Understanding Tori: Your Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management
Associates for Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery accounts for the health and function of the intricate system of tissues and structures that is your mouth, face, and jaws. As qualified and talented specialists, Drs Russell Spinazze, Mark Spinazze, and Eliza Drobny have the knowledge and capabilities to resolve even some of the most complex or persistent challenges to your good oral health and well-being. In fact, many dentists in the Mount Prospect, Bartlett, Elk Grove Village, and Chicago, Illinois area trust their patients to us as they seek to resolve conditions such as a torus or tori with appropriate reduction and removal techniques.
What is a torus?
A torus or tori (in its plural form) is a benign or non-cancerous growth of the bone. They may be present inside the lower jaw or on the roof of the mouth in the upper jaw. While they can be perfectly normal features for many people, you may be among those individuals who experience newfound health and functional challenges due to this overgrowth over time. Their removal may also be indicated to complete restorative dentistry successfully and to ensure the sustained fit of dentures.
What are some potential trouble signs?
Tori can be pretty bothersome when chewing, swallowing, and speaking, and they can interfere with these basic functions. Prominent bony growths may also make it difficult for dentures and other oral appliances to fit properly. They may even increase your risk of dental decay and gum disease, because food debris tend to collect around tori.
What causes this condition?
Several factors are thought to increase one’s risk of developing tori. These include chronic untreated teeth grinding, high bone density, and some vitamin deficiencies. How one’s jaw is shaped and teeth fit together are also thought to play a role, as is one’s family history/genetic predisposition.
Why should tori be treated?
In addition to some of the complications mentioned above, tori may need to be removed if they grow very large and irritate and inflame the overlying tissue. Some tori may grow so big that it can become difficult to open and close your mouth properly because of them. Keep in mind that tori do not simply go away on their own. If they are problematic, tori must be removed through professional interventions.
How do you remove tori?
As needed, our doctors will perform surgical tori removal. During treatment, your gums will be completely numbed for utmost comfort. We can also discuss options for sedation to help you relax at every step. After your gums are numb, an opening is made in them to access the bony overgrowth. Once the tori and any excess tissue are removed, we simply close up the opening or incision. As long as you adhere to any instructions for after-care, fast and predictable healing is supported. And by working with Associates for Oral, Maxillofacial & Implant Surgery and your dentist to address any potential causes of tori, such as bruxism, they are unlikely to recur.
We welcome any additional questions that you may have. Call our office in Mount Prospect, IL, today at (847) 255-7080. Our locations in Bartlett, Elk Grove Village, and Chicago may be reached at (630) 289-5002, (847) 593-0535, and (773) 736-3300, respectively.
