At what age does an upper wisdom tooth typically erupt?

The typical age for the eruption of an upper wisdom tooth, also known as the maxillary third molar, is between 17 and 21 years old. This period coincides with late adolescence to early adulthood when the dental arch has generally matured enough to accommodate these teeth.

During this time, the jaw has developed and the surrounding structures are more stable, allowing for the emergence of wisdom teeth, which usually develops last in the sequence of dental eruption. Understanding the age range for wisdom teeth eruption is important for dental professionals and patients alike, as it aids in anticipating potential issues related to alignment, impaction, and overall oral health.

The other age ranges provided do not align with the average eruption time for wisdom teeth. The earlier ranges may refer to other teeth in the dental arch that erupt at an earlier age, while the upper end of the range is typically beyond the expected time frame for these teeth.