one was removed but the second one isn’t causing any issues at present (although it’s only half out and totally wonky).

ImWearingPantaloons · 17/10/2025 13:34

I’m 52 and only have 1 fully erupted, two partially erupted, and 1 not at all.

My extra wisdom is sure taking its own sweet time to arrive….

RandomGeocache · 17/10/2025 13:35

QueenOfCastille · 17/10/2025 13:32

I have had a partially erupted wisdom tooth since I was about 20. I am 57.

ALL of my wisdom teeth are partially erupted and I am not much younger.

menopausalfart · 17/10/2025 13:37

Mine have never popped through.

SybillaB · 17/10/2025 13:45

I had the top 2 removed in my 20s but the bottom 2 regularly partially appear then disappear back again. I can usually tell when something is on the move as my tongue gets sore and I bite the inside of my mouth. I’m now 62 and the dentist just keeps an eye on them.

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