Hi Pamster,
A wisdom tooth can push through the gum at any time, at any age! I had a pt who wore a full upper denture for 25 years. One day she called me and said she swore she had a tooth popping through! Sure enough, it was her upper wisdom tooth!

Wisdom teeth are frequently misshapen and have a 50/50 chance of being functional in the mouth. The piece that you are seeing is likely a cusp and it will look sharp. It may or may not come down any more than that. It may also be very small or large and not vital. Sometimes, they can be moved into place so they are functional, other times it is just not worth the effort or expense as the tooth is deformed and/or not healthy.

It would be wise to have an xray to determine the size, shape and location of the tooth so you can determine if you want to leave it or remove it.

Let us know what you find out!

Bryanna