Tori removal for dentures is usually considered when a bony growth in the mouth stops a denture from sitting comfortably or causes repeated sores. If the growth is not causing problems, it is generally left alone, because most tori are harmless and cause no symptoms.
Removal can also help with other dental work in the same area. This blog explains what tori are, when removing them makes sense, and when leaving them alone is a reasonable choice for the patient.
Understanding Tori
Tori are smooth, bony bumps that grow in the mouth, most often along the roof of the mouth or the inner side of the lower jaw. They are made of normal bone and are not considered a disease.
Their cause is not fully understood. Genetics is the most widely accepted explanation, and some suggest that chewing forces may play a part. Their size and shape differ from person to person. Most people with tori never need them treated at all.
Situations Where Removal Is Considered
A common reason for removal is interference with complete dentures. Other reasons are possible when the growth affects daily comfort. Each case is looked at individually, since the right answer depends on the symptoms.
- A denture rocks, loosens, or cannot be shaped to fit around the growth.
- The thin gum over the bone is repeatedly injured by food or by a denture.
- The growth makes speaking or swallowing uncomfortable.
- The growth makes it hard to take accurate impressions for a denture.
- A patient is bothered by the appearance of the growth.
Effect on Other Dental Treatment
Tori can also matter when other work is planned nearby. A growth beside the tongue or on the palate may get in the way of an accurate impression, a partial denture, or the placement of other restorations.
Planning ahead lets the area be assessed before a denture or restoration is made, so the fit and the timing of each step can be set with the growth in mind. This helps avoid surprises later in treatment.
When Tori Can Be Left Alone
Not every bony growth needs surgery. Adjusting the denture, using a soft liner, or planning implants are alternatives that suit some patients, depending on the case. Many people keep their tori for life without any issues.
A conversation about the options helps weigh the benefits against the recovery time. Because tori are made of normal bone, leaving them in place is a reasonable choice when they cause no trouble or discomfort.
Tori Removal in Vancouver
At Gentle Dental Group, 189 East Hastings Street in Vancouver, British Columbia, we offer tori removal, along with full and partial dentures, wisdom teeth removal, and tooth extraction. Our team speaks English, Punjabi, and Hindi, and we welcome patients of all ages at our office.
We also offer oral and IV sedation, walk-in and same-day emergency appointments, and we take part in the Canadian Dental Care Plan. A visit with us can show whether a growth affects denture fit and whether removal, adjustment, or no treatment is sensible.
Planning Tori Removal in Vancouver, BC
Tori removal makes sense when a bony growth gets in the way of a comfortable, stable denture or other treatment. Patients in Vancouver weighing tori removal for dentures are welcome to discuss their options with our team at Gentle Dental Group’s East Hastings office.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the location of the bony growth affect the surgical approach?
Growths on the roof of the mouth and on the inner lower jaw sit near different nerves and tissues, so we plan the incision and technique to suit the spot. Size and shape also influence how much bone is reshaped.
How is tori removal performed?
Tori removal is commonly done under local anesthetic. The gum is opened, the extra bone is smoothed or removed with dental instruments, and the tissue is stitched closed. We explain the exact steps beforehand, and patients can ask questions first.
How long does healing take after tori removal?
Healing varies with the size and location of the growth. The gum usually settles over a few weeks, and we advise on follow-up visits and when a denture can be worn again, based on how the area is healing.
What should patients eat during recovery after tori surgery?
Soft, cool or lukewarm foods such as yogurt, soup, and mashed vegetables are usually easier on the area. Hard, crunchy, and spicy foods are generally avoided until we confirm at a follow-up that the tissue has healed.
Can tori grow back after surgery?
Regrowth is possible, though long-term follow-up is limited, so it is hard to say how often it happens. We can check how the area is healing at a follow-up visit, and we answer questions about home care.