Mandibular tori are very slow-growing, so much so that it can be challenging to identify what causes tori to grow. There is some evidence that bruxism can speed up the growth of tori. Diet may play a role in the growth cycle. Some tori also grow for a period of time, shrink, and then begin to grow again.
The size of the tori may fluctuate throughout life but they do tend to get bigger over time. In some cases the tori can be large enough to touch each other in the midline of mouth. Consequently, it is believed that mandibular tori are the result of local stresses and not solely on genetic influences.
You can develop mandibular tori on one or both sides of your lower jaw. You might be born with these growths, or you may develop them gradually over time.
There are many reasons behind tori development. Genetics, tooth grinding and bite issues can result in local stress, which can lead to the development of these bony growths. In most cases, tori have a silent, unnoticed growth.
When the extra bone is found in your hard palate, it is called your torus palatinus. If the tori are found on your lower jaw, they are considered to be mandibular tori. Most tori grow to a certain point and stop growing. Most growth stops after our jaws have developed in our late teenage years.
Original Medicare does not pay for services relating to the care, treatment, and removal of teeth. These services include routine cleaning, checkups, fillings, tooth extractions, and dentures.
Mandibular tori are very slow-growing, so much so that it can be challenging to identify what causes tori to grow. There is some evidence that bruxism can speed up the growth of tori. Diet may play a role in the growth cycle. Some tori also grow for a period of time, shrink, and then begin to grow again.
Stress in the jaw bone and bruxism are other factors. This condition is more common in early adult life, and consequently, it is believed that mandibular tori are the result of local stresses and not solely on genetic influences.
Consumption of excessive fish has been related to the presence of tori; it was hypothesized that this may be connected to the nutrients present in salt water fish, probably omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin D (7, 9).
Due to laser technology, tori dental removal can be virtually pain-free.
The mean age was 22.4 ± 2.7 years.
Do tori ever shrink? Unfortunately, tori do not shrink over time. They will grow to a certain point, and then stop growing. A surgical team will need to remove them if your dentist deems it necessary.
Because mandibular tori are bone growths, you cannot get rid of them without surgical treatment from your dentist.
#3: They're Not Cancer
When many people notice tori for the first time, they are worried that they have oral cancer. It is good to be aware of the risk of oral cancer, but the torus mandibularis are not cancerous.
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.
Believe it or not, clenching and grinding can actually change the shape of your bone. Though not particularly common, some people with bruxism develop bony growths on the inside of their lower jaw, under the tongue. These growths are called mandibular tori, and they are harmless and benign.
They are less common than bony growths occurring on the palate, known as torus palatinus. Mandibular tori are more common in Asian and Inuit populations. They are slightly more common in males. In the United States, the prevalence is 7-10% of the population.
The estimate of the genetic determination of torus (VG/VP) turned out to be about 30%, whereas approximately 70% of the causes seemed to be attributable to environmental influence in terms of occlusal stress.
Similar to enlarged tonsils or adenoids, a large tongue, or an enlarged uvula, large mandibular tori can contribute to breathing obstructions, making one more susceptible to snoring and sleep apnea.
Environmental factors and diet may cause these benign growths. It's believed that high-calcium diets and chewing frozen fish or meat (such as in Inuit culture) may promote their development. Vitamin deficiency may also increase the risk, but more research is needed to confirm this theory.
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.
Tori typically develop during late adolescence and gradually increase in size throughout adulthood. When small, they rarely cause symptoms or pain and are usually an incidental finding during routine clinical or dental examinations.
Mandibular tori usually grow back. It is best to address the underlying causes and treat them. Doing so may help prevent the need for further tori removal.
Discomfort: Slight swelling of the operated area is not unusual. Chapped lips or bruising of the lips / cheek area may occur. A reusable ice bag or a frozen vegetable bag, wrapped in a soft towel, may be applied to the area of surgery to help minimize the swelling of your face.
When the bone and tissue reach a point of no return, periodontists heal diseased tissue and bone through a variety of techniques that fall into six categories: Hard tissue procedures, which are also called osseous procedures, including bone grafting, bone recontouring, crown lengthening and tori removal.