Tori, also known as torus (plural tori), are bony growths that can develop in the mouth. They are benign and usually asymptomatic, but in some cases, they can cause discomfort, difficulty eating, or speech issues. When tori become bothersome or pose a risk to oral health, tori removal may be recommended. In this article, we delve into the details of tori, the tori removal procedure, and the benefits it can offer.
How do tori form?
Tori, also known as torus (plural tori), are bony growths that form in the mouth. They develop gradually over time and are typically benign (non-cancerous). The exact cause of tori formation is not entirely understood, but several factors may contribute to their development:
Genetics: Family history and genetics play a significant role in the formation of tori. If someone has a family history of tori, they are more likely to develop them as well.
Age: Tori are more commonly observed in individuals who are middle-aged or older. As people age, bone growth and remodeling processes can lead to the development of tori.
Gender: Studies have shown that tori are more common in females than in males.
Environmental Factors: Certain environmental factors, such as chronic mechanical stress or occlusal (bite) forces, may contribute to tori formation. This is particularly evident in cases where tori develop on the tongue-side of the lower jaw (lingual tori), where the tongue’s pressure against the teeth and jaw can influence bone growth.
Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): People who grind or clench their teeth, a condition known as bruxism, may have a higher risk of developing tori. The constant pressure and stress on the jawbones due to teeth grinding can contribute to the formation of bony growths.
Dental Prosthetics: Some studies suggest that wearing dental appliances, such as dentures or dental crowns, may contribute to tori formation. The pressure exerted by these appliances on the underlying bone may stimulate bony growth.
Stress: Some researchers believe that stress and anxiety may be associated with the development of tori, although the relationship is not well-established.
It’s important to note that not everyone will develop tori, and in many cases, tori are asymptomatic and do not require treatment. They are typically detected during routine dental exams and are monitored over time to ensure they do not cause any functional issues or discomfort. In cases where tori become bothersome or interfere with oral function, tori removal may be recommended.
If you notice any abnormal growths or changes in your mouth, it’s essential to consult with a dentist or oral surgeon for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. They can determine if the growths are tori or if further investigation is needed to rule out other oral conditions. Regular dental check-ups are vital for detecting and addressing oral health issues, including the development of tori, in their early stages.
Understanding Tori:
Tori are bony protuberances that can occur on the roof of the mouth (palatal tori), along the lower jaw’s inner side (mandibular tori), or on the tongue side of the lower jaw (lingual tori). They are relatively common and can vary in size and shape. Tori are non-cancerous and usually do not require treatment unless they interfere with oral function or cause discomfort.
Reasons for Tori Removal:
Tori removal is typically considered when the bony growths cause one or more of the following issues:
- Pain or Discomfort: Larger tori or those with irregular shapes may cause discomfort or soreness, especially when eating, speaking, or wearing dental appliances like dentures.
- Interference with Chewing or Speaking: In some cases, tori can be large enough to obstruct the normal movement of the tongue or interfere with proper occlusion (bite), leading to difficulties with chewing or speaking.
- Oral Health Concerns: Tori can make oral hygiene practices more challenging, as they can trap food particles and bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease and cavities in the affected areas.
- Denture Fitting Issues: Palatal tori, in particular, can interfere with the fit of dentures, making it uncomfortable for patients who wear removable dental prosthetics.
Tori Removal Procedure:
Tori removal is a relatively straightforward and routine oral surgery performed by dentists or oral surgeons. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring the patient’s comfort throughout the process.
During the tori removal procedure:
- Incision: The dentist or oral surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue overlying the tori to access the bony growth.
- Removal: The torus is carefully removed from the underlying bone using dental instruments.
- Closure: The incision is sutured closed using dissolvable stitches.
Benefits of Tori Removal:
Tori removal can offer several benefits for patients experiencing discomfort or functional difficulties due to these bony growths:
- Relief from Discomfort: Tori removal provides relief from any pain or discomfort caused by the bony growths, enhancing the patient’s oral comfort.
- Improved Chewing and Speaking: Removing tori that interfere with proper tongue movement or occlusion can restore normal chewing and speaking functions.
- Enhanced Oral Hygiene: After tori removal, maintaining good oral hygiene becomes easier as there are no longer areas that trap food particles and bacteria.
- Better Denture Fitting: Patients who wear dentures can experience improved denture fit and comfort after tori removal, especially in the case of palatal tori.
What is the cost of Tori Removal?
The cost of tori removal can vary depending on several factors, including the location and size of the tori, the complexity of the procedure, the geographic location of the dental practice, and whether the removal is performed by a general dentist or an oral surgeon. Additionally, the fees for dental procedures can differ from one dental practice to another.
On average, the cost of tori removal in the United States can range from $500 to $2,000 per torus. However, it’s essential to remember that this is just an estimate, and the actual cost may be higher or lower based on the specific circumstances of each case.
In some instances, dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost of tori removal if it is deemed medically necessary due to symptoms or functional issues. However, coverage varies depending on the insurance provider and the individual policy. It’s advisable to check with your dental insurance company to determine if tori removal is a covered benefit and to what extent.
Aftre My Tori are removed, Is there a chance that they will regrow?
In general, once tori are surgically removed, there is a minimal chance that they will regrow. Tori are benign bony growths that develop gradually over time due to various factors such as genetics, age, and environmental factors. However, when tori are surgically removed, the underlying bony growth is excised, reducing the likelihood of regrowth in the same area.
The success of tori removal largely depends on the thoroughness of the procedure and the complete removal of the bony growth. Skilled dentists or oral surgeons take care to remove the tori entirely to minimize the chances of regrowth. Additionally, the surgical site is carefully cleaned and sutured to promote proper healing and minimize the risk of complications.
While the chances of tori regrowing after removal are minimal, it’s important to remember that every individual’s healing process is different. Some factors, such as genetics and bone remodeling, may influence the outcome. However, regrowth of tori is rare after successful removal.
To ensure the best possible outcome and reduce the risk of complications, it’s crucial to follow your dentist or oral surgeon’s post-operative instructions carefully. This includes maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding certain foods and activities that may irritate the surgical site, and attending any follow-up appointments as scheduled.
If you have any concerns about the potential for tori regrowth or experience any unusual changes in your mouth after tori removal, it’s essential to contact your dentist or oral surgeon promptly for evaluation and appropriate management. Regular dental check-ups are also important for monitoring your oral health and addressing any potential issues early on.
Do Mandibular Tori Need to be Removed?
In most cases, mandibular tori do not need to be removed unless they are causing specific issues or symptoms that warrant treatment. Mandibular tori are bony growths that develop along the inner side of the lower jaw, near the premolar and molar teeth. These growths are typically benign (non-cancerous) and do not pose a threat to oral health.
The decision to remove mandibular tori is usually based on the following factors:
1. Symptoms: If the tori are causing pain, discomfort, or irritation, especially during chewing, speaking, or wearing dental appliances like dentures, removal may be considered.
2. Interference with Dental Appliances: Large mandibular tori can interfere with the proper fit of dentures or other dental appliances, making them uncomfortable to wear. In such cases, removal may be recommended to improve the fit of the prosthetics.
3. Oral Hygiene Challenges: Tori can make oral hygiene practices more difficult, as they can trap food particles and bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease and cavities in the affected areas. If maintaining proper oral hygiene becomes challenging due to tori, removal may be considered.
4. Growth Rate: In some instances, tori may continue to grow slowly over time, leading to increased discomfort or functional issues. In such cases, removal may be considered to prevent further complications.
5. Dental Procedures: In some cases, mandibular tori may need to be removed to allow for certain dental procedures, such as dental implants or root canal treatments, to be performed effectively.
It’s essential to note that not all mandibular tori require removal. If the tori are asymptomatic, small in size, and not causing any functional issues, they can be monitored over time during routine dental check-ups.
If you are experiencing any discomfort or issues related to mandibular tori, it’s advisable to consult with your dentist or oral surgeon. They will conduct a thorough evaluation, assess the need for tori removal, and discuss the potential benefits and risks of the procedure. The decision to remove mandibular tori should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the individual’s oral health needs and preferences.
Conclusion:
Tori removal is a safe and effective procedure to address discomfort and functional issues caused by bony growths in the mouth. If you are experiencing pain, difficulty chewing, speaking, or wearing dentures due to tori, consult with your dentist or oral surgeon. They can evaluate your condition, discuss the benefits of tori removal, and create a personalized treatment plan to improve your oral health and overall well-being. Remember that tori are typically benign, and not all cases require removal. The decision to undergo tori removal should be made in consultation with your dental professional, considering the individual circumstances and needs of each patient.
