Wisdom tooth extraction in Palma de Mallorca
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, are the last teeth to come through, usually between the ages of 17 and 25. They often don't have enough room and come through crooked, only partly, or stay inside the bone, causing pain, infection or problems with the tooth next to them.
When they cause problems, the solution is to remove them. We do this under local anaesthetic, painlessly, and with conscious sedation if you are anxious, at Udemax Miramar and Emardental, in Palma. Your first visit is free.
When they usually come through
Local anaesthetic, plus sedation if needed
When swelling peaks
First visit and X-ray
Is a wisdom tooth bothering you? Book an appointment
We take an X-ray, check the position of the tooth and explain whether it should come out, what the procedure involves and how long recovery will take.
Leave us your details and we will call you back within three hours.
What are wisdom teeth?
They are the third molars, the four back teeth that come through at the end of each arch, two at the top and two at the bottom. Because they are the last to appear, there is often no room left for them, especially in the lower jaw.
Depending on how they come through, they may be fully erupted, partially erupted, or stay inside the bone, known as impacted, sometimes lying horizontally.
When should they be removed?
We recommend removing them when:
- The gum covering them becomes inflamed or infected (pericoronitis).
- They cause repeated pain as they try to come through.
- They cause decay in themselves or the tooth next to them.
- They damage the root of the neighbouring tooth.
- A cyst forms around the tooth.
- They can't be cleaned properly and trap food.
Types of extraction depending on the tooth’s position
The position of the tooth determines how it will be removed:
Fully erupted
If the tooth has come through completely, extraction is usually quick and simple, much like any other back tooth. Often no stitches are needed.
Partially erupted
The tooth has come through halfway and part is still covered by gum or bone. It is the type most prone to infection. The gum is opened slightly and a stitch or two is usually needed.
Impacted or horizontal
The tooth is inside the bone or lying horizontally. A minor surgical procedure is done: the gum is opened, a little bone removed and sometimes the tooth is divided into sections to remove it. It is closed with stitches.
Problems wisdom teeth can cause
Pericoronitis
Infection of the gum covering the tooth: pain, swelling, a bad taste and difficulty opening the mouth.
Decay in the next tooth
The area between the two molars is hard to clean and decays easily.
Recurring pain
Discomfort comes and goes each time the tooth tries to come through.
Cysts
A cyst can form around an impacted tooth and damage the bone.
Damage to the neighbouring root
A horizontal wisdom tooth can press against and wear down the root of the tooth next to it.
Hygiene problems
Being so far back, food and plaque build up, encouraging bad breath and inflammation.
What is wisdom tooth extraction like?
Diagnosis
We take a panoramic X-ray to see the position of the tooth and its relationship to the nerve. If it is very close, a CT scan may be needed to plan the surgery more safely.
Extraction
Under local anaesthetic, and conscious sedation if you need it, we remove the tooth. Depending on its position, the procedure usually takes 20 to 60 minutes.
Recovery
We give you the medication and written instructions. Swelling peaks at 48-72 hours and then goes down. Non-dissolving stitches are removed after a week.
Aftercare and what to eat after the extraction
For a good recovery:
- Bite on the gauze for 30 to 45 minutes to control bleeding.
- Apply cold to the outside of your cheek on and off for the first 48 hours.
- Eat soft, lukewarm or cold food: purées, yoghurt, lukewarm soup, omelette or well-cooked pasta.
- Don't rinse on the first day; after that, gentle rinses with warm salt water.
- Don't smoke or drink through a straw, so the clot is not dislodged.
- Sleep with your head slightly raised for the first nights and take the prescribed medication.
Do all wisdom teeth need to come out?
No. If a wisdom tooth has come through well, can be cleaned and causes no problems, it doesn't need removing. And if it is impacted but causes no discomfort and doesn't damage the neighbouring teeth, monitoring it with check-ups and X-rays is often enough.
What we do recommend is removing them when they cause problems or there is a clear risk that they will. At your first visit we assess your case with an X-ray.
Who will treat you
Wisdom tooth extractions are carried out by our oral surgery team: Dr Ángel Cabanes Téllez, maxillofacial surgeon, Dr Emilio Martínez-Almoyna Rifá and Dr Maria Morro.
Where we remove wisdom teeth
We remove wisdom teeth at two of our clinics in Palma: Udemax Miramar and Emardental. Conscious sedation, if you need it, is provided at Udemax Miramar.
Oral surgery
Udemax Miramar
Outpatient department, Hospital Juaneda Miramar
Camí de la Vileta, 30 · 07011 Palma
- Monday to Thursday
- 9:00–13:00 · 16:00–20:00
- Friday
- 9:00–20:00
By car
Paid parking at the Hospital Juaneda Miramar car park, a one-minute walk away, plus street parking. There is also free parking on Camí de la Vileta, about a 10-minute walk away.
Go to the car parkBy bus
EMT bus routes 6, 8 and 29, stopping at "Policlínica", in front of the hospital.
View bus routeBy taxi
Taxi ranks at Camí de la Vileta, 51 and Carrer de Pasqual Ribot, 1.
Oral surgery
Emardental
Carrer d’Alfons el Magnànim, 2, ground floor
Bons Aires · 07004 Palma
- Monday to Thursday
- 9:00–13:00 · 16:00–20:00
- Friday
- 9:00–13:00
By car
Street parking and the Santa Pagesa underground pay car park (Carrer d’Ausiàs March, 26), a 4-minute walk away. There is also a pay car park at s’Escorxador, about a 5-minute walk away.
Go to the car parkBy bus
EMT bus routes 12, 20, 24 and 40, stopping at "Pl. d’Abú Yahya", "Alfons el Magnànim" or "31 de desembre".
View bus routeBy taxi
Taxi rank at Plaça d’Abú Yahya, 2.
Frequently asked questions about wisdom teeth
Does wisdom tooth removal hurt?
Not during the extraction, as it is done under local anaesthetic. Afterwards there is some discomfort and swelling for a few days, managed with medication. If you are anxious, we can do it under conscious sedation.
How long does the extraction take?
Between 20 and 60 minutes, depending on the position of the tooth. A fully erupted tooth is much quicker than an impacted one.
How long is the recovery?
Most people get back to their routine within two or three days. Swelling goes down from the third day, and the gum heals within one to two weeks.
Is it easier to remove an upper or lower wisdom tooth?
Upper ones are usually simpler and heal faster. Lower ones are more often impacted and more frequently need a minor surgical procedure.
Will I need stitches?
It depends. A fully erupted tooth is often removed without stitches. Partially erupted and impacted teeth usually need them. They may dissolve or be removed after a week.
Can all four be removed at once?
It is possible, depending on the case. They are often done one side at a time, so you can chew on the other side while you recover. We decide this with you.
Do wisdom teeth cause crooked teeth?
It is a widespread belief, but it has not been shown that they are the main cause of crowding. Even so, if you are going to have orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist may recommend removing them.
What is dry socket?
It is the most common complication: the clot is lost and intense pain appears two to four days later. It is prevented by not smoking or rinsing hard. If it happens, call us.
How much does wisdom tooth removal cost in Palma?
It depends on its position: a fully erupted tooth costs less than an impacted one. At your free first visit we take the X-ray and give you a detailed quote.