Torus palatinus and torus mandibularis
DESCRIPTION: Bony exostoses in the midline of the hard palate and on the lingual aspect of the mandible are referred to as torus palatinus and torus mandibularis respectively. Some studies suggest they are inherited whereas others suggest environmental factors. They start in childhood and reach peak incidence in young adults. Once they have reached “programmed size”, their growth stops. Some are so subtle they hardly constitute an abnormality, whereas others are so large they frighten the uninitiated observer. In the mandible, they may form a row of nodules as illustrated. In most individuals they occur bilaterally. Those in the palate may be divided by deep grooves to form a cluster of nodules. Exostoses entirely similar to tori occur elsewhere on the alveolar bone, but there is no specific name for them. It has been estimated that palatal tori occur in 20-35% of the population. Mandibular tori are less common, about 10% of the population are affected.
ETIOLOGY: Tori are developmental over-growths of normal bone and as previously stated they may be inherited.
TREATMENT: Tori and other exostoses seldom cause symptoms. Because they extend above the level of surrounding normal mucosa, they invite trauma. Small traumatic ulcers are therefore commonly seen on the mucosa that covers tori, more commonly palatal tori. Tori may interfere with prosthetic appliances and, for that reason, may require removal.
PROGNOSIS: Good
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: Tori have such a characteristic clinical appearance and history that differential diagnosis is seldom a problem.
