Palatal Tori (Torus Palatinus) – Treatment, Pictures, Cancer, Cause, Removal, Symptoms

Palatal tori, or torus palatinus, refers to benign bony growths that develop along the hard palate. They are a common anatomical variation and often discovered during a routine clinical examination. While usually asymptomatic, their management becomes essential when they interfere with daily life, such as causing mouth pain or difficulty with dental appliances.

Key Facts

Palatal tori (torus palatinus) are bony growths that occur on the roof of the mouth (hard palate)

These growths are generally harmless and may not require any treatment

The exact cause of palatal tori is not known, but factors like genetics and environmental factors are thought to play a role

Palatal tori are relatively common, affecting around 20-30% of the population

Most people with palatal tori do not experience any symptoms or discomfort

In cases where the tori interfere with oral function or fitting of dental appliances, surgical removal may be necessary

What is Torus Palatinus (Palatal Tori)?

Torus palatinus, or palatal tori, are compact bone growths located on the midline of the hard palate. It is a benign anatomical condition where these bony growths develop on the hard palate or roof of the mouth. These growths can vary in shape and size and can range from small nodules to larger tori that cover significant areas of the palate. They and usually occur on both sides of the midline of the palate. In some cases, a longitudinal ridge is observed. Palatal tori are generally symmetrical, smooth, and have a dome-like appearance. They are composed of dense cortical bone on the outside and trabecular bone on the inside. The overlying mucosa is usually thin but normal in appearance. The condition can develop at any age but is more commonly observed in adults over the age of 30.

How Common are Oral Tori?

Palatal tori are relatively common, affecting an estimated 20-30% of the population, with a higher prevalence observed in middle age. However, the prevalence can vary among different ethnic groups and geographical regions. Studies have shown that it is more common in females than in males. Besides palatal tori, other oral tori such as torus mandibularis, which occurs on the lower jaw, are also relatively common but occur at a lower frequency compared to palatal tori.

What are the Symptoms of Torus Palatinus (Palatal Tori)?

In most cases, individuals with palatal tori do not experience any symptoms or discomfort. Palatal tori are usually discovered incidentally during a dental examination.
However, in some cases, the following signs or symptoms may be noticed:

Visible Bony Growth: A person might notice a hard lump or growth on the roof of the mouth.
Sensitivity to Pressure: If the tori are large, there might be sensitivity or discomfort when pressure is applied to the roof of the mouth, such as during eating or wearing dental appliances.
Ulceration: Rarely, the overlying mucosa may become ulcerated if subjected to repeated trauma, such as from sharp or hard food.

It’s important to note that while palatal tori are usually painless, any growth in the mouth should be evaluated by a dental professional to rule out other conditions.

What Causes Torus Palatinus (Palatal Tori)?

Factors contributing to their development include genetic predisposition, environmental factors, increased bone density, and possibly trauma or teeth grinding. The exact cause of palatal tori is not well understood, but it is believed to be influenced by several factors:

Genetic Predisposition: There seems to be a genetic component, as palatal tori often run in families.
Environmental Factors: Dietary habits and environmental factors might also play a role in the development of palatal tori.
Masticatory Forces: Some studies suggest that the forces exerted during chewing may contribute to the formation of tori.
Bone Remodeling: It is also thought to be associated with the remodeling of the bone, where the bone is reabsorbed in some areas and deposited in others, such as the palate in this case.

Understanding the causes and symptoms of palatal tori is essential in identifying the condition and ensuring that it does not interfere with oral health. It is also necessary to differentiate palatal tori from other oral conditions that might require different management or intervention.

What are the Complications of Torus Palatinus (Palatal Tori)?

While palatal tori are usually benign and do not cause any symptoms, there are certain instances where complications may arise:

Irritation and Ulceration: Large tori can be susceptible to irritation from food or dental appliances, which can sometimes lead to ulceration of the overlying mucosa.
Interference with Dental Appliances: Tori can interfere with the fitting of dentures, braces, or other dental appliances. In such cases, the dental appliances may need to be specially designed or the tori may need to be surgically removed.
Oral Hygiene Challenges: Tori can sometimes make it difficult to maintain proper oral hygiene, especially if they are large and food gets trapped around them.
Speech and Eating Issues: Very large tori might interfere with normal speech and eating.

How are Oral Tori Diagnosed?

Oral tori are typically diagnosed during a routine dental examination. The dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth and ask about any symptoms or family history of similar conditions. The tori are usually easily identified by their characteristic appearance as bony protuberances on the roof of the mouth.

What Tests Can Help Diagnose Torus Palatinus (Palatal Tori)?

In most cases, no specific tests are required to diagnose palatal tori as they can be identified through a visual examination. However, in cases where there is any uncertainty or the dentist wants to rule out other conditions, the following tests might be used:

Dental X-rays: To get a detailed view of the bone structure.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography: For a definitive diagnosis and to understand the growth’s imaging aspects, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) can be employed. This imaging modality offers detailed views of the bony structures of the mouth.
CT Scan: In rare cases, a CT scan may be used for a more detailed view, especially if surgical intervention is being considered.
Differential Diagnosis: During a clinical examination, it’s crucial to perform a differential diagnosis to rule out other conditions like oral cancer or other symptoms that might mimic tori.

Treatment: How is Torus Palatinus (Palatal Tori) Treated?

While most palatal tori do not require treatment, surgical removal may be considered if the growth interferes with the fit of dental appliances, orthodontic devices, speech patterns, or causes mouth pain and difficulty swallowing.
The following are the treatment options:

Observation and Monitoring: If the tori are small and not causing any problems, the dentist might recommend just keeping an eye on them and monitoring for any changes in size or symptoms.
Improving Oral Hygiene: If the tori are complicating oral hygiene, the dentist may give specific instructions or tools to help clean around the tori.
Surgical Excision: In cases where the tori are causing significant discomfort, interfering with speech, eating, or the fit of dental appliances, surgical removal may be recommended. The procedure is called tori reduction or tori removal surgery. It is typically performed by an oral surgeon under local or general anesthesia. The procedure involves making an incision over the growth, followed by surgical excision.
Post-Surgery Care:Recovery typically takes three to four weeks. During this time, patients might need to adjust their diet and use mouth guards to protect the surgical site.
Dental Appliances: If the tori are interfering with the fit of dentures or other dental appliances, the appliances can sometimes be modified to accommodate the tori.
Considerations for Larger Tori: Larger tori might require more extensive surgery. In these cases, the oral surgeon will assess the current status and density similar to that of long bones to plan the surgical approach.

How Long Does it Take to Recover from Torus Palatinus Removal?

Recovery time after torus palatinus removal can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the tori, the individual’s overall health, and adherence to post-operative care instructions. Generally, patients may experience discomfort, swelling, and mild bleeding in the area for a few days following the surgery. The initial healing phase, where these acute symptoms subside, typically lasts about 1-2 weeks. Complete healing and tissue remodeling can take several weeks to a few months. It’s important for patients to follow post-operative instructions, including diet modifications and oral hygiene practices, to facilitate healing.

Can I Prevent Palatal Tori?

There is no known way to prevent the development of palatal tori since they are largely thought to be due to genetic factors. However, maintaining good oral hygiene and having regular dental check-ups can help in early detection and monitoring of the condition.

What Can I Expect if I Have This Condition?

Most individuals with palatal tori do not experience any symptoms or complications. However, if the tori are large, they may cause discomfort or interfere with eating, speaking, or wearing dental appliances. Regular dental check-ups are essential to monitor the size and appearance of the tori. In the rare cases where they cause symptoms or interfere with dental appliances, surgical removal might be an option.

Does Torus Palatinus Go Away On Its Own?

Palatal tori generally do not resolve on their own. Once developed, they usually remain stable or may gradually increase in size over time. They don’t spontaneously disappear.

Can Tori Grow Back After Removal?

While it is not common, there have been cases where tori regrow after surgical removal. The rate and likelihood of regrowth can vary among individuals. It is believed that factors such as genetics and continued bone remodeling may contribute to the regrowth of tori. Regular dental examinations will allow monitoring for any regrowth if the tori have been surgically removed.

What Are Other Palatal Tori Considerations?

Impact on Oral Health: Palatal tori can affect oral health in various ways, including tooth crowding, impacting speech, and complicating the use of dental appliances. Their presence should be noted in the patient’s dental record as a significant clinical finding.
Oral Surgery and Orthodontics: In cases where tori interfere with orthodontic treatment or cause mouth pain, oral surgery might be recommended. Surgical removal can help the patient use their mouth comfortably and ensure the effectiveness of orthodontic treatment.

When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?

It is advisable to see a healthcare provider or dentist if you notice any unusual growths in your mouth, especially if they are causing discomfort or interfering with normal oral functions.
Specifically, for palatal tori, you should see a healthcare provider if:

You experience pain or discomfort from the tori
The tori are unusually large or appear to be growing rapidly
You have difficulty speaking or eating because of the tori
The tori are interfering with the fit of dentures or other dental appliances
You notice any changes in the appearance of the tori, such as ulceration or color change

Is Torus Palatinus Cancer?

Torus palatinus is not cancerous. It is a benign bony growth on the palate. However, because any growth in the mouth can cause concern, it’s understandable that some individuals might worry about cancer. It is important to have regular dental examinations to monitor oral health and to rule out any potentially harmful conditions. If you have concerns about any growths in your mouth, it is best to consult a healthcare provider for an evaluation.

Are There Tori in Other Locations?

Yes, there are also other types of tori:

Mandibular Tori: Besides the hard palate, bony growths can also occur on the lower jaw, known as torus mandibularis. These are usually located on the inner surface of the mandible.
Maxillary Torus and Palatal Exostoses: The maxillary torus is a similar growth on the upper jaw. Palatal exostoses are smaller, multiple growths along the palatal bone.

Bottom Line

Palatal tori (Torus palatinus) is a benign condition characterized by bony growths on the roof of the mouth. They are often an incidental finding with no associated symptoms or complications. Because of that usually no treatment is required unless it causes discomfort or interferes with oral functions or dental appliances. Regular dental checkups can help monitor their growth and shape, and determine if intervention is needed. There is no known way to prevent palatal tori, and they do not go away on their own. In cases where surgical removal is necessary, working with an experienced oral surgeon ensures that the procedure is conducted safely and effectively, with minimal impact on the patient’s quality of life. Understanding the nature of these bony growths, their clinical implications, and treatment options is essential for both patients and dental professionals.

This article is complete and was published on July 8, 2023, and last updated on December 19, 2023.

Key Facts