A tooth extraction involves the removal of a tooth from its socket. While the mouth typically heals well, various post-operative occurrences can arise. One such event is the development of bone spurs, also known as bone spicules, which are small fragments of bone that can become exposed or dislodged during the healing process.
What Are Bone Spurs After Tooth Extraction
Bone spurs, or bone spicules, are small fragments of bone that become exposed in the gum tissue after a tooth extraction. These fragments are typically remnants of the alveolar bone that supported the extracted tooth, and their formation is a natural part of the body’s healing response. As the tooth socket reshapes, the bone may produce small, sharp pieces that can separate. The body then tries to expel these fragments as foreign objects. While most bone spicules are harmless and temporary, they can cause discomfort if they protrude through the gum tissue.
Identifying the Signs
Common Sensations
If a bone spur forms after a tooth extraction, individuals may notice specific symptoms. A common sensation is feeling a sharp, hard, or rough projection in the gum tissue, which can be detected with the tongue or finger. This bony protrusion is typically located at the extraction site.
Irritation and Swelling
Discomfort or tenderness in the affected area is also common, and it may worsen with touch or pressure. The sharp fragment can irritate the surrounding gum tissue, potentially leading to redness, swelling, or sensitivity. While some swelling is normal after an extraction, persistent or worsening swelling could be a sign of irritation from a bone spicule.
When Symptoms Appear
Symptoms typically become noticeable as the initial post-extraction swelling subsides, often a few days to a few weeks after the procedure. Unlike a dry socket, which involves throbbing pain and a foul odor, a bone spur primarily presents as a sharp, localized irritation.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
A dentist typically diagnoses a bone spur through a visual inspection and palpation (gently feeling the area) of the extraction site. Sometimes, the sharp fragment is visible, appearing as a small, white or pale piece protruding through the gum. If there’s any uncertainty or a deeper issue is suspected, dental imaging, such as a cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan, may be used to identify the location and size of the bone fragment.
Treatment approaches for bone spurs vary depending on their size and the discomfort they cause. In many instances, small bone spicules will work their way out of the gums naturally as the mouth heals, often within a few weeks. During this period, conservative management, such as rinsing with warm salt water, can help to dislodge the spicule and ease discomfort.
However, if the bone spur causes persistent pain, significant irritation, or shows signs of infection like pus or fever, removal by a dentist or oral surgeon is recommended. The procedure for removal is generally minor: the area is numbed with a local anesthetic, a small incision may be made in the gum if necessary, and the fragment is carefully trimmed or removed using specialized instruments. Recovery is typically straightforward and quick, provided proper post-operative care is followed.