Do you have any bumps in your mouth that feel hard and unusual? If you are experiencing extraordinary growth in your mouth, you might have mandibular tori. These might be uncomfortable, painful when too bony, interfere with dentures, and make dental hygiene challenging.
Understanding these growths is important so you can seek the right treatment and make the right decisions about your oral health at the right time.
You need professional mandibular tori treatment, and this blog discusses these in length. So, read on!
What Are Mandibular Tori?
Mandibular tori, torus, if singular, are bony growths that appear on the inside of your lower jaw, near the tongue. They are benign and not cancerous, varying in size and shape. These are generally painless, but if you have them for a long time and they cause discomfort while eating, brushing, or performing everyday oral care, or if they become too large, you may need mandibular tori dental treatment right away.
Causes of Mandibular Tori
There are many causes of mandibular tori, which are discussed below:
Genetic Predisposition: Family history often plays a significant role in the development of these growths.
Bruxism: Excessive grinding or clenching can stimulate bone growth.
Dental Stress or Trauma: Constant pressure on the jawbone may trigger tori formation.
Dietary Factors: Diets rich in vitamin D or calcium can influence bone density.
Age and Gender: Tori are more common in adults and slightly more prevalent among males.
Understanding the causes helps identify the most suitable treatment for mandibular tori. So, consult us right away at the Peace of Mind Dental Studio in Chandler.
Signs and Symptoms
Most often, mandibular tori are discovered during a dental exam. However, some of the common signs and symptoms are:
- Hard bumps under the tongue or along the jaw
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing
- Irritation or ulceration of the overlying tissue
- Pain or pressure from dentures or mouthguards
- Interference with speech in severe cases
In addition to these, pain and discomfort are the most common signs. Do not ignore them, and consult a dentist right away.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
These are easily detected in an X-ray or 3D scans during regular dental exams. Their size, density, and impact can also affect the surrounding tissue, making it essential to receive prompt and quick treatment.
It is a benign condition, and you need not worry; however, it’s advised to have them removed if they impact function or comfort.
Mandibular Tori Dental Treatment Options
At Peace of Mind Dental Studio, we recommend the following treatment options:
Monitoring: If the growths are small and painless, observation is often sufficient.
Mouthguard Fitting: For patients who grind their teeth, custom night guards can prevent further bone stimulation.
Surgical Removal: If the tori causes pain, interferes with prosthetics, or makes oral hygiene difficult, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Non-Surgical Mandibular Tori Treatment
For patients who prefer less invasive solutions, non-surgical mandibular tori treatment options are available:
Custom Dental Appliances: Properly fitted dentures or mouthguards can reduce irritation.
Oral Hygiene Improvements: Gentle brushing and mouth rinses prevent inflammation around the growths.
Dietary Adjustments: Consuming soft foods and avoiding trauma to the gums can help minimize discomfort.
Regular Dental Visits: Early detection of changes allows timely intervention before surgery becomes necessary.
These are non-invasive options, but they can only offer short-term relief and work for small growths. If the tori is growing, surgical removal is the best option.
Mandibular Tori Removal Procedure
The mandibular tori removal procedure is recommended for severe cases and includes:
- Local anesthesia is administered to ensure minimal pain and discomfort.
- A small incision is made on the growth to access the growth.
- The bone is smoothed or removed using specialized instruments.
- The area is stitched, and healing begins.
The procedure is safe and simple, with a relatively short recovery time.
Recovery and Aftercare
Here are some post-procedure recovery tips:
- Follow prescribed antibiotics or pain medications
- Stick to soft foods for several days
- Avoid smoking or alcohol
- Keep the mouth clean with gentle rinses
- Attend all follow-up appointments
Most patients recover within 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Before and After Mandibular Tori Removal: What to Expect?
You can feel a significant difference before and after mandibular tori removal. Before treatment, you may feel the urge to reach out to the growth with your tongue frequently, which could potentially injure it in the process. Irritation and pain are normal. However, after removal, you will experience that your prosthetics fit more comfortably, your oral hygiene improves, and your mouth feels smoother.
How to Choose the Right Mandibular Tori Treatment Specialist?
Here are a few things to consider when seeking a specialist:
- A dentist or oral surgeon with proven experience in bone surgery
- Advanced diagnostic tools (3D imaging or digital X-rays)
- Clear communication about risks, costs, and recovery
- Positive patient reviews and case results
To achieve the best outcome, selecting the right professional is crucial. Thus, choose Peace of Mind Dental Studio in Chandler, a trusted family dentistry in the area.
Preventive Tips for Mandibular Tori
Prevention isn’t possible, but you can try the following to minimize risks:
- Managing teeth grinding with night guards
- Maintaining excellent oral hygiene
- Eating a balanced diet with moderate calcium intake
- Avoiding oral trauma or chronic irritation
- Visiting your dentist regularly for monitoring
Conclusion
As mentioned earlier in the blog, mandibular tori aren’t harmful. Many patients don’t even notice them for quite a long time. If you have small, painless tori, you do not need to worry about their removal.
However, if they start interfering with your dentures, speech, or function, consult us at Peace of Mind Dental Studio, and we will prescribe the right course of treatment for you. We believe in tailored solutions and offer what’s right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Que: What causes mandibular tori to develop?
Ans: Genetics, teeth grinding, and repetitive jaw stress are the main causes.
Que: Do mandibular tori need to be removed?
Ans: If they are painful, effect speech or complicating dental treatments, they must be removed.
Que: How painful is the mandibular tori removal procedure?
Ans: At Peace of Mind Dental Studio, we administer local anesthesia, which means that you won’t feel a thing during the procedure. We usually make it painless.
Que: How long does recovery take after tori removal?
Ans: You will recover within 1-2 weeks.
Que: Can mandibular tori return after removal?
Ans: Recurrence is rare but possible if the underlying cause has not been properly addressed.