Summary
Background: Torus is a protuberant and lobulated exostosis that
develops on the lingual aspect of the jaws or hard palate in 10-30% of
adults. They can interfere with mastication, speech, oral hygiene, and
denture placement. Their enlargement with advancing age may also lead to
superficial ulceration, inflammation, osteonecrosis and various other
complications.
Methods: A retrospective analysis of the authors’ experience
with 17 adults who had large symptomatic tori was performed. The
patients were examined by intraoral imaging and radiographic or computed
tomography of their maxillofacial bones. Their dental and medical
records were reviewed along with the pertinent literature concerning the
prevalence and reported complications of this entity.
Results: This series included 6 men and 11 women, ranging in
age from 36 to 85 years (Mean age: 56.5 years).There were 6 patients
with torus mandibularis, 8 with torus palatinus, and 3 with torus
maxillaris. Four of our 17 patients required surgical excision of their
tori because of large size, recurrent superficial erosions and
associated symptoms.
Conclusion: The majority of tori are asymptomatic and
incidental finding, but the more prominent tori are prone to mucosal
inflammation and ulceration that may require surgical removal of the
lesion. Large tori can also interfere with mastication, speech, dental
hygiene, placement and function of prosthetic dentures, and may cause
snoring, sleep apnea or other complications. Therefore, the practicing
physicians should be familiar with the appearance, radiological
features, clinical implications and management of tori.