Tori are dense, benign bony lumps that can develop on the palate (torus palatinus) or on the inner side of the lower jaw beneath the tongue (torus mandibularis). They are relatively common and often grow very slowly. While they are not cancerous and do not typically require treatment, they can become problematic over time.
Your surgeon will conduct a thorough examination and take X-Rays to assess the size and extent of the bony growths. We will discuss the impact the tori are having on your oral health (e.g., denture fit or irritation) and confirm the necessity of the removal. You will receive pre-operative instructions, including guidelines on eating and drinking, and arrangements will need to be made for a ride home if you choose to have Sedation for your comfort during the procedure.
Tori Removal is performed in our office, typically under Local Anesthesia combined with IV Sedation for patient comfort. The surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue over the bony growth to expose the torus. Specialized instruments are then used to gently reduce or shave down the excess bone until a smooth, uniform contour is achieved. The bone is smoothed, and the soft tissue is repositioned and closed with small sutures. The procedure usually takes less than an hour, depending on the number and size of the tori.
Following the procedure, you will experience some swelling and potential bruising. Post-operative care involves managing discomfort with medication and adhering to a soft, bland diet to avoid irritation of the surgical sites. It is especially important to be gentle when brushing or rinsing the area. Initial healing takes about 10 days, during which time the sutures will dissolve or be removed. Full recovery of the soft tissue is usually complete within a few weeks.
