Tori Removal in Nashville – Types, Reasons, Surgery & FAQs 

If you’ve noticed a hard bump in your mouth, you might have a torus (plural: tori). Tori are benign bony growths that can appear in the jaw or palate. They are common and usually harmless.

However, some people do need them removed for comfort or to proceed with other dental treatments.

This guide will explain the types of tori, why tori may need to be removed, what to expect from the oral surgery, recovery tips, and how tori relate to dental implants and oral health. (If you’re searching for oral surgery in Hermitage for tori removal, this article will also address common questions.) 

Types of Tori (Mandibular, Palatal, Buccal) 

Tori (pronounced “TOR-eye”) are simply extra bone growths in the mouth. They are classified by where they appear: 

• Mandibular Tori (Torus Mandibularis): These grow on the inside of the lower jaw, typically along the tongue side near the premolars or canines. Mandibular tori often occur as matching bumps on both the left and right sides. They can range from small nodules to larger, shelf-like growths. People with mandibular tori usually discover them by feeling a hard bump next to their tongue. They are covered by normal gum tissue and tend to grow slowly over many years.
• Palatal Tori (Torus Palatinus): These form on the hard palate (roof of the mouth), usually at the center. A palatal torus might be a single mound or a cluster of bony lumps. Many are less than 2 cm, but they can grow larger and even become lobulated (having multiple bumps). Palatal tori are the most common type—studies estimate about 20% of people have a palatal torus​ (my.clevelandclinic.org). Often, they cause no pain, but a very large torus on the palate can feel bulky.
• Buccal Exostoses (Buccal Tori): ”Buccal” refers to the cheek side. Buccal tori (or buccal exostoses) are bony protrusions on the outer areas of the upper or lower jaw, usually in the gum area of the molars or premolars. They are less common than the other types but similar in nature—hard, benign bumps covered by gum. Buccal exostoses might feel like hard ridges or lumps on the cheek side of your gums. Like other tori, they usually grow slowly and are not tumors or cancer; they are simply excess bone.

Are tori dangerous? 

No – tori are benign (non-cancerous) and usually don’t require any treatment. Many people have them and live comfortably with them. They often develop due to genetic factors or minor stress over time (for example, grinding teeth or jaw pressure).

In fact, a torus can remain unnoticed for years if it’s small and not causing problems. However, there are situations when removing a torus is recommended. The next section answers why tori sometimes need to be removed.

Why Do Tori Need to Be Removed? 

You might wonder, “Why do tori need to be removed if they’re harmless?” In most cases, they don’t need removal unless they cause specific issues. Dentists and oral surgeons will usually leave tori alone unless they are problematic​ (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).

However, there are several common reasons to consider tori removal: 

• Interference with Normal Function: A large torus can interfere with everyday functions like chewing, speaking, or even swallowing. For example, big mandibular tori may crowd the tongue and affect speech clarity, and a bulky palatal torus might alter how food moves in your mouth. Studies have noted that tori can sometimes lead to chewing difficulties or speech disturbances​ (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). If you feel your torus is making it hard to eat or talk normally, removing it could improve your quality of life.
• Denture or Appliance Problems: One of the most common reasons for torus removal is to allow a better fit for dentures or other dental appliances. A torus can prevent a denture (or a retainer, mouthguard, etc.) from sitting properly against the gum. For instance, a torus on the palate can keep an upper denture from fitting suction-tight, and mandibular tori can cause a lower denture to rock or irritate the tissue. In such cases, oral surgeons recommend removing the torus so the denture can fit comfortably and securely​ (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). In fact, medium to large tori often require surgical removal or denture design changes before dentures are made​. If you are or will become edentulous (losing your teeth) and need a full denture, the presence of tori is definitely taken into consideration.
• Recurrent Trauma or Ulcers: Because the mucosa (skin) over a torus is thin, it can get injured easily. Many people with tori find that certain foods (like chips or crusty bread) might scrape the area. Repeated trauma can lead to painful ulcers (sores) on top of the torus. These ulcers can be stubborn and tend to recur if the torus continues to irritate that spot. Research confirms that ulcers can form over tori due to repeated trauma​. If you frequently get sores on your torus or the area is chronically irritated, removing the torus will allow the tissue to heal and prevent future injury​ (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov).
• Continued Growth to a Large Size: Tori usually grow slowly, but they can occasionally become quite large over the years. A very large torus (especially on the palate) can become a nuisance—food might get stuck around it, it can distort speech, or make it hard to clean your mouth properly. If a torus enlarges to the point it hinders normal functions, it’s a clear reason for removal​. Essentially, if the torus is too big for your mouth, taking it out will relieve the obstruction.
• Preparation for Other Dental Procedures: Sometimes tori are removed as part of preparing for another treatment. For example, if you need dental implants in an area near a torus, the surgeon might remove the torus to create space or to use its bone for the implant site. The bone from a torus can actually be recycled as an autogenous bone graft – surgeons have used torus bone to rebuild jaw areas for implants or periodontal therapy​ (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Removing a torus can also make it easier to fit orthodontic appliances or perform other jaw surgeries if needed. In short, your dentist or surgeon may suggest removing a torus to facilitate a bigger treatment plan. 

Bottom line: If tori are not causing any trouble, they can be left alone.

They are benign and many people keep them for life. Removal is recommended only if the tori are causing symptoms, interfering with a dental prosthetic, or repeatedly traumatized​.

Your oral surgeon will evaluate your specific case. Now, if you do need a torus removed, what does that involve? The next section walks you through the procedure.

Tori Removal Surgery: What to Expect 

Tori removal is a common oral surgery procedure. It’s typically done by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (a specialist in surgeries of the mouth and jaws). Here’s what patients can generally expect: 

• Anesthesia: The area will be thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia (just like getting a filling or tooth extraction). For larger tori or for patients who are anxious, sedation or even general anesthesia can be used. Your surgeon will discuss the best anesthesia option for you. (If you’re having oral surgery at our center, for example, we offer IV sedation to keep you comfortable.)
• Surgical Removal: Once you’re numb (and sedated if opted), the surgeon will make a small incision in the gum tissue over the torus or along the teeth on the side of the torus. For a mandibular torus, the incision is along the inside of the lower gum by the tongue; for a palatal torus, the incision is on the roof of the mouth; for a buccal exostosis, it’s on the cheek side gum. The surgeon then carefully separates the thin tissue to expose the bony growth. Using specialized instruments (such as dental drills or chisels), the excess bone is shaved down or removed. The goal is to contour the bone so that the area is smooth with the rest of the jaw or palate. You might hear some sounds of the drill or feel vibration, but you should not feel pain due to the anesthesia.
• Duration: The surgery is usually quick – often around 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size and number of tori. Multiple tori can sometimes be removed in one session. If tori are on both sides of the lower jaw, the surgeon might remove them both at once. In certain cases (like very large tori or multiple locations), the surgeon might stage the surgeries (for example, do one side of the mouth, then the other in a separate visit) to reduce post-op discomfort.
• Stitches and Protection: After removing the bony growth, the surgeon will smooth any sharp edges and then stitch the gum tissue back in place. Dissolvable sutures are often used, which will disappear on their own in 1-2 weeks. For a palatal torus removal, sometimes a protective stent or plate is placed over the roof of the mouth. This is like a retainer that shields the surgical site – it helps reduce pain and keeps food out of the area while it heals. Not every case requires a stent, but don’t be surprised if your surgeon makes a mold of your palate beforehand to create one if you have a large torus.
• After the Procedure: Tori removal is an outpatient surgery, meaning you go home the same day. You’ll be monitored briefly as the anesthesia wears off, especially if you had sedation. The surgical sites will be numb for a few hours. Your surgeon will give you detailed post-op instructions (more on that below). 

Overall, torus removal is a straightforward procedure for an experienced oral surgeon. It’s often performed in the office setting. Patients usually find it similar to having a tooth extraction or other minor oral surgery in terms of experience.

Recovery Timeline and Post-Op Care 

Healing after tori removal is usually quick, but it does require some care. Here’s a general recovery timeline and tips for post-operative care: 

• First 24 Hours: Some bleeding and swelling in the area is normal on day one. You’ll leave the office biting on gauze to control bleeding. At home, continue to replace gauze as instructed until bleeding stops (usually within a few hours). Use ice packs on the outside of your face to minimize swelling, especially for mandibular or buccal tori surgery. Stick to a soft diet and avoid hot foods or drinks on the first day. You will likely be prescribed a pain reliever or advised to take an over-the-counter pain medication once the numbness wears off.
• First Week: The mouth heals fast. Swelling typically peaks around day 3-5, then improves. Discomfort is usually moderate for a couple of days, easily managed with pain medication. Many patients are surprised that removal of a small torus can be less painful than, say, a wisdom tooth extraction, because it’s just smoothing bone under the gum. Continue eating soft foods for a few days (think soups, smoothies, mashed potatoes, yogurt). Avoid anything hard, crunchy, or sharp that could poke the surgical site. Also avoid using straws for a couple of days (to protect any blood clots and stitches). Your surgeon may recommend gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water after 24 hours to keep the area clean (e.g., after meals). If you have a palatal stent, you’ll be instructed on how to clean it and whether to wear it all the time or just during eating.
• Suture Removal/Follow-up: If non-dissolvable stitches were used, you’ll have a follow-up visit about 7–10 days after surgery to remove them. Dissolvable stitches will fall out on their own around the same timeframe. The surgeon will check that the site is healing well. Any protective stent might also be adjusted or removed at this visit. Most patients are largely pain-free after the first week and can start to resume a normal diet as comfort allows.
• 2 to 4 Weeks: The gum tissue fully heals over a few weeks. By 2 weeks, the site is usually well closed, and any residual swelling is minor. You should be back to brushing the area gently with no issues. If you needed a denture or implant, your dentist or oral surgeon will guide you on the timing to continue with those (sometimes dentures can be fitted as soon as healing is adequate, or implants can be placed either at the time of torus removal if planned, or after healing). Bone takes longer to remodel, but since only excess bone was removed, this usually doesn’t affect daily life. Complete bone healing might take a couple of months, but you won’t really notice that process. 

Post-op care tips: Keep the area clean (but be gentle), take all medications as directed, and avoid smoking or vigorous rinsing (which can disrupt healing). It’s normal to have some soreness and tightness in the jaw or tongue area initially.

If you experience severe pain, prolonged bleeding, fever, or anything that doesn’t feel right, contact your oral surgeon. Complications are uncommon, but it’s always better to check if you’re concerned. 

Tori Removal, Dental Implants, and Overall Oral Health 

Tori removal can play a helpful role in your broader oral health, especially in relation to other treatments like dental implants. Here are a few connections to know: 

• Improved Fit for Dental Appliances: As mentioned, removing tori can make it possible to wear dentures or even certain orthodontic devices comfortably. This in turn can improve your nutrition (since you can chew with dentures) and oral hygiene (since you can properly clean around a well-fitting appliance). If you need an implant-supported denture, the ridge may need to be smooth (without tori) for the denture to seat correctly. Thus, torus removal can be part of the plan to restore your smile.
• Using Torus Bone for Implants: One interesting benefit of having a torus is that the extra bone can be recycled. Oral surgeons sometimes use the removed torus bone as a graft to help with dental implant placement. Research supports this practice – the dense bone from a torus can be an excellent source of autogenous bone for ridge augmentation​pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
• For example, if you have a torus and a nearby area with a thin bone ridge, the surgeon can remove the torus, grind it into small particles, and place it where you need more bone to hold an implant. This way, the torus removal not only solves the immediate issue but also spares you from needing a bone graft from another site. Studies have noted that tori serve as a good harvesting ground for bone to rebuild jaw defects for implants or periodontal surgery​ pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.
• Oral Hygiene and Health: Large tori can sometimes trap food debris or make it harder to brush and floss effectively around them (especially buccal tori or a big palatal torus). By smoothing out these areas, you might find it easier to maintain good oral hygiene, which benefits your gum health and helps prevent cavities in adjacent teeth. Additionally, if a torus was causing frequent ulcers or discomfort, removing it will improve your overall oral comfort – you won’t have to worry about that spot getting injured or sore.
• Jaw Health: Some studies have even looked at correlations between tori and other conditions. One study suggested that having a mandibular torus might indicate a slightly higher risk of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ problems) in some patients pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. This doesn’t mean tori cause TMJ issues, but rather that the bone growth could be a result of grinding or clenching (parafunctional habits) that also affect the jaw joint. In such cases, addressing the underlying habit (like using a night guard for grinding) is important. Removing the torus might relieve one effect of the habit (the bony growth), but managing the habit will help protect both your teeth and jaw long-term. 

In summary, while tori themselves are benign, their removal can be an important step in comprehensive oral care. Whether it’s to allow placement of a new dental implant, to improve the fit of dentures, or just to make your mouth more comfortable and easier to clean, torus removal can positively impact your oral health and quality of life. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Tori Removal 

Q: How much does tori removal cost? A: The cost of tori removal can vary widely depending on the complexity of the case, how many tori are being removed, and what type of anesthesia is used. On average, a simple torus removal might cost a few hundred dollars, whereas more extensive surgery (multiple tori or hospital-based procedures) could be higher. If you require IV sedation or general anesthesia, that will add to the cost. The good news is that if the torus removal is medically necessary – for example, to allow a denture or to treat recurrent ulcers – it is often covered (at least partially) by dental insurance. Be sure to check with your insurance provider: some plans categorize torus removal under oral surgery benefits. During your consultation, the oral surgeon’s office will provide a cost estimate and can help you understand your insurance coverage. We also offer payment options and plans in many cases. Don’t let cost deter you from getting evaluated; we can provide you a quote upfront. 

Q: What is the recovery time for tori removal? A: Recovery is generally quick. Most patients feel relatively back to normal within a week or two after tori removal. The initial healing of the gum tissue takes about 7-10 days. During that first week, you’ll follow the post-op care instructions (soft diet, oral hygiene, etc.) as described above. By the end of the second week, you can usually resume all your normal activities and diet without restrictions. Minor soreness or sensitivity at the site can linger a bit longer for some, but it continues to improve each day. Full internal healing of the bone will take a bit longer (several weeks to a couple of months), but this should not significantly affect your day-to-day life. Your surgeon will likely schedule a follow-up to ensure healing is on track. Compared to other oral surgeries, patients often report that torus removal had an easier or similar recovery to a routine tooth extraction. 

Q: Are there any risks or complications?
A: Tori removal is a very safe procedure when performed by a qualified oral surgeon. However, as with any surgery, there are potential risks to be aware of. These include: 

• Bleeding: Some oozing is normal in the first day. Significant bleeding is uncommon, but if you are on blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, discuss this with your surgeon beforehand. Let your surgeon know immediately if you feel that your tongue is being pushed to the roof of your mouth or if you are having difficulty breathing or swallowing following the procedure.
• Swelling and bruising: Expect some localized swelling. Occasionally, minor bruising can appear on the skin near the surgical site (especially for large tori removals). This resolves in a few days.
• Infection: The mouth has many bacteria, so there’s a small risk of infection at the surgical site. You will be given instructions to keep the area clean, and sometimes an antibiotic mouth rinse or pills to prevent infection. Signs of infection include worsening pain after a few days, swelling that doesn’t improve, or fever – contact your doctor if you notice these.
• Soreness of tongue or difficulty swallowing: Particularly with lower tori removal, the tongue area may be sore for a few days, and moving the tongue might be a bit uncomfortable until the area heals. This is temporary. Large palatal wounds can make swallowing feel awkward for a short time until the skin heals.
• Nerve irritation: Mandibular tori are usually located on the inside of the jaw away from major nerves. But if a torus is very large, there’s a slight chance of temporary numbness or tingling in the tongue or lip if nerves are stretched or irritated during surgery. This is rare, and surgeons take care to avoid this. It’s not common to have any lasting nerve damage from typical torus removal locations.
• Opening into sinus or nose (for palatal tori): This is extremely rare, but a very large torus on the palate, when removed, could potentially leave an opening into the nasal sinus if the bone was very expansive. Oral surgeons are trained to handle and close any such opening if it occurs. Again, this is not something that happens in routine cases, but it’s a theoretical risk with an unusually large palatal torus.
• Recurrence: It’s uncommon for a torus to grow back after removal. In fact, once the excess bone is gone, it typically stays gone. However, because the cause of tori isn’t completely understood (genetics and grinding may play roles), there is a small chance that over many years the bone could start to grow again in that area. Reports of tori recurrence are rare and usually involve many years passing. If a torus does ever recur, it grows slowly and can be removed again if needed. Most patients will not experience a significant regrowth after surgery​ 

Rest assured, serious complications are rare. Your surgeon will review your health history to minimize risks and will give you instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Following post-op care guidelines closely is the best way to prevent complications. 

Q: Will tori removal affect my speech or appearance?
A: In the long term, removing tori should not negatively affect your speech or appearance. In fact, if the torus was causing a speech difficulty (like making certain sounds harder to pronounce), you may find your speech improves once you’ve healed. Immediately after surgery, your tongue or palate might feel different due to swelling, which could transiently alter your speech, but this is temporary. As healing completes, your mouth will adapt to the new, smoother contour. There’s no visible external change to your face from tori removal because it’s all internal to the mouth. If anything, you may feel like your mouth is more “spacious” or your denture fits better, which can enhance comfort and confidence. 

Q: Do I really need to have my torus removed?
A: If your dentist or oral surgeon has recommended torus removal, it’s likely for a good reason specific to your case. Common triggers for that recommendation include preparing for dentures or implants, addressing pain or ulceration, or resolving functional issues. It’s always okay to ask your provider to explain why they feel removal is in your best interest. They will consider factors like size, location, your oral health needs, and symptoms. Remember, if the torus isn’t bothering anything, most providers will adopt a “watch and monitor” approach​. 

So, if removal is advised, it usually means that benefits (like improved oral function, comfort, or treatment outcomes) outweigh the minimal risks. You can also seek a second opinion if unsure.