What are Tori?

Tori are excess bone that develops either in the upper or lower jaw. When present in the roof of the mouth (palate), the condition is referred to as torus palatinus. When present in the lower jaw, it is called torus mandibularis. Tori may develop due to genetic or environmental influences such as local irritation, grinding your teeth (bruxism), or misaligned teeth causing an uneven bite (malocclusion).

In most cases tori are benign and do not require treatment. However, tori will need to be surgically removed to accommodate upper or lower dentures and upper or lower partial dentures (flippers). Tori may also be removed to aid in minimizing food impaction under the excess bone, which will promote improved home care. In certain cases tori may contribute to plaque accumulation and periodontal pockets, and therefore will require removal to improve oral hygiene by allowing better angulation of the toothbrush. Once tori are removed, recurrence is rare. In situations where tori do reappear, regrowth is typically very slow.