You want your child to have a smooth and pain-free recovery after getting their wisdom teeth removed. But what happens when bone spicules, a common yet discomforting occurrence, come into play?
With expert tips from Denver Youth Dental & Vision, you can transform a potentially scary experience into one managed with confidence and care. We will guide you through what bone spicules are, how to know if your child has one, and effective ways to manage discomfort and speed up recovery. Let’s get started.
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What Are Bone Spicules?
Bone spicules, also known as bone fragments, dental bone spurs, or tooth fragments, are small pieces of bone that may become exposed after wisdom tooth extraction. These bone pieces can cause significant discomfort to the surrounding gum tissues.
Although they may sound intimidating, they are a natural occurrence and usually don’t cause significant long-term complications. However, managing the discomfort associated with bone spicules is essential for a smooth and swift recovery.
For more information on wisdom tooth removal, read our helpful blog Wisdom Tooth Removal: What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure.
How Do I Know if My Kid Has a Bone Spicule?
If your child has a bone spicule following a wisdom tooth extraction, they may experience the following symptoms:
- Severe pain around the extraction site.
- Inflammation and redness in the surrounding gum tissues.
- Difficulty swallowing and eating due to discomfort.
- A feeling of something sharp or hard stuck in the gums at the extraction site.
- The wound isn’t healing as quickly as expected.
Parents should not ignore these symptoms in their children. If you suspect your child has a bone spicule, contact the experts at Denver Youth Dental.
How Are Bone Spicules Treated?
Bone spicules are a normal occurrence, and there’s no need to worry if your child has them. Sometimes, the dentist may advise leaving the bone fragment alone if it is small and not causing significant discomfort.
Over time, the body naturally expels small bone fragments, pushing them gradually out of the gums. This natural process usually takes a few weeks to a month for the spicules to fully resolve.
Occasionally, if the spicules don’t resolve on their own and cause discomfort, it may be necessary for your child to visit the dentist to have them removed. It is a relatively simple procedure performed under local anesthetic.
Pain Management and Tips for Faster Healing
To help manage discomfort during the postoperative period and avoid complications, follow these guidelines:
- Ice pack: Apply an ice pack to the outside of your face near the extraction site to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. Apply it in 20-minute intervals throughout the first day of surgery.
- Pain medication: Take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage pain effectively.
- Warm salt water: To keep the extraction site clean and disinfected, swish warm water and salt in your mouth gently, several times a day, for about 30 seconds. Be sure to wait at least 24 hours after the surgery before doing so.
- Avoid straws and smoking/vaping: Straws can dislodge blood clots that may have formed after surgery, and smoking or vaping can slow the healing process.
- Soft diet: Stick to a soft, liquid-based diet for the first few days following the surgery to prevent further irritation and provide essential nutrients for a speedy recovery.
- Oral care products: Use a gentle toothpaste, soft-bristled toothbrush, and alcohol-free mouthwash to cleanse your mouth without causing further irritation to the sensitive extraction site.
Your Pediatric Dentist in Denver
Bone spicules are common after wisdom tooth extraction, and with the proper care and attention, your child can enjoy a swift and comfortable recovery. Denver Youth Dental is committed to providing top-notch dental care and guidance to ensure your child’s oral health is always at its best.
If you are searching for a kids dentist in Thornton, Aurora, or Denver or Hampden, call (303) 953-8801 to schedule an appointment at one of our four locations or complete the online booking form.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bone particle usually takes a few weeks to a month to resolve fully. Your child may need to visit the dentist to have them removed if the spicules don’t resolve on their own and cause discomfort.
Sometimes, the dentist may advise leaving the bone spur alone if it is small and not causing significant discomfort. Over time, the body naturally expels small bone fragments, pushing them gradually out of the gums.
A bone fragment left after tooth extraction can cause significant discomfort to the surrounding gum tissues. If you suspect your child has a bone spicule, contact the experts at Denver Youth Dental.