Tori Removal At Mission Hills Periodontics in San Diego, Dr. Stephen Munroe and his team provide advanced periodontal care with a focus on both health and comfort. One procedure that patients may not be familiar with is tori removal, which can be necessary when excess bone growth inside the mouth causes discomfort or interferes with oral function. While not always harmful, tori can create challenges for speaking, chewing, and receiving certain dental treatments. Understanding what tori are, when removal is recommended, and what to expect from the process can help patients feel more confident about seeking care. With expert guidance and modern techniques, patients can achieve both relief and improved oral health.What Are Tori?Tori are harmless bony growths that develop inside the mouth, most commonly along the lower jaw near the tongue (mandibular tori) or on the roof of the mouth (palatal tori). These growths are made of dense bone and typically develop gradually over time. Some people have small tori that go unnoticed, while others may develop larger or multiple growths. The exact cause of tori is not fully understood, but factors such as genetics, teeth grinding (bruxism), and repeated stress on the jawbone are believed to play a role. They can occur at any age, though they are more commonly seen in adults. While tori are not cancerous and generally do not pose a direct health threat, they can sometimes interfere with normal oral function and may require professional evaluation by a periodontist like Dr. Stephen Munroe in San Diego. Are Tori Dangerous?In most cases, tori are completely benign and do not indicate any underlying disease. However, the presence of tori can sometimes create problems depending on their size and location in the mouth. For example, large tori can make it difficult to properly fit dentures, nightguards, or other dental appliances. Tori can also cause irritation if food particles become trapped around them, or if they are frequently bitten or rubbed by the tongue. In addition, palatal tori may cause difficulties with speech, and mandibular tori can make it harder to clean certain areas of the mouth effectively. This can increase the risk of gum irritation or infection in surrounding tissues. Although tori themselves are not harmful, the complications they can contribute to make professional evaluation important. If you are experiencing discomfort, difficulties with dental appliances, or recurring irritation in the mouth, Dr. Stephen Munroe and our team at Mission Hills Periodontics can determine whether tori removal is the right solution for you. Do Tori Need to Be Removed?Not all tori require treatment. If they are small, painless, and not interfering with your daily life, they can often be left alone and monitored during routine dental visits. Many patients live comfortably with tori without ever needing surgery. However, when tori begin to interfere with oral health, comfort, or the ability to receive dental restorations, removal of them may be recommended. At Mission Hills Periodontics, we carefully evaluate each case to determine whether removal will benefit the patient's overall oral health and function. One consideration that can be overlooked is that the tori can make the teeth look shorter than they actually are because the extra bulk of gum and bone tissue changes the way the teeth are framed. Tori can also create hard-to-reach areas where plaque and food debris accumulate, making it more difficult to keep the teeth and gums clean with regular brushing and flossing. Over time, this can increase the risk of gum irritation, inflammation, and decay. Fortunately, treatment can reshape or remove the tori, helping teeth appear their natural length again and making oral hygiene much easier and more effective. Signs Tori Should Be RemovedThere are several situations in which tori removal may be advised:
If you are experiencing any of these issues, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Stephen Munroe can help determine the best treatment plan for your needs. Tori Removal ProcessTori removal is a surgical procedure designed to carefully eliminate the excess bone and restore comfort and function. The process begins with a thorough examination, which may include digital imaging to evaluate the size and location of the growths. Dr. Stephen Munroe will then develop a personalized treatment plan, explaining what to expect before, during, and after the procedure. During the surgery, local anesthesia is typically used to ensure patient comfort. In some cases, sedation may also be provided for patients who feel anxious. The gum tissue covering the tori is gently lifted to expose the underlying bone. Specialized instruments are then used to reduce or remove the bony growths, after which the gum tissue is repositioned and sutured. The tori removal procedure is performed with precision to minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues. Depending on the number and size of the tori, the surgery may take one to two hours. Most patients are able to return home the same day, with detailed aftercare instructions provided by Dr. Stephen Munroe and our team. Recovery After Tori RemovalHealing after tori removal is generally straightforward. Mild swelling, soreness, or minor bruising may occur for a few days, but these symptoms can be managed with prescribed medications or over-the-counter pain relief. Patients are usually advised to follow a soft diet for a short period of time to avoid irritating the surgical sites. Cold compresses and keeping the head elevated while resting can also help reduce swelling during the initial days of healing. Good oral hygiene is essential during recovery, though care should be taken to avoid disturbing the area until initial healing has occurred. Most patients notice improvement within one to two weeks, with complete healing typically achieved in several weeks. Dr. Stephen Munroe will schedule follow-up visits at Mission Hills Periodontics in San Diego to monitor progress, provide additional guidance, and ensure that healing is progressing as expected.           Contact Us if You Are Considering Tori RemovalIf you are experiencing discomfort, difficulties with dental appliances, or other challenges caused by tori, professional treatment may be the key to restoring comfort and function. At Mission Hills Periodontics, Dr. Stephen Munroe provides expert evaluation and care for patients considering tori removal in San Diego. Whether you are seeking relief from irritation, improved fit for dentures or appliances, or preparation for other dental procedures, our team is here to help. Contact Mission Hills Periodontics today at (619) 356-5989 to schedule your consultation and learn more about how tori removal can support your long-term oral health and comfort. |
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