What Are Impacted Teeth?

All teeth should erupt—that is, appear in the mouth—but that’s not always the case. In the permanent dentition, when tooth eruption is delayed by more than a year, an X-ray is recommended to rule out agenesis (the tooth has not formed) or an abnormal eruption path.

Wisdom teeth and canines are the teeth that are most frequently impacted.


It is important to detect an impacted canine tooth during a child’s facial growth so that it can be easily corrected with fenestration and orthodontic treatment.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause recurrent infections (pericoronitis) due to a lack of space in the jaw for them to erupt. It is recommended that it be removed.

Treatment Process

We’ll start with an examination and a panoramic X-ray. If the tooth is close to the dental nerve or the case is complex, we request a 3D CT scan for accurate planning. Dr. Joan Birbe evaluates the need for extraction and explains the technique. The surgery is performed in the office under local anesthesia and, if the patient prefers, under conscious sedation. The procedure typically takes 30–45 minutes per tooth and uses a minimally invasive technique and absorbable sutures. We provide written postoperative recommendations and instructions for antibiotic and pain medication use.

Recovery time

Inflammation peaks between 48 and 72 hours and begins to decrease significantly starting on the fourth day. We recommend applying cold compresses to the affected area for the first 24 hours, eating a soft, cold diet, avoiding strenuous activity, not smoking, and practicing good hygiene. Most patients return to their normal lives within 5–7 days. Complete healing of the soft tissues occurs within 2–3 weeks. We schedule a follow-up appointment in 7–10 days to remove any non-absorbable sutures and check on your progress.

Expected Results

The results are clear: recurring pain, infections, and pressure on adjacent teeth disappear. In patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, tooth extraction prevents unwanted movement. In the surgical area, the gum heals with a natural appearance. Chewing function is not affected, since wisdom teeth are not typically involved in the main chewing process. The sense of relief is significant among those who sought treatment for recurring episodes. Medium-term follow-up confirms a full recovery in the vast majority of cases.

Duration of treatment

A wisdom tooth extraction takes between 30 and 45 minutes. For surgeries involving all four wisdom teeth in a single session, the total time is about 1.5 to 2 hours. Preparation for the procedure requires an initial visit and, in some cases, an additional appointment to review the CT scan. The entire process, from the first visit to the final follow-up, usually takes 4–6 weeks. When surgery is coordinated with orthodontic treatment, its schedule is part of the overall orthodontic plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Impacted Teeth / Wisdom Teeth

When they cause pain, recurrent infections, cavities that are difficult to treat, damage to adjacent teeth, or pose a risk to patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Preventive extraction is also considered in cases of deep inclusions with a risk of progression. At Clínica Birbe in Barcelona, we evaluate each wisdom tooth using 3D X-rays to determine which extractions are truly necessary.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and, in complex cases or for anxious patients, under conscious sedation, so that no pain is felt during the procedure. The postoperative period may be accompanied by swelling and moderate discomfort for 3 to 5 days, which can be managed with the prescribed pain medication. Most patients return to their normal lives within 5–7 days.

Apply a cold compress to the affected area for the first 24 hours, eat a soft, cold diet, avoid vigorous rinsing, do not smoke, maintain good oral hygiene, and follow the prescribed regimen of antibiotics and pain relievers. We provide a detailed postoperative information sheet and direct contact information to answer any questions. The follow-up appointment is scheduled for 7 to 10 days later.

Impacted molars, especially the lower ones, may be close to the dental nerve, which requires experience and 3D planning. Dr. Joan Birbe, the only ABOMS-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon in Spain, leads these procedures at Clínica Birbe, combining clinical judgment, minimally invasive techniques, and personalized follow-up to reduce risks and discomfort.

Dr. Joan Birbe: Extraction of Impacted Teeth and Wisdom Teeth Using the ABOMS Criteria

Removing an impacted wisdom tooth or a retained canine is not a routine procedure: it requires a three-dimensional assessment, an understanding of its relationship to the dental nerve, and the selection of the least invasive technique. Dr. Birbe, who is ABOMS-certified, plans each extraction using CBCT and follows surgical protocols designed to minimize discomfort, swelling, and the risk of complications.

Why Have Your Wisdom Teeth Removed at Clínica Birbe?

Wisdom teeth or an impacted tooth can cause pain, infection, or displacement. At Clínica Birbe, we perform the extraction using image-guided surgery.
• Preliminary CBCT scan to locate the tooth and determine its relationship to the inferior alveolar nerve.
• A minimally invasive surgical technique using small incisions and absorbable sutures.
• Optional conscious sedation for anxious patients or when multiple wisdom teeth are extracted in a single session.
• Clear medication instructions and a postoperative follow-up visit within a few days.
• The option to combine surgery with ongoing orthodontic treatment, when applicable.


→ Schedule your appointment and get a clear plan for having your wisdom teeth removed in Barcelona.

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