Bone Spicules After Tooth Removal: What’s Normal, What’s Not
Reviewed by Dr. Paul Rubin
Reading time: four minutes.
After a tooth is removed, it’s normal for the body to go through a healing process. In some cases, small bone fragments called bone spicules can appear near the extraction site. They may feel like sharp edges or splinters and can cause mild irritation.
In this blog, we explain what bone spicules are, why they form, when they typically resolve on their own, and when a dentist may need to remove them to keep healing on track.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
Bone spicules are tiny pieces of bone that may surface during healing after an extraction. Most go away on their own, but persistent or painful spicules may need removal.
Bone Spicules After a Tooth Extraction
Bone spicules are part of your body’s natural response to trauma. When a tooth is removed, the surrounding bone sometimes breaks or reshapes as the socket collapses inward.
During healing, small bone fragments may detach from the main bone and push toward the gum surface. These pieces are called bone spicules, dental bone spurs, or bone sequestra.
They can occur due to:
- Surgical extractions: Removing a tooth in multiple sections or using a drill can leave behind sharp bone fragments.
- Tight bone structure: In younger or denser bone, fragments of bone may splinter as the socket closes.
- Natural remodeling: Your jawbone constantly reshapes after an extraction to fill the empty space, which may force bone pieces to the surface.
Most resolve without intervention but sometimes they cause irritation or become embedded in the soft tissues, leading to pain or infection.
Learn more about Pediatric Tooth Extractions
How Can I Tell if My Child Has a Bone Spicule?
You might notice your child complaining about something sharp or poky in the area where their tooth was removed. Common signs include:
- A hard, sharp object poking through the extraction site
- Local irritation, swelling, or delayed healing progress
- Mild pain when chewing or pressing the area with your tongue
- A visible white or yellow bone sliver under or through the gum
Should Bone Spicules Be Removed?
Small bone spicules often work their way out on their own during the healing process. If they aren’t causing discomfort, they may not need treatment.
However, if the bone becomes sharp, painful, or starts to poke through the gum, your dentist may need to gently remove or smooth it to prevent irritation or infection.
Removal may be needed if:
- The spicule causes gum irritation or a sore spot
- There is swelling or signs of infection
- The patient is unable to eat comfortably, even soft foods
- The fragment has not resolved after two weeks
At your child’s follow-up visit, the dentist will check the area to see if the bone spicule needs to be removed. In most cases, it can be gently worked out without the need for numbing. If the area is sensitive, a small amount of local anesthetic may be used to keep your child comfortable. Surgical removal is rarely needed but may be considered if the fragment is deeply embedded or not resolving on its own.
How To Prevent Complications From Bone Spicules
While you can’t always prevent bone spicules from forming, good post-extraction care can reduce the chances of irritation or delayed healing.
Here are a few tips to support a smooth recovery:
- Keep the area clean with warm salt water rinses
- Avoid disturbing the socket with your tongue or fingers
- Do not smoke or use straws during early healing
- Attend follow-up visits as recommended
- Notify your dentist if you feel anything sharp or painful at the site
Most bone spicules show up within the first few weeks, though some can appear later as the bone reshapes. Ice packs and over-the-counter pain medicine can usually manage any mild discomfort.
Looking for a Pediatric Dentist You Can Trust?
Whether your child just had a tooth pulled or you are simply looking for reliable dental advice, Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry is here to help. We care for growing smiles every step of the way; from routine checkups to unexpected issues like bone spicules and tooth pain.
If you are in the Frisco area and need a pediatric dentist who explains things clearly and makes your child feel at ease, we’d love to meet you.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Frisco, call (214) 618-5200 or visit us at 6801 Warren Parkway, Ste 115, Frisco, TX.
📍Other locations
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry in McKinney, TX
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FAQs About Bone Spicules
Most bone spicules come out on their own as the gums heal and the bone reshapes. If a spicule becomes painful, exposed, or doesn’t go away within a couple of weeks, your dentist can safely remove it during a quick in-office visit. The procedure is simple and typically causes little to no discomfort.
Bone spicules usually surface within the first few weeks after a tooth extraction. In most cases, they come out on their own as the area heals. However, it’s also normal for small fragments to appear later in the healing process as the bone continues to adjust.
Bone spicules are not usually serious. They are a common part of healing after dental procedures like wisdom tooth extraction. However, if left untreated and infected, they can delay healing or cause further complications.