Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 4 minutes
After a tooth extraction, small bone fragments or bone chips known as bone spicules can develop. These tiny pieces of bone can cause discomfort and sometimes require surgical removal.
In this blog, we will explain bone spicules, why they form, and what you can do if you experience them after a tooth extraction.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Bone spicules are small, sharp bone fragments that can develop after a tooth extraction. They are typically harmless but can cause discomfort. Most will heal on their own, but in some cases they may require surgical removal.
Key Points
- Bone spicules, also known as dental bone spurs, are tiny fragments of bone that form after a tooth extraction.
- They are typically harmless but can cause discomfort, sharpness, or slight bleeding in the gum tissue.
- Most will heal on their own, but in some cases, your dentist or an oral surgeon may need to remove them.
- Proper oral hygiene and conservative management, such as ice packs and pain relievers, can help ease discomfort.
What Are Bone Spicules?
Bone spicules are small, sharp fragments of bone that can appear after a tooth extraction or other dental procedures.
As the tooth socket heals, these fragments may form as the bone begins to reshape and heal. While they may sound concerning, theyt are not uncommon and are usually temporary.
They are most often found in the soft tissue surrounding the extraction site, and feel like a sharp bone piece poking through your gums.
Symptoms of Bone Spicules
Bone spicules, or bone spurs, are pretty easy to spot. Some common symptoms include:
- Sharp, bony protrusions in your gum tissue
- Discomfort or tenderness at the extraction site
- Redness and irritation in the area
- A small, hard piece of bone poking out of the gum
- Slight bleeding or sensitivity around the bone spicule
If you experience persistent pain, it could be a sign that the bone fragment is not healing properly or has become infected. In that case, contact your dentist or oral surgeon.
How Long Do Bone Spicules Last?
Bone spicules typically resolve themselves within a few weeks as part of the natural healing process.
In most cases, the body reabsorbs or expels the sharp bone fragments during the healing bone phase. However, if the spicules cause discomfort or do not go away on their own, they may need to be surgically removed.
How To Manage Bone Spicules
There are several ways to manage and treat bone spicules, depending on the severity of the discomfort they cause. While conservative management is possible, if symptoms persist or worsen, it is best to contact your dentist or oral surgeon to ensure proper healing.
- Conservative Management
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen to manage mild pain.
- Rinse your mouth with a warm saltwater solution to keep the area clean and soothe irritation.
- Topical pain relieving gel
- Surgical Removal
- Alveoloplasty: Surgical procedure to reshape and smooth the bone.
- Socket preservation (ridge preservation): A procedure that fills the empty socket with bone grafting material.
- Prescribed Medications
- Your dentist or oral surgeon may prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications to reduce the risk of infection. Be sure to take any medication as prescribed and finish the entire course of antibiotics.
Tips to Manage Discomfort
To help alleviate any discomfort, you can take the following steps:
- Avoid eating hard or crunchy foods that might irritate the area.
- Stick to a soft diet, including foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soups.
- Gently brush around the extraction site.
- Use ice packs to reduce swelling and pain.
- Take over-the-counter pain medications as needed to manage discomfort.
When To See Your Dentist or Oral Surgeon
While bone spicules can sometimes resolve on their own, they may also require surgical management.
Contact your dentist or oral surgeon if:
- The spicule causes severe pain or does not improve over time.
- You notice signs of infection, such as excessive redness, swelling, or pus.
- The bone fragment does not resolve after a few weeks.
Power Road Dental Care: Your Solution for Bone Spicules in Mesa, AZ
If you recently had a tooth extraction at our office and suspect you have bone spicules, book an appointment with us right away. We will do our best to get you in as soon as possible.
At Power Road Dental Care, our team uses advanced technology and surgical techniques to ensure that you receive the best care possible. Call our dental office in Mesa at (480) 664-1438 to book an appointment or complete the online inquiry form.
Check out our blog for more information about dental care!