Bony growths can occur in the mouth. These growths are a natural response of the body, often forming in areas of the jawbone or on the roof of the mouth. While the term “bone spur” is commonly used, dental professionals often use more specific anatomical terms to describe these benign bony protrusions.
Understanding Oral Bone Spurs
Oral bone spurs are typically benign bony growths known as exostoses or osteophytes. An exostosis refers to a localized overgrowth of bone on the surface of a bone, while an osteophyte is a similar bony projection, often associated with joint surfaces. In the mouth, these growths are composed of mature cortical and trabecular bone, appearing as smooth, hard lumps. While the term “bone spur” is widely understood, dental professionals frequently refer to these specific oral formations as “tori” (plural of torus) when they occur in certain common locations. Tori are considered variations of normal anatomy rather than a disease.
Causes and Common Locations of Bone Spurs in the Mouth
The exact reasons why bone spurs form are not always clear, but several factors contribute. Genetic predisposition plays a role, making some individuals more inclined to develop these growths. Trauma or injury to the jawbone or surrounding tissues can also lead to their formation, including dental procedures like tooth extractions, orthodontic treatment, or dental implant placement. Chronic irritation is another significant factor, arising from habits such as teeth grinding (bruxism), ill-fitting dental appliances, or long-standing gum disease. Additionally, age-related changes in bone structure and density can contribute to their appearance.
Oral bone spurs commonly appear in specific areas. A palatal torus (or tori) is frequent on the midline of the hard palate, varying in shape and typically under 2 cm. Mandibular tori are found on the inner surface of the lower jaw near the tongue, often bilaterally. Less common are buccal exostoses, which develop on the outer surface of the upper or lower jaws near the cheek, usually in premolar and molar regions. These typically present as broad-based masses that can slowly increase in size.
Identifying and Managing Oral Bone Spurs
Many oral bone spurs are asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during routine dental examinations. When symptoms occur, they include feeling a hard lump, pain or discomfort (especially when chewing or talking), swelling, or redness. Large spurs can irritate soft tissues, causing ulcers, and may interfere with oral hygiene, speech, or the fit of dental prosthetics like dentures.
Diagnosis involves visual examination and palpation to assess size and texture. X-rays or CT scans may be used to confirm presence, determine exact size, and evaluate relationship to surrounding structures, helping rule out other conditions.
Management depends on whether the spur causes problems. Small, asymptomatic spurs not interfering with oral function often require only monitoring. For discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers may be recommended.
Surgical removal (osteoplasty or bone contouring) is considered if the spur causes chronic irritation, difficulty with eating, speaking, oral hygiene, or interferes with dental appliances. This straightforward procedure, performed under local anesthesia, has minimal recovery time. Addressing underlying causes, like ill-fitting dentures or teeth grinding, can help prevent recurrence.