A dental torus (plural: tori) is a benign, bony growth that develops on the roof of the mouth (torus palatinus) or along the inside of the lower jaw near the tongue (torus mandibularis). Tori are caused by genetics, jaw stress, or teeth grinding (bruxism), and most people who have them experience no symptoms or discomfort at all.

When Do Tori Need Treatment?

Most tori never need treatment. Removal is usually considered only when a torus interferes with speech, eating, or denture placement, or when it is repeatedly injured or hard to keep clean. The procedure can be done at Creekside Dental in Kennewick or at an oral surgeon’s office. Complete healing takes about four weeks, though most patients can return to normal activities right away.

If you have palatal or mandibular tori, the odds are that you don’t have any issues at all. If something feels new or changes quickly, or you have concerns, your dentist will be happy to take a look.

Tori FAQ

What is a dental torus?

A dental torus (plural: tori) is a harmless bony growth on the roof of the mouth or along the inside of the lower jaw. Tori are common, benign, and usually need no treatment unless they interfere with dentures or speech.

What does tori mean in dentistry?

In dentistry, tori is the plural of torus, meaning bony lumps that grow on the palate (torus palatinus) or the inner lower jaw (torus mandibularis). They are benign and usually painless.

Do tori need to be removed?

Usually no. Tori are removed only if they interfere with dentures, speech, eating, or oral hygiene, or are repeatedly injured. Removal is a minor oral surgery, and full healing takes about four weeks.

What Causes Torus Dental Growths?

These bony growths can be caused by a number of factors such as genetics, stress in the jaw bone or bruxism (grinding or clenching). Some symptoms may include inflammation of the gums, irritated tonsils, loose teeth, slurred speech, throat pain or sore jaw. It may be very difficult to take xrays as well. Some people aren’t bothered by the tori at all but for others, the tori is so large it covers the entire area below the tongue. When the tori starts to interfere with speech or if the bony growth will interfere with denture placement, then it may be necessary to have it surgically removed. This procedure can be done here at Creekside Dental in Kennewick or at an Oral Surgeon’s office and the complete recovery period is about four weeks but patients are able to resume normal activities right away.

If you have maxillary or mandibular tori, the odds are that you don’t have any issues at all. If you have any concerns though, your Dentist will be happy to discuss these concerns with you.