Abstract
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.