Continue reading for more information about mandibular tori and some scenarios in which it may be best to remove it from the mouth.
What is Tori?
Tori is a clinical term that quite simply means a bony growth. Tori is the plural form of the singular torus. Mandibular is a term that is used to describe something that is on the mandible, or lower jaw.
Mandibular tori commonly develop on the inside of the jaw, under the tongue. In most cases, the tori will develop on both sides of the mouth, though there are cases in which the tori will only develop on one side.
Tori is not relatively common: currently, it is estimated that anywhere from 5-40% of the population have distinguishable tori present in the mouth. It has been discovered that tori are slightly more common for males than they are for females.
What Causes Tori?
While grinding or clenching have been listed as potential causes for tori, there is no one singular cause that is recognized. It currently estimated that genetics may play a role, and seeing that tori are more common among men, it has been estimated that the genetic predisposition for developing tori may travel from father to son.
Should I Get My Tori Removed?
Tori are simply an abnormality; a random bone growth. They do not pose any immediate threat or harm once they have been identified in the mouth, though they do continue to grow over time, and have the potential to cause pain or discomfort if they become too large. In the case that the tori is considerably large, the patient is encouraged to consider undergoing surgery to remove the growth.
For individuals who wear dentures, tori may obstruct the plates from resting comfortably and evenly along the gumline. The patient may have a very difficult time getting the denture to stay in place, especially when eating. In this case, it is usually recommended to undergo surgery to remove the tori.
In most other cases, such as the presence of small tori that does not cause pain or obstruct dental prosthetics, most dentists will recommend not removing the tori and simply keeping a watchful eye on it. In most cases, the presence of tori is completely harmless.
Of course, as with all dental treatment, it is important to discuss your options with your dentist. He or she will inform you of what they recommend for your personal situation. For more information about mandibular tori or to get scheduled for a dental examination in San Jose to discuss your options for treatment, give Willow Glen Dental Specialists a call at (408) 478-9081.
