Mandibular tori removal is a common dental procedure that helps patients get rid of extra bone growth under the tongue. These bony bumps are harmless, but they can interfere with eating, speaking, and fitting dentures or braces. If your dentist has recommended mandibular tori removal, it’s normal to feel nervous. The good news? The surgery is simple, predictable, and recovery is easier than most people expect.
In this guide, we will explain everything in simple English, from what mandibular tori are to when removal is needed to complete recovery tips.
What Is Mandibular Tori?
Mandibular tori are extra bone growths that appear on the inside of your lower jaw. They usually form near the tongue and come in pairs on both sides. The medical name for this condition is torus mandibularis.
Are Mandibular Tori Dangerous?
No, they are not dangerous and not cancerous.
They grow slowly, and many people don’t even know they have them.
What Causes These Bone Growths?
While doctors are not 100% sure why mandibular tori develop, the most common reasons include:
- Genetics: If your parents had tori, you are more likely to have them.
- Teeth grinding or clenching. This constant pressure can stimulate bone growth.
- Injury or trauma, A hit to the jaw may trigger bone formation.
- High bone density. Some people naturally build more bone.
Tori can stay small for years. But when they start causing discomfort or blocking dental treatments, mandibular tori removal becomes necessary.
Why and When You Need Removal
Not everyone needs tori removal, but many patients eventually face issues that make surgery the best solution.
Here are the common reasons you may need mandibular tori removal or torus mandibularis removal.
1. Eating Becomes Difficult
Large tori can make chewing uncomfortable, especially with hard or sharp foods. Food may also get trapped under the bone, leading to irritation or infection.
2. Speech Problems
Some people experience tongue movement restrictions. This can affect clear speech, making certain words hard to pronounce.
3. Dentures and Braces Cannot Fit
This is one of the top reasons for removal.
Dentures: If you need dentures, the tori can block them or cause painful rubbing.
Braces Orthodontists often advise tori removal before placing braces for proper alignment.
4. Oral Hygiene Is Hard
The extra bone leaves tight spaces where food, plaque, and bacteria can get trapped. This increases the risk of:
- Gum infection
- Bad breath
- Tooth decay
5. Preparing for Dental Implants
If you’re planning a dental implant, mandibular tori may interfere with the implant position. Removing them gives the dentist more space to work safely.
6. Frequent Ulcers or Irritation
Sharp edges of tori can rub against the tongue and cause painful ulcers.
7. Personal Discomfort
Even if tori aren’t causing a medical problem, some patients choose removal simply because:
- They feel uncomfortable
- They dislike the feeling of bumps in the mouth
- They want smoother oral tissues
If any of these apply to you, mandibular tori removal can significantly improve your comfort and oral health.
What to Expect During Mandibular Tori Removal
The procedure is simple and typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete.
Step 1 – Numbing the Area
Your dentist gives you local anesthesia (numbing injection). You won’t feel any pain during the surgery.
For anxious patients, sedation options are also available.
Step 2 – Opening the Gum
A small incision is made to expose the excess bone.
Step 3 – Removing the Bone
The dentist uses either:
- A traditional surgical tool (drill, chisel, or bur), or
- A dental laser (less bleeding, faster healing)
Both methods are safe and effective.
Step 4 – Smoothing the Bone
The remaining bone surface is polished to prevent sharp edges.
Step 5 – Cleaning and Closing
The area is cleaned with saline, and stitches are placed to close the gums.
You can go home the same day — no hospital stay needed.
Recovery and Eating Tips
Healing depends on the size of the tori and the method used for removal. Most patients recover in 1 to 3 weeks, while complete healing may take 4 to 6 weeks.
Below are practical tips to help you heal faster and avoid complications.
1. Manage Swelling and Pain
Swelling peaks in the first 48 hours.
- Use ice packs for 15 minutes on, 15 minutes off.
- Take prescribed or over-the-counter pain medicine (like ibuprofen).
- Keep your head elevated while resting.
Most pain is mild and improves quickly.
2. Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Good hygiene helps prevent infection.
- Rinse gently with warm saltwater after meals.
- Brush your teeth carefully, avoiding the stitches area.
- Do not touch the surgical site with your tongue or fingers.
3. Follow a Soft Food Diet
For the first 5–7 days, stick to foods that do not irritate the area:
Best foods:
- Mashed potatoes
- Soup
- Yogurt
- Scrambled eggs
- Smoothies
- Oatmeal
Avoid foods:
- Crunchy snacks
- Spicy food
- Hard or chewy meats
- Very hot drinks
Soft foods allow the gums to heal without pressure.
4. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking delays healing and increases infection risk.
Alcohol can irritate the wound and interfere with medication.
Avoid both for at least 1 week.
5. Follow-Up Visits
Your dentist may schedule a follow-up to:
- Check healing
- Remove stitches (if not dissolvable)
- Ensure there are no signs of infection
6. When to Call Your Dentist
Contact your dentist immediately if you notice:
- Continuous bleeding
- Fever or chills
- Pain that gets worse after 3 days
- Bad smell from the area
- Pus or discharge
These could indicate infection.
Final Thoughts
Mandibular tori removal is a safe and effective procedure that can transform your oral comfort. Whether you struggle with eating, speaking, or fitting dental appliances, removing the tori can bring immediate relief and long-term benefits.
With proper care, most patients heal smoothly and return to normal activities within a week. If your tori are affecting your daily life, talking to your dentist about mandibular tori removal is the first step toward a healthier and more comfortable smile.
Meta Description
Mandibular tori removal is a simple oral surgery that helps you eat, speak, and maintain oral hygiene comfortably. Learn what mandibular tori are, when removal is needed, and what to expect before and after the procedure.
FAQs
1. Is mandibular tori removal painful?
No, mandibular tori removal is not painful because the dentist uses anesthesia. Mild soreness appears only after the procedure.
2. How long does recovery take after mandibular tori removal?
Most patients recover in 1–2 weeks, though complete healing can take a little longer.
3. Can mandibular tori grow back after removal?
Yes, mandibular tori can return, especially if the cause (like teeth grinding) isn’t treated.
4. What foods should I eat after mandibular tori removal?
Eat soft foods like soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies for the first few days.
5. When is mandibular tori removal necessary?
Removal is needed when the tori cause pain, make eating hard, affect speech, or interfere with dentures
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