Bone spurs, also known as bone spicules or sequestra, are small fragments of bone that can become exposed in the gums following a tooth extraction. This occurrence is a common part of the body’s natural healing process after dental surgery. While their presence might seem concerning, understanding what these bone fragments are and why they appear can help manage expectations during recovery.
What Are Bone Spurs
A bone spur, often called a bone spicule or sequestrum, is a small, sharp piece of the jawbone that can become exposed in the gum tissue following a tooth extraction. These fragments are tiny pieces of the alveolar bone, which is the part of the jaw that supports the teeth. They are not foreign objects but rather a part of your own bone structure. A bone spur typically presents as a hard, pointed protrusion that can be felt with the tongue or finger. Its composition is identical to healthy bone, and it emerges as the surrounding gum tissue reshapes and contracts during the healing phase. While they can cause discomfort, these bone fragments are generally considered harmless and are a common, often temporary, aspect of recovery.
Why They Form After Extraction
The formation of bone spurs after a tooth extraction is a physiological aspect of the body’s natural healing and remodeling process. When a tooth is removed, the bone socket that once held it begins to reshape and fill in, involving significant changes in the alveolar ridge where the bone undergoes both resorption and new bone formation. As the gum tissue contracts and reshapes over the healing socket, small pieces of bone can become exposed or dislodged, such as sharp edges of the remaining alveolar bone, tiny bone chips, or even fragments of the tooth root that were left behind during the extraction. The body’s natural response is to try and expel these fragments, pushing them towards the gum surface. This process is more frequently observed after surgical extractions, such as wisdom tooth removal, where the jawbone’s intricate structure can make it more likely for small pieces to break off.
Identifying a Bone Spur
Identifying a bone spur involves noticing specific sensations or visible signs at the extraction site. You might feel a sharp, rough, or pointed spot in the area where the tooth was removed. This sensation can cause irritation to the tongue or cheek, especially when eating or speaking. Mild discomfort or tenderness may also occur. Gentle self-examination using a clean finger can confirm the presence of a hard, bony protrusion. While many bone spurs resolve on their own, contact a dental professional if the discomfort is persistent, interferes with comfortable eating, or if there are signs such as swelling, redness, or pus, which could indicate an infection. Early assessment can help determine the appropriate course of action.
Addressing Bone Spurs
Many small bone spurs naturally work their way out or resorb into the surrounding bone as healing progresses, often within a few weeks to a few months. The body may expel smaller fragments through the gum tissue on its own. If a bone spur causes persistent discomfort or does not resolve naturally, dental intervention may be necessary. The most common approach for addressing bone spurs involves a simple, in-office procedure. This can include gentle smoothing of the bone using special instruments or a minor removal procedure, sometimes referred to as a sequestrectomy. These procedures are typically performed under local anesthesia, providing quick relief by removing the exposed fragment. Recovery from such minor interventions is generally swift, often taking a few days to a few weeks for the area to heal.