Have you ever noticed bony growths inside your lower jaw? These small, hard bumps can be surprising to find and might make you wonder if they are dangerous. Novadent Dental Clinic in Los Algodones frequently helps patients dealing with this condition, known as mandibular tori. If you’re curious about what these growths are, what causes them, and how they can be treated, keep reading. Understanding these growths is important, especially if they begin to cause discomfort or interfere with daily activities.
What is Mandibular Tori?
Mandibular tori (plural of torus) are bony growths that form on the inside of the lower jaw, typically near the tongue. These growths are harmless and benign, meaning they aren’t cancerous and don’t pose a major health risk. However, they can sometimes become a nuisance depending on their size or location.
What is Tori Caused By?
The exact cause of mandibular tori is still not completely understood. However, researchers believe that both genetic factors and environmental influences can play a role. Some common reasons people might develop tori include:
- Genetics: If your family has a history of mandibular tori, you are more likely to develop them.
- Grinding or clenching teeth: Habitual grinding or clenching may put stress on the jawbone, stimulating extra bone growth.
- Jaw structure: People with certain jaw shapes are more prone to developing tori.
- Diet: Some experts suggest that diets rich in calcium might contribute to the development of these bony growths, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Though these factors can increase the chances of developing tori, it’s important to note that they are generally harmless.
Do Mandibular Tori Require Treatment?
Mandibular tori do not always require treatment, especially if they are small and asymptomatic. However, if the tori begin to cause discomfort or interfere with daily activities such as eating or speaking, treatment may become necessary. Patients may also consider treatment if they are planning on getting dentures or other dental appliances that could be hindered by the presence of tori.
Common Symptoms and Complications
While many people with tori do not experience any symptoms, the following issues can arise:
- Discomfort while eating: Larger tori can cause irritation when chewing, especially with hard or crunchy foods.
- Speech difficulties: Tori located near the tongue can interfere with speaking clearly.
- Ulcers or sores: In some cases, the surface of the tori may get injured, leading to painful ulcers or sores in the mouth.
- Denture fit problems: Tori can interfere with the fitting of dentures or other dental devices, making it difficult to wear them comfortably.
If you experience any of these issues, Novadent Dental Clinic in Los Algodones can evaluate the situation and recommend the best course of action.
Treatment Options for Mandibular Tori
So, what happens if you need to get rid of these bony growths? Mandibular tori treatment primarily involves surgical removal. The procedure is straightforward but requires a skilled dentist or oral surgeon.
Removal of the Tori
The removal of tori is performed through a minor surgical procedure known as a torus reduction. Here’s how it generally works:
- Initial consultation: At Novadent Dental Clinic, the dentist will conduct a thorough examination, including X-rays, to determine the size and location of the tori.
- Preparation: Before surgery, local anesthesia is administered to numb the area. This ensures the procedure is as painless as possible.
- Surgical removal: Using precise instruments, the dentist will carefully remove the excess bone. In most cases, the procedure is relatively quick.
- Stitching and healing: After the tori are removed, the area will be stitched to allow proper healing. Most patients recover fully within a few weeks.
While the thought of surgery can be intimidating, the procedure is low-risk and typically leads to relief from any discomfort caused by the tori. If you’re considering tori removal, scheduling a consultation with Novadent Dental Clinic will help you understand the process and determine if it’s the right choice for you.
What to Expect After Surgery
Recovery after tori removal is usually smooth, but as with any procedure, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Swelling and discomfort: It’s common to experience some swelling and mild discomfort in the days following surgery. Over-the-counter pain relievers are usually enough to manage any pain.
- Soft foods diet: For the first few days, it’s best to stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, and smoothies to avoid irritating the surgical site.
- Good oral hygiene: Keep your mouth clean by gently brushing and using an antiseptic mouthwash, as recommended by your dentist.
Novadent Dental Clinic will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
Is Mandibular Tori Removal Necessary?
Not everyone with mandibular tori needs surgery. For some, the tori are small, cause no discomfort, and don’t interfere with daily activities. However, if you’re facing issues such as difficulty eating, speaking, or fitting dentures, removal is often the best option. It’s important to speak with a dental professional to assess whether treatment is necessary in your case.
Factors to Consider Before Removal
Before deciding on tori removal, here are some factors to discuss with your dentist:
- Size and location: Larger tori or those positioned near sensitive areas like the tongue may warrant removal.
- Symptoms: If you are experiencing pain, irritation, or interference with daily activities, removal is likely a good option.
- Future dental work: If you plan to get dentures or other dental appliances, removal might be necessary to ensure a proper fit.
Preventing Mandibular Tori
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent mandibular tori, reducing factors that may contribute to their development could help. For example, if you grind your teeth at night, a mouthguard may reduce stress on the jawbone and lower the risk of tori forming.
Additionally, maintaining good overall oral health and visiting your dentist regularly can ensure that any growths or changes in your jaw are caught early.
When to Schedule an Appointment
If you’ve noticed any unusual growths in your mouth or are experiencing discomfort related to mandibular tori, it’s time to seek professional advice. Novadent Dental Clinic in Los Algodones specializes in diagnosing and treating these types of dental conditions. With experienced professionals, advanced technology, and personalized care, they can guide you through the treatment process, whether that involves monitoring the tori or scheduling surgical removal.
Scheduling a consultation is easy, and the team at Novadent Dental Clinic is ready to help you get back to feeling comfortable and confident in your smile.
Conclusion
While mandibular tori are often harmless, they can sometimes lead to discomfort or interfere with dental procedures like dentures. Novadent Dental Clinic in Los Algodones is well-equipped to help you manage this condition, whether it’s through monitoring or surgical removal. If you’re dealing with mandibular tori and are unsure of the next steps, don’t hesitate to reach out for an evaluation.
The first step to relief is understanding your condition, and the experts at Novadent are here to guide you every step of the way. Ready to address your concerns about mandibular tori? Schedule your appointment today and find the treatment plan that works best for you.
