I had a traumatic extraction of #31, 2 months ago, after a failed retreatment root canal. I have had recurring bone “splinter/spurs” and jaw pain ever since. The first “splinter” was easily removed by my dentist and I felt relief of pain almost immediately. It was short lived because again I felt I was “cutting” a “tooth” from the tongue side of my jaw bone. I patiently waited for the “splinter” to work its way out but it didn’t and my dentist surgically removed the bone “spur” last Monday with the promise that “It isn’t normal for them to form this far out” and “We got it this time”. I again feel the end of a bone spur sticking out (with the temperature sensitivity that accompanies the pain) and the sensation of "cutting" of a larger piece at the base of # 30. I also have boney growths (Torres?) on my lower jaw. How can this be treated or the formation of bone stopped??? What is the end result?

Hi Barbara,
My nameis Nancy, I am a dental hygienist in Chattanooga, TN.
I am so sorry to hear your experience has been such a rough one. Bone spurs are never fun.
As to the torri, they are unfortunately genetic and will not only never go away, many times they will continue to grow as long as you live. There is a surgery to remove them, but it is not normally recommended. It is extremely painful and difficult for both the patient and oral surgeon. And over time, they can grow back. I council patients with torri to diligently take care of their teeth and gums because dentures and torrid don't go well together.
I hope your recovery is quick and the bone spurs are over!
I hope my information helped.
Nancy (fiancee of the registered User)

Hi Barbara,

I am in the dental field and I can answer your question....

It is common to have a small bone spur or two after an extraction. Most of the time they work themselves out or are easily removed by the dentist. However, if you are having multiple bone spurs or especially if they are larger than say an 1/8th of an inch, then it would be a good idea to take an xray of that area.

Sometimes when a tooth is extracted the bone which is generally ridged and intact is splintered. This occurs when the bone is diseased and/or there is either too much force or improper usage of the instruments or inadequate luxation (gentle loosening of the tooth from the bone). It can also occur when the bony ridge is diseased to the point where a portion of the bone is literally not present anymore. Depending on the severity of the splintering, pieces of the bone will poke through the gum at different times. Sometimes it's months, even years after an extraction before a splinter comes out.

Bony protrusions or over growth of bone called Tori (for short) form on the palate and on the inside of the mouth between the teeth and the tongue. Bony protrusions called Buccal Exostosis form between the teeth and the cheek. They vary in size and most people have no idea they even have them until a dentist mentions it! They are a developmental abnormality of the bone and generally do not cause any problems unless they grow very large, impede on speaking or eating or interfere with wearing a denture. A long term chronic clenching/bruxing habit will cause these bony areas to grow as the vibration from the constant gnawing of the teeth together stimulates the growth of new bone cells.

The gum tissue that covers these growths can be easily injured by eating sharp foods, hitting them with a tooth brush, and during dental treatment. The sores can become quite uncomfortable and painful until they heal. If you have a clenching or grinding problem, it is best to speak to your dentist about that so he can make you an appliance that you can wear at night to help alleviate the pressure off of your teeth.

Again, to answer your original question... I would suggest to have an xray done of the extraction site to monitor the healing of the bone.

Bryanna