Treatment Options
It can be easy to mistake a bone spur for a fragment of your tooth or other tissue dislodged during an oral procedure. Your best bet is to follow up with your dental professional for their expert insight and recommendation.
With a quick oral exam or radiographic imagine like an X-ray, they should be able to determine if your problem is indeed a bone spur and if it is problematic enough to require treatment. If it does, they will likely recommend extraction of the bone spur to reduce your discomfort and avoid infection. Otherwise, they may monitor the natural eruption of the unwanted material from your gums to ensure it doesn't contribute to other concerns.
To avoid worsening the problem, you should:
- Avoid attempting to remove the bone spur on your own, as this could damage your gums or the surrounding tissue or lead to infection.
- Continue to practice your normal oral care routine, brushing gently and being careful not to aggravate your sensitive gums affected areas.
- Rinse with antiseptic mouthrinse to dislodge any food matter, maintain your gum health, and fight infection.
- Consider the use of over-the-counter pain medications to reduce swelling and discomfort. Be sure to use them as instructed on the packaging.
- Schedule regular visits with your dental professional at least every six months to stay on top of your oral health.
Keep in mind that even though bone spurs can cause stress, your dental professional is ready to provide treatment or reassurance. You've made a healthy decision to read up on this unique condition, what causes it, and what you can do while waiting for a dental appointment.