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Tori Removal in Alexandria, VA
Relieve discomfort. Restore function. Feel at ease in your own mouth.
The right care for bony growths in your mouth
What are Oral Tori?
Oral tori (singular: torus) are benign bony growths that develop inside the mouth. They are entirely non-cancerous and often go unnoticed for years, but they can grow large enough to cause discomfort, interfere with eating or speaking, or make wearing dentures and other dental appliances difficult. The two most common types are mandibular tori (torus mandibularis), which form along the inner surface of the lower jaw near the tongue, and palatal tori (torus palatinus), which develop on the roof of the mouth. A third type, buccal exostoses, appears on the outer surface of the upper jaw near the cheeks.
Tori are surprisingly common, affecting a significant portion of the adult population. While they don't always require treatment, removal is a straightforward procedure that can make a meaningful difference in your daily comfort and oral health.
The Benefits of Tori Removal
For patients whose tori are causing problems, removal offers lasting relief and improved quality of life. The procedure smooths away excess bone, restoring normal oral anatomy and function.
- Relief from chronic irritation or ulceration
- Improved comfort while eating and speaking
- Better fit and function for dentures or dental prosthetics
- Clearer path for future implant or restorative treatment
- Easier daily oral hygiene
- Peace of mind with a confirmed diagnosis
Types of Oral Tori
Tori can appear in several locations, and the approach to removal is tailored accordingly.
Mandibular tori (torus mandibularis)
Bony growths on the inner surface of the lower jaw, typically near the premolars. They often appear on both sides and are more common in men.
These are the most frequently removed tori, particularly when they interfere with tongue movement, speech, or denture placement.
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Palatal tori (torus palatinus)
A growth on the midline of the hard palate (the roof of the mouth). More common in women, palatal tori can range from a small, barely noticeable ridge to a large, lobulated mass that affects swallowing, speech, and prosthetic fit.
Buccal exostoses
Less common, these growths develop on the outer surface of the upper jaw. They are typically smooth and are most often removed when they cause irritation or complicate restorative dental work.
The Tori Removal Process
Tori removal is a routine outpatient procedure performed right here in our Alexandria office. Most patients are surprised by how straightforward the experience is.
1
Consultation and evaluation
Your surgeon will examine the tori, review any necessary imaging, and confirm the diagnosis. Together, you'll discuss whether removal is recommended based on the size, location, and symptoms of your tori. If you wear or plan to wear dentures, or if you're planning implant treatment, your surgeon will incorporate tori removal into a broader treatment plan.
2
Surgical removal
The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, with sedation available for patients who prefer a more relaxed experience. Your surgeon makes a small incision in the gum tissue overlying the growth, then carefully reduces and smooths the excess bone using specialized instruments. The gum tissue is then repositioned and closed with sutures. Most procedures are completed in under an hour.
3
Healing and follow-up
Recovery is similar to that of a tooth extraction. Some swelling and mild soreness are normal in the first few days and are managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medication. A soft diet is recommended during the initial healing period. Sutures are typically removed or dissolve on their own within one to two weeks. Your care team will schedule a follow-up to confirm healing is progressing well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are oral tori dangerous?
No. Tori are benign bony growths and are not cancerous. However, because they can occasionally resemble other oral conditions, it's important to have any new or changing growth evaluated by an oral surgeon to confirm the diagnosis. Once identified as tori, they require treatment only if they are causing problems.
Will tori grow back after removal?
In most cases, tori do not return after surgical removal. However, if underlying contributing factors — such as bruxism (teeth grinding) — are not addressed, there is a small chance that regrowth can occur over time. Your surgeon will discuss strategies to reduce this risk as part of your overall care plan.
Is tori removal covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by plan. When tori removal is performed for functional reasons — such as to enable denture placement or address significant discomfort — it may be covered in part by dental or medical insurance. Our team will work with you to understand your benefits and help maximize your coverage.
How do I know if my tori need to be removed?
Removal is recommended when tori cause recurring irritation or ulceration, interfere with eating, speaking, or swallowing, prevent a proper fit for dentures or dental appliances, or are expected to complicate upcoming implant or restorative treatment. If your tori are small and symptom-free, your surgeon may simply recommend monitoring them over time.
What causes oral tori to develop?
The exact cause isn't fully understood, but tori are believed to result from a combination of genetics, local mechanical stress on the jaw, and habits like bruxism. They tend to develop in middle age and grow very slowly. If a parent had tori, there is a meaningfully higher chance their children will develop them as well.
