Mandibular tori are benign bony growths that form in the mouth. They are generally not considered dangerous and typically do not indicate a serious health concern. While their presence might cause some inconvenience, they are non-cancerous and usually harmless.
What Are Mandibular Tori?
Mandibular tori are slow-growing, benign bony outgrowths found on the inner side of the lower jaw, near the premolars and above the mylohyoid muscle. These growths vary in size and shape, appearing as smooth, hard bumps. They can be singular or multiple, unilateral or bilateral, though bilateral presentation is common.
The exact cause of mandibular tori is not fully understood, but several factors contribute to their development. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role, as these growths often run in families. Environmental factors, such as teeth grinding (bruxism) and stress from chewing forces, are also influential. Other potential contributing factors include mouth anatomy, increased bone density, and certain vitamin deficiencies. Mandibular tori typically begin to form in early adulthood and may continue to grow gradually, often stabilizing by middle age.
When Mandibular Tori Cause Concerns
While generally harmless, mandibular tori can lead to concerns in specific situations, primarily related to functional issues or discomfort. They often interfere with the fabrication and fit of dentures or other dental appliances. Large tori can prevent dentures from seating properly, leading to instability, pain, or difficulty with their use.
Mandibular tori can also affect oral hygiene, making it challenging to brush and floss effectively around affected teeth. This difficulty can increase the risk of tooth decay or gum disease. Additionally, the thin tissue covering the tori is susceptible to injury from eating hard foods or accidental trauma. Such injuries can result in irritation, inflammation, or painful ulcerations.
If tori grow very large, they might interfere with tongue movement, potentially leading to speech difficulties or problems with chewing and swallowing. Significant growth can also cause pain or discomfort, or even prevent the mouth from closing completely. These issues are typically functional or comfort-related, and do not indicate a risk of malignancy.
Addressing Mandibular Tori
Diagnosis of mandibular tori is straightforward and usually occurs during a routine dental examination. Dentists identify these growths through visual inspection and palpation. Imaging techniques like X-rays or CT scans may assess the size and location of the tori, and rule out other conditions.
For most individuals, mandibular tori are asymptomatic and do not require treatment. A “watch and wait” approach is commonly adopted, with dental professionals monitoring the growths during regular check-ups. However, when tori cause persistent problems, such as interference with denture placement, chronic irritation, significant speech or eating difficulties, or become excessively large, surgical removal may be considered.
The surgical procedure for removing mandibular tori, known as a toriectomy, is typically a minor outpatient operation performed by an oral surgeon. Local anesthesia is administered, and sedation options may also be available. An incision is made in the gum tissue over the tori, the excess bone is removed or shaved down, and the incision is then closed with stitches. Recovery usually involves swelling and discomfort for about a week, with complete healing taking several weeks. Patients are advised to consume soft foods and maintain good oral hygiene during the healing period.