Mandibular tori are common, slow-growing bony protrusions that develop on the inner side of the lower jaw. These growths, which appear as firm, smooth bumps, often cause concern when first discovered due to their unfamiliar nature. This article clarifies the characteristics of mandibular tori and addresses the common question regarding any potential danger they may pose to a person’s health.
Identifying the Bony Growths
Mandibular tori are masses of dense, compact bone tissue covered by normal gum tissue. They typically present on the tongue-facing side of the jawbone, most often near the premolar and canine teeth. In approximately 90% of cases, these bony growths appear bilaterally, though they may differ in size.
The prevalence of mandibular tori is estimated to range from about 5% to 40% of the population, appearing more frequently in early adulthood and being slightly more common in males. While the precise cause is not fully understood, their formation is believed to result from a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental stress factors. Localized stress on the teeth and jawbone, such as bruxism (chronic teeth grinding and clenching), is strongly associated with the development of these bony structures.
The Benign Nature of Tori
It is important to understand that mandibular tori are considered a variation of normal anatomy and pose no systemic health threat. These growths are benign, meaning they are non-cancerous and do not represent a precursor to malignancy. The dense bone composition of a torus is simply a localized overgrowth of the jawbone, similar to a small, harmless exostosis.
The long-term prognosis for an individual with mandibular tori is positive, as the growths are not infectious or harmful. They grow slowly, often stabilizing in size by a person’s fourth decade of life, and in most instances, they remain asymptomatic. Since tori are not a disease process, their presence requires no treatment unless they begin to interfere with daily life or other oral procedures. Regular dental check-ups are sufficient for monitoring their size and shape.
Functional Reasons for Intervention
While mandibular tori are not a medical danger, specific functional reasons exist for a dentist or oral surgeon to recommend their removal. This surgical intervention is generally elective, focusing on improving a patient’s quality of life or facilitating other dental treatments. One common indication for removal is the need for a removable dental prosthesis, such as a full or partial denture. The presence of tori can prevent a denture from seating properly, causing it to rock, rub, or fit uncomfortably, which necessitates a procedure called a toriectomy to create a smooth surface.
The bony growths can be prone to chronic irritation or ulceration, particularly if they are large or irregularly shaped. The thin layer of gum tissue covering the dense bone can be easily scraped by sharp foods or traumatized during chewing, leading to painful sores that struggle to heal. If the tori grow exceptionally large, they may also interfere with speech patterns or make routine oral hygiene difficult. In these specific scenarios, surgical reduction is performed to alleviate discomfort and prevent recurring complications.