I've had a couple of tiny bone spurs since my upper first molar extraction which I expected as it was a very difficult tooth to remove. They have came out on their own in a day or two. But last Friday, I noticed another one and it seemed to be attached to my jaw bone and became sore so I went back to my dentist 3 days ago. He made a small cut in the gum and removed the bit of bone. He also filed down, or smoothed the rest of the bone.

He told me that I may be able to feel a sharp edge but that the gum would heal over it and it was nothing to worry about. However, I can still feel this sharp edge which I know is bone and the gums don't seem to be closing over. It's on my cheek side so doesn't interfere much with eating and it's very tiny. It doesn't really hurt but I'm terrified I'll end up with a bone infection. I'm worried also in case the gums recede and more bone is exposed, instead of healing over it.

My dentist is away on holiday now for 2 weeks. Should I get some more clindamycin from my G.P.? I've read it's good for preventing bone infections but it does hurt my stomach so I don't want to take it unless I need to. Could anyone give me any advice on if it is likely to close over and how long I should wait? Would I know if my bone was infected?

Hi ripply,

I assume your general dentist removed the bone spur? He may have not removed all of it or you may have another one pushing through in the same sight. Did he take an xray of that area before he made the incision to see if the exact location and size of the spur could be seen radio-grapically?

The bony ridge along the cheek side of your jaw is very bumpy to being with. This area of bone can splinter like crazy from a difficult extraction. An xray may be helpful to determine if there are more present.

The site of the incision may take several days to heal closed. Keep it very clean by rinsing with warm salt water 3-4 times a day. Do not use any mouthwash, none, because the chemicals will cause further irritation and slow down the healing.

Clindamycin is a powerful antibiotic and should only be taken when absolutely necessary. This antibiotic along with many others can cause you to end up with an intestinal infection as it is very disruptive to the intestinal bacteria. So do not take this unless you absolutely have to. You should be supplementing with a probiotic every day to help restore the good bacteria in your gut that was destroyed by the previous antibiotic. A good one to get is called Culturelle... can be found in most drug stores or online at culturelle.com. It really is imperative to take the probiotic for your overall health.

If the incision area gets wide or more open, becomes very red and inflamed, or oozes pus, then get in to see an oral surgeon. Otherwise it should get progressively smaller and better with each day so long as there is not another piece of splintered bone irritating it.

Bryanna

Thanks Bryanna, I have been taking the probiotics for a couple of weeks now since you recommended them previously. My stomach does feel better now.

The dentist said he can't remove more of this bone sticking out because it's not a bone spur, it's actually part of my jaw bone. He take any X-rays and didn't seem very concerned about it. He filed the bone down but didn't stitch the gum after. I'm also a bit unsure if this pain is from the bone or from the injection as I've previously been sore after having that. It was healing up so well before this and I had no pain at all. Now it feels sore all the way back to my ear. It's only a tiny bit of bone showing but I'm so worried about infection.

Hi ripply,

He didn't suture it because the tissue covering the bone is too thin to hold a suture as the suture needle would pull right through the tissue.

Sometimes a small incision along the bony ridge can be a bit uncomfortable for a few days. Keep it clean with the warm salt water rinses and each day should bring some improvement.

Glad to hear that you are taking the probiotic. Make sure you are taking adequate amounts of it every day since taking the anitibiotics.

Bryanna


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