Reviewed by Dr. Hardeep Dhaliwal
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Reading time: three minutes
After a tooth extraction, your mouth goes through a natural healing process as the bone and gum tissue repair themselves. Occasionally, a small piece of bone may surface through the gum during recovery. Known as a bone spur or bone spicule, this tiny fragment is not unusual, but it can feel sharp or uncomfortable until it works its way out or is removed by your dentist.
Table of Contents
Why Bone Spurs Form After a Tooth Extraction
A bone spur is a small, sharp fragment of bone that works its way out of the gum after an extraction. It’s not an infection or leftover tooth, but rather a natural reaction as your body smooths and reshapes the bone in the healing socket.
These fragments can feel like tiny splinters, bone chips or hard bumps under your gum tissue. They might be visible, poke through slightly, or cause mild irritation, but they’re usually temporary and resolve as healing progresses.
Signs You Might Have a Bone Spur
While mild soreness is common after extraction, a bone spicule in the gum feels distinct.
You might notice:
- A small, hard bump or sharp edge near the extraction site
- Gum tenderness or slight inflammation
- A visible white or yellowish point poking through
- Sensitivity when chewing or touching the area
If you experience ongoing pain, swelling, or signs of infection (such as pus or fever), it’s important to contact your surgeon right away.
When to Call Your Surgeon
Contact your surgeon if you notice any of the following:
- Severe or increasing pain
- Persistent bleeding or swelling
- A sharp fragment that doesn’t come out within 2–3 weeks
- Signs of infection like pus, fever, or bad taste
Your provider can evaluate the area and determine if removal is needed.
How to Ease Discomfort at Home
While waiting for the bone spur to resolve, you can manage mild irritation with:
- Warm saltwater rinses (2–3 times daily)
- Over-the-counter pain relievers as directed
- Avoiding hard, crunchy, or spicy foods near the site
- Keeping the area clean but avoiding aggressive brushing
Never try to pull or dislodge a bone fragment yourself, it can delay healing or cause infection.
Advanced Care for Lasting Recovery
At Adara Surgical Institute, every extraction is performed with precision and attention to long-term healing. Our surgeon uses advanced techniques and regenerative options like platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) to support tissue repair, minimize discomfort, and promote faster recovery.
To book an appointment at our oral surgery office in Issaquah, WA, call (425) 428-5888 or visit us at 6505 226th Pl SE STE #100 Issaquah, WA.
FAQs
What does a bone spur feel like after tooth extraction?
It usually feels like a small, hard, or sharp bump under the gum, similar to a splinter. Some people feel irritation when chewing or touching the area.
Will a bone spicule in the gum go away on its own?
Most bone spicules dissolve or work their way out naturally within a few weeks. If pain persists, your dentist can remove it.
Can bone spurs cause infection?
Bone spurs themselves do not cause infection, but if a fragment breaks through the gum and bacteria enter, an infection can develop. Watch for swelling, pus, or a bad taste, and contact your dentist if these symptoms appear.