Many people are surprised to learn they have tori. These harmless bony growths inside the mouth often go unnoticed for years until they begin to interfere with daily comfort or dental treatment. While tori are not dangerous, they can sometimes create challenges that affect eating, speaking, and the ability to wear dental appliances comfortably.
At Precision Periodontal and Implant Center, we help patients determine when tori removal may be beneficial and how this procedure can restore comfort and open the door to future dental care.
What Are Tori?
Tori are extra bony growths that develop in the mouth. They most commonly appear in two areas:
- Along the roof of the mouth (palatal tori)
- Along the inside of the lower jaw near the tongue (mandibular tori)
These growths vary widely in size. Some are small and barely noticeable, while others can grow large enough to create irritation or interfere with normal oral function.
Tori are not tumors and they are not cancerous. In most cases, they simply represent a variation in bone growth that develops gradually over time.
Why Do Tori Develop?
The exact cause of tori is not always clear, but several factors may contribute to their development.
Possible influences include:
- Genetic factors
- Teeth grinding or clenching
- Stress on the jawbone from chewing
- Environmental influences over time
Many patients discover their tori during routine dental exams. Others only become aware of them when they begin to experience discomfort or difficulty wearing dental appliances.
When Tori Begin to Cause Problems
In many cases, tori do not require any treatment. However, removal may be recommended when the growths begin interfering with everyday activities or dental care.
Common situations where tori removal may help include:
- Difficulty fitting dentures, retainers, or nightguards
- Frequent irritation from food rubbing against the growth
- Speech interference caused by the size or position of the tori
- Repeated injury from accidentally biting the area
- Limited space for certain dental procedures
For patients planning treatments such as dentures or implant-supported restorations, removing tori can make it easier to achieve a stable and comfortable fit.
How Tori Affect Dental Appliances
Tori often become noticeable when a patient needs a dental appliance. Dentures, retainers, and nightguards must sit smoothly against the surfaces of the mouth in order to function properly.
When large bony growths are present, appliances may not fit correctly. This can lead to pressure points, sore spots, or appliances that feel unstable during daily use.
In these cases, removing the tori allows the appliance to fit more comfortably and securely.
What the Tori Removal Procedure Involves
Tori removal is a surgical procedure designed to smooth or remove the excess bone so the surrounding tissue can heal normally.
At Precision Periodontal and Implant Center, the process typically includes:
- A detailed examination and imaging to evaluate the size and location of the growth
- Local anesthesia to keep the area comfortable during treatment
- Gentle reshaping or removal of the excess bone
- Careful closure of the tissue to support proper healing
For patients who feel anxious about the procedure, sedation options may also be available to create a more relaxed experience.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery after tori removal is generally straightforward. Most patients experience mild swelling or soreness for a few days as the area heals.
During the recovery period, patients may be advised to:
- Eat softer foods temporarily
- Keep the area clean with recommended rinses
- Avoid irritating the surgical site while it heals
- Attend follow-up visits to monitor healing
As the tissues recover, patients typically notice improved comfort and fewer issues with irritation.
Long-Term Benefits of Tori Removal
Once healing is complete, patients often experience several lasting benefits.
These may include:
- Improved comfort when eating and speaking
- Better fit for dental appliances such as dentures or nightguards
- Reduced irritation inside the mouth
- Greater flexibility for future dental treatments
Many patients report that daily activities feel easier once the bony growths are no longer interfering with normal oral function.
Creating a More Comfortable Oral Environment
Although tori are not harmful, they can sometimes stand in the way of comfort or necessary dental care. When removal is recommended, the procedure can significantly improve quality of life and allow future treatments to proceed more smoothly.
At Precision Periodontal and Implant Center, we evaluate each patient carefully and recommend tori removal only when it will truly benefit oral health or comfort.
If you have been told you have tori or are experiencing irritation from bony growths inside the mouth, call 310-708-3938 today to schedule a consultation with Precision Periodontal and Implant Center. Our team can help you understand your options and determine whether treatment is the right step for you.