Feeling something sharp on the inside of your mouth can be unnerving, especially if you’ve just had a recent oral procedure. In some cases, this might be a dental bone spur. But does having a bone spur in your mouth require another trip to the dentist?
In this article, we’ll tell you about exactly what a bone spur is and how it can form on the inside of your mouth. Next, we’ll tell you about what you can do to treat them effectively.
Why Do I Have A Bone Spur In Mouth?
Bone spurs are structures that develop on top of the existing bone. However, dental bone spurs are slightly different – they’re also known as bone spicules, and they’re small pieces of bone that may have come off. These bone fragments may develop spontaneously after a dental procedure, and when the body rids itself of them, they may protrude through the surrounding soft tissues. Some other causes of bone spurs are infection, disease, or trauma to the mouth or surrounding bone.
The result? An uncomfortable feeling of a sharp object sticking out of your gums or a feeling of pressure or unevenness inside the mouth. It might even feel like a loose piece of a tooth, which can alarm most people.
In addition to the uncomfortable bone jutting out, you might see redness and feel swelling or pain in the area. It might be difficult to eat or use your mouth in a normal, healthy way, and the irritation to the gums can sometimes result in an infection.
How Can I Treat A Bone Spur In The Mouth?
Fortunately, dentists are quite prepared for bone spurs and know exactly what to do about them. Never try to remove a bone spur by yourself – if it feels sharp, that’s because it very well might be! You may end up damaging the soft tissues that surround it, risking infection. Besides, leaving a DIY extraction halfway and rushing to the hospital anyway because of pain is never a good idea. That’s why it’s often the best call to see a qualified dental professional as soon as you discover a bone spur in your mouth.
A dentist will perform an oral exam or an X-ray to see if there really is growth and how they can treat it. The good news is that bone spur extraction is a relatively quick procedure, and the dentist’s job is to help you maintain your oral health and minimize pain.
Can I Do Something About My Bone Spur?
Again, while you can’t remove a dental bone spur by yourself, there are some things you can do to minimize your chances of infection. It’s always important to maintain a thorough oral hygiene routine, so keep brushing and flossing to keep bacteria and plaque under control. You can brush gently so as not to irritate that area with the bone spur. Top this off with an antibacterial/anti-inflammatory mouthwash for best results.
If you have any swelling or discomfort, over-the-counter medication can help alleviate pain. It’ll also help you stay comfortable until you can get that dentist’s appointment.
Conclusion: See A Dentist For A Prompt Solution
At Katy Cypress Oral Surgery, our significant experience in oral surgery has led us to adopt the best practices for delivering the best dental care to our patients. And if you have any questions or concerns, our dedicated dental team will be happy to help. So, feel free to give us a call at (281) 667-0607, and we’d love to see you.
We look forward to scheduling your appointment with us. See firsthand the difference that a skilled, compassionate team can make.