“Torectomy” what you need to know

Although the name might sound unpleasant, Torectomy is not as scary as it seems. If your dentist finds a bone spur in your mouth and recommends removing it, let’s take some time to understand its meaning, causes, and how to handle it in this article.

When you run your tongue over your mouth and gums and feel something hard or bumpy, don’t immediately worry that it’s cancer or a malignant lump. It could just be a bone spur that has grown. Normally, bone spurs can develop in anyone and are treatable. However, if the bone spur starts affecting your daily life, your dentist may recommend surgical removal. If you’re concerned about having a bone spur in your mouth, wondering whether you should remove it or let it heal on its own, we’ve gathered all the important information for you.

What Are Mandibular Toris, and Where Can They Occur?

Mandibular toris are bony growths or projections that gradually develop under the gums within the oral cavity. They often have an irregular shape and can appear as single lumps or clusters. Mandibular toris can occur in people of any age, although they are more commonly found in adults than in children.

The most common locations for mandibular toris in the mouth include:

• The midline of the palate (roof of the mouth)
• The sides of the lower or upper jaw
• The gum ridges near the tongue

What Causes Mandibular toris?

Several factors can lead to the development of mandibular toris, including genetics, ethnicity, or certain habits that prompt the body to form bone in the wrong places. Some behaviors that may contribute to mandibular tori formation include:

• Orthodontic treatment: Braces may stimulate new bone growth around the jaw, increasing the risk of abnormal mandibular tori development.
• Chewing force: People who chew food with excessive force may wear down their teeth, leading to the formation of bony ridges.
• Teeth grinding (bruxism): Individuals who grind or clench their teeth, especially during sleep, often develop mandibular toris on the gum ridges.

Understanding these causes can help identify and address habits or conditions that might contribute to mandibular tori formation.

How to Check for Mandibular toris in Your Mouth

You can perform a self-check to see if you have mandibular toris in your oral cavity by following these steps:

• Use Your Tongue: Run your tongue along the surfaces inside your mouth, starting from the upper jaw down to the lower jaw. Focus on the areas behind your teeth and along the outer gum ridges. If you notice any hard, raised lumps, they could be mandibular toris.
• Use a Mirror: Look in the mirror and inspect your mouth visually.
• Use Your Fingers: Gently press around your gums and jaw areas with clean fingers to feel for any hard protrusions.

If you detect anything unusual, consult a dentist to confirm whether it’s a mandibular tori and to discuss potential treatments.

Who Should Consider Mandibular Tori Removal Surgery?

Mandibular Tori Removal in the mouth is recommended for individuals experiencing the following issues:

• Frequent Food Trapping: If food frequently gets stuck around the mandibular tori, making cleaning difficult, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and lead to oral health issues.
• Chronic Irritation or Ulcers: When the tissue covering the mandibular tori develops wounds or persistent ulcers due to friction from brushing or chewing, treatment may be necessary.
• Dental Appliance Needs: People who require dental devices, such as braces or dentures, may need the spur removed to ensure proper fitting and comfort.
• Functional or Aesthetic Concerns:
  • Large mandibular toris that obstruct chewing or interfere with daily activities.
  • Mandibular toris on the gum ridge near the front teeth that affect confidence when smiling.

If the mandibular tori is small and does not cause discomfort or interfere with daily life, removal may not be required. The decision depends on the dentist’s evaluation and professional advice.

Steps in Torectomy

• Oral Examination and X-ray (if needed):
  The dentist examines the oral cavity, and in some cases, an X-ray is performed to assess the location and size of the mandibular tori requiring removal.
• Local Anesthesia:
  A local anesthetic is administered to numb the area and minimize pain during the procedure.
• Surgical Removal:
  • The dentist makes an incision in the gum over the mandibular tori.
  • Specialized tools are used to cut or file down the excess bone.
• Cleaning and Wound Closure:
  • After the mandibular tori is removed, the area is thoroughly cleaned.
  • The incision is stitched closed with sutures. For larger wounds, a stent or obturator may be placed to stop bleeding and protect the wound from irritation during eating.
• Follow-Up:
  After the procedure, the dentist schedules a follow-up appointment (usually within a week) to remove the stitches and check the healing process.

Proper post-operative care instructions will also be provided to ensure smooth recovery and prevent complications.

Cost of Torectomy

The cost of Mandibular Tori Removal surgery typically ranges from 2,000 to 7,000 THB, depending on the location and complexity of the procedure.

• Mandibular toris located on the palate (roof of the mouth) tend to be more expensive due to the difficulty of access and treatment.
• Mandibular toris under the tongue or along the lower jaw are generally less costly to remove.

It’s best to consult your dentist for a precise cost estimate based on your specific condition.

Post-Operative Care After Torectomy

• Bite on Gauze: After surgery, bite down on gauze placed over the wound for 1-2 hours to help stop the bleeding. Avoid spitting or rinsing your mouth, as it can slow down the clotting process.
• Take Prescribed Medications: Take antibiotics and pain relievers as prescribed by your dentist. Finish the entire course of antibiotics to prevent antibiotic resistance.
• Soft Foods for 1 Week: For the first week after surgery, eat soft foods to minimize pain and irritation in the mouth.
• Clean the Wound Gently: You can use a gauze pad soaked in saline solution to gently wipe the wound area and remove any food debris.
• Avoid Touching the Wound: Refrain from sucking or poking the wound, as this can cause bleeding and increase the risk of infection.
• Cleaning Removable Dental Appliances: If you have a removable dental appliance (e.g., dentures or retainers), clean it with soap and water before placing it back in your mouth after cleaning.

Following these guidelines will help promote proper healing and reduce the risk of complications. Always follow your dentist’s advice and schedule any necessary follow-up appointments.

FAQs

• Are mandibular toris dangerous?

Answer: Most mandibular toris are not painful and are not dangerous. They are not tumors or cancer. However, mandibular toris may interfere with chewing, become a breeding ground for bacteria, or obstruct the use of certain dental appliances. If the mandibular tori is large or problematic, a dentist may recommend surgery to remove it, but small ones typically do not require removal.

• How long does mandibular tori surgery take, and is it painful?

Answer: Mandibular Tori Removal is considered a minor surgery and usually takes about 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the size and location of the mandibular tori. As for pain, it is generally similar to the discomfort associated with wisdom tooth extraction, as local anesthesia is used during the procedure to minimize pain.

• Do mandibular toris go away on their own?

Answer: Mandibular toris are a type of bone growth in the mouth and will not go away on their own. They will stop growing once they reach a certain size. If you wish to have them removed, it is advisable to consult a dentist for further evaluation and treatment options.