Mandibular Tori Removal
Mandibular tori are hard, bony growths that develop along the inside of the lower jaw, near the tongue. Although they are harmless and noncancerous, they can interfere with eating, speaking, oral hygiene, and the fitting of dentures or other dental appliances. When these growths affect daily comfort or prevent important dental treatment, removal becomes a valuable and often necessary option.
What are mandibular tori?
A mandibular torus (plural: tori) is simply an overgrowth of dense bone. Many people have small tori without even realizing it, while others may notice them gradually enlarging over time. Several factors can contribute to their development:
- Genetics (they tend to run in families)
- Long-term clenching or grinding
- Bite pressure distribution
- Environmental or anatomical influences
Tori are typically smooth, rounded, and symmetrical, and they usually appear on both sides of the jaw. They do not indicate disease, infection, or tumors. However, their size and location can create practical problems.
When is removal recommended?
Not every torus needs to be removed. Many patients live comfortably with them for years without experiencing any issues. Removal is usually suggested when tori begin to interfere with normal daily activities or make future dental treatment difficult.
You may benefit from torus removal if:
- Food gets trapped frequently, causing irritation or difficulty cleaning
- The tori interfere with brushing or flossing
- You experience speech difficulties
- The growths cause tenderness or ulceration from rubbing
- Dentures cannot be properly fitted or become unstable
- The size of the tori makes certain procedures difficult, such as implant placement or lower denture fabrication
For patients who plan to receive full dentures, removing mandibular tori often becomes essential to ensure comfort and stability.
How the procedure is performed
Mandibular tori removal is a routine oral surgery performed under local anesthesia. Sedation options are available for patients who feel anxious or prefer a more relaxed experience.
Here’s what the procedure typically involves:
- Numbing the area to ensure complete comfort.
- Making a small incision in the gum tissue to expose the bony growth.
- Reducing and reshaping the torus using precise surgical instruments.
- Smoothing the bone surface so the gum tissue can heal evenly.
- Repositioning and suturing the gums to promote proper healing.
Depending on the size and number of tori, the procedure may take between 30 minutes to a little over an hour.
What to expect after surgery
After the procedure, it is normal to experience mild swelling, tenderness, or a tight feeling under the tongue. These symptoms gradually improve over several days.
We provide detailed home care instructions, but some general guidelines include:
- Avoiding hard, sharp, or spicy foods for a few days
- Sticking to a soft diet such as soups, yogurt, and mashed foods
- Taking medications as prescribed
- Using warm saltwater rinses after 24 hours
- Keeping the area clean without disturbing the sutures
- Avoiding smoking and alcohol during healing
Most patients return to normal activities within one to two days, although the gum tissue continues healing internally for several weeks.
Benefits of mandibular tori removal
Removing tori can make a dramatic improvement in everyday comfort and oral function. Some of the benefits include:
- Easier brushing and flossing
- Reduced food trapping
- Improved speech
- Ability to wear lower dentures comfortably
- Boosted confidence and smooth gum contours
- Less irritation or ulceration during eating
For denture wearers, the difference is often life-changing. A smooth, even ridge allows the denture to sit properly without rocking or causing painful pressure points.
A gentle and precise approach
Our clinic performs mandibular tori removal with a focus on patient comfort and precision. We use advanced instruments and minimally invasive techniques to remove only the necessary amount of bone while protecting surrounding tissues. Throughout the process, we make sure you understand what to expect and feel supported at every stage.
Whether you need the procedure for comfort, health, or upcoming dental treatment, you can trust our team to provide safe, thoughtful, and skilled care.
