Have you ever experienced a sharp poking feeling on your gum tissues after a wisdom tooth extraction or any other tooth extraction? It is a common condition experienced by several people. This condition is called bone spicule. It is a small bone fragment that is left behind. Although not generally harmful, is it safe all the time? Having bone spicule may not be good all the time. Does it occur only in the mouth after extraction? Are there different types of bone spicules? What are the causes, side effects, and treatments for bone spicules?
All this information will be discussed in this article. So, if you are experiencing this situation or are planning for a tooth extraction, read more and have a detailed understanding of bone spicules.
What Is A Bone Spicule?
Bone spicules are small bone fragments that pop up on different parts of the body. Although bone spicules are mainly found on the gums, they can also develop on various body parts, especially where the bones meet, such as hips, spines, feet, and knees. Bone spicules can be formed due to several reasons like trauma, surgeries, bone infections, and arthritis.
During injuries and fractures, small pieces of bones may be left isolated which transform into bone spicules. Similar is the case of arthritis and surgeries. During arthritis bones degenerate leading to bony growth and inflammation.
The spicules formed after surgeries, especially tooth extractions are normal and considered as a part of the healing process. These spicules are generally not harmful and will go away over time. However, in some cases, they will cause severe pain, inflammation, and disturbance. They can also lead to infections causing bleeding and difficulty in eating.
Bone spicules are normally removed, either using special instruments or through minor surgeries. In some cases, where the spicules are manageable, using lukewarm salt water will help overcome the issue.
Causes Of Dental Bone Spicule
Dental bone spicule is caused by various reasons, among which tooth extraction is a major one. Some of the reasons for dental bone spicule and their details are given below:
- Tooth Extraction
As mentioned above, one of the major causes of dental bone spicule is tooth extraction. Tooth extraction or removal of a tooth from the jawbones can happen due to damage to the tooth, gum diseases, tooth decay, improper tooth growth, and crowding of the tooth.
- Dental Implants
Dental implant, which is often followed by tooth extraction is a process that fills the gap created by tooth extraction. In this process, a rod will be inserted into the jaw to hold the tooth. So, this process may create some pieces of bone, forming bone spicules.
- Poor Dental Health
Poor dental health due to lack of dental care and malnutrition can also lead to dental bone spicules. When the teeth are not properly cleaned or cared it will lead to tooth loss and inflammation in the gums. If unattended it can lead to further issues like bone spicules. The same happens with malnutrition as well. Malnutrition will lead to weakening of teeth and gums, leading to bone spicules.
Symptoms Of Bone Spicule
All bone spicules do not have noticeable symptoms. While most bone spicules will be left unnoticed dental bone spicules will show some notable symptoms. Some of them include:
- Pain
- Discomfort and irritation
- Roughness on gums
- White bone-like substance on the gums
Some people might also experience infections with redness, inflammation, and pus on the gums, accompanied by fever and headache.
How Is A Bone Spicule Treated?
Bone spicules can be managed using home remedies in the initial stages. One of the most effective methods to prevent further complications of bone spicule is using lukewarm salt water. Holding lukewarm water mixed with salt will prevent infections and reduce redness, pain, and inflammation in the gums. This solution will dislodge the spicule without causing any major problems.
Another treatment option is removing bone spicules using special dental instruments with the help of a dentist or medical professional. This method is chosen if the bone spicules are small and less complicated.
Another method is minor surgeries. This method is used when the bone spicules cause severe discomfort, pain, and infections. This surgery will be minor and will be conducted by medical professionals. This helps to remove bone spicules that may lead to major infections.
When To Consult A Doctor?
Although the bone spicule is small and manageable, consulting a doctor is important. Following the instructions provided by a dentist or a doctor will help to cure bone spicules. After examining your conditions, the dentists might suggest surgery or bone spicule removal. In some cases, the doctor will prescribe using lukewarm salt water and may prescribe some painkillers.
Side Effects Of A Bone Spicule
As mentioned above pain and discomfort are some common side effects caused by bone spicules. Although bone spicules may go away after a few days, some can lead to infections. Some of the most common side effects caused by bone spicule include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Redness on the gums
- Poking feeling on the gum tissue
- Inflammation and pus
- Headaches
- Difficulty while eating
Conclusion
Bone spicules are commonly found in several people. These are small bone fragments that develop into small, sharp objects in different parts of the body. It is mainly found in the places where the joints such as feet, hips, knees, and spine. Although these spicules are often unnoticed the bone spicules formed after tooth extractions may have some side effects.
Dental bone spicules or the spicules formed after tooth extraction are common and often considered part of the healing process. These spicules may create some side effects like pain, swelling, redness on the gums, poking feeling of the gums, and selling. Under manageable conditions using lukewarm salt water will help to reduce the side effects caused by bone spicules. However, as the intensity and severity of the side effects increase, these spicules should be removed either using certain instruments or through minor surgeries. No matter what the intensity of the situation is, consulting a doctor on experiencing bone spicule symptoms is necessary.
FAQs
Bone spicules do not cause serious problems like cancers or tumors. However, they might increase the risk of infections.
Depending on their size and complication, bone spicules can be removed using specific instruments or minor surgeries.
No. Bone spicules cannot be removed yourself. Attempting to do so may create infections and other complications.
Yes. Bone spicules can be painful and cause irritation and discomfort if left untreated.
Bone spicules can be managed by rinsing warm salt water. It helps to reduce pain and inflammation.
Bone spicules are either removed using special instruments or through minor surgeries.
