Tori Removal (Mandibular)
Mandibular Tori Removal is a specialized dental service provided by the board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Removing bony growths on the inner lower jaw that interfere with dentures, speech, or comfort.
Those Bony Bumps on Your Lower Jaw Are Not Dangerous — But They Can Be a Problem
Torus mandibularis is a benign bony growth (exostosis) that develops on the lingual (tongue) side of the lower jaw, usually in the premolar region. These growths appear as smooth, hard, rounded bumps covered by thin mucosa. They can be unilateral or bilateral, and they grow slowly over years. Most people with mandibular tori have no symptoms and require no treatment. But when the tori grow large enough to interfere with denture fabrication, make eating uncomfortable, obstruct tongue movement, or cause the thin overlying tissue to ulcerate repeatedly from food trauma — removal is warranted.
Mandibular tori removal at Aloha Dental Specialty Center is a straightforward outpatient procedure. Dr. Ostovar evaluates the tori clinically and on CBCT to determine their size, extent, and relationship to the mental nerve and tooth roots. The procedure involves raising a lingual mucoperiosteal flap, removing the bony growth with a combination of surgical bur and osteotome, smoothing the bone surface, and repositioning the flap with sutures. The thin mucosa over tori must be handled carefully — it tears easily because it has been stretched over the bone growth for years.
Recovery from mandibular tori removal involves swelling and some discomfort in the floor of the mouth for 5-7 days. Speaking and eating are affected temporarily because the tongue and floor of the mouth are adjacent to the surgical site. Patients transition to soft foods for the first week. The tissue heals rapidly, and the improvement — both in comfort and in denture fit — is typically dramatic. For patients getting lower dentures, we recommend waiting 6-8 weeks after tori removal before taking final denture impressions to allow the ridge to fully stabilize.
Serving Beaverton, Aloha, Hillsboro & Washington County
Aloha Dental Specialty Center is located at 18455 SW Alexander St, Suite A, in Beaverton, Or 97003egon. We serve patients from across the Tualatin Valley and greater Portland metro, including Aloha, Hillsboro, Tigard, Lake Oswego, and Tualatin. Our Beaverton office is a 5-minute drive from Aloha, 10 minutes from Hillsboro, and 15 minutes from Tigard via SW 185th Avenue.
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Intel Campuses (Ronler Acres & Jones Farm)
10 to 15 minutes via NW 185th Ave. We accommodate the schedules of tech professionals who need efficient, high-quality specialty care.
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Nike World Headquarters
About 8 minutes via SW Baseline Rd. We frequently see patients from the Nike campus for surgical and implant procedures with sedation options.
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Streets of Tanasbourne & Orenco Station
Easily accessible via US-26 and NW 185th. Local general dentists in these communities regularly refer patients to us for specialty procedures.
Why Local Dentists Refer to Us
We work as a trusted partner to general dentists throughout the Tualatin Valley. When cases require CBCT-guided planning, IV sedation, bone grafting, or other advanced procedures, local providers refer to Dr. Ostovar for his fellowship-trained expertise and predictable results.
We handle the complex surgical phases and coordinate closely with your general dentist for seamless continuity of care from start to finish.
Understanding Your Investment
At Aloha Dental Specialty Center, we provide transparent pricing before any treatment begins. The cost of your procedure depends on clinical complexity, materials used, and sedation requirements. We walk you through every line item during your consultation so there are no surprises.
What Affects Cost:
- Clinical Complexity: Bone loss, sinus proximity, nerve involvement, or the need for grafting affects treatment planning and surgical time.
- Materials: We use research-backed implant systems, purified bone graft matrices, and high-strength ceramics from established manufacturers.
- Sedation: Options range from local anesthesia to IV sedation, each with different associated costs. We discuss the best option for your comfort and procedure.
Insurance & Financing
We accept most major dental insurance plans and file claims on your behalf. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and submits pre-treatment estimates with clinical documentation to maximize coverage.
For out-of-pocket costs, we partner with CareCredit and Cherry for flexible payment plans. We also offer our ADSC Dental Savings Plan for patients without insurance.
Recovery & Healing Timeline
Understanding the healing process helps you plan ahead and follow post-operative instructions for the best possible outcome.
First 48 Hours
Mild swelling and tenderness are normal. Apply ice packs in 20-minute intervals and take prescribed or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Eat soft foods and avoid the surgical site when chewing.
Days 3 to 7
Swelling peaks around day three and then improves. The tissue begins closing over the surgical site. Continue with soft foods and use any prescribed antimicrobial rinse. Most patients return to normal activities during this phase.
Long-Term Healing
Surface tissue heals within two to three weeks. Bone integration and deep healing continue for three to six months. Avoid smoking, follow up as scheduled, and maintain good oral hygiene throughout recovery.
Questions during recovery? Call us at (503) 822-0096. We are available for post-operative concerns.
What Causes Torus Mandibularis?
The exact etiology of torus mandibularis is not fully understood, but it is believed to be multifactorial. Genetic predisposition plays a significant role — tori are more prevalent in certain populations (Asian, Native American, and Inuit populations) and tend to run in families. Functional stress is another contributing factor: studies show a correlation between bruxism (tooth grinding) and tori development, suggesting that repetitive mechanical loading stimulates periosteal bone deposition. Tori are composed of dense lamellar cortical bone, sometimes with a cancellous core. They grow slowly and may plateau in size, but they rarely regress spontaneously. The growth is entirely benign and has no malignant potential.
Why Choose a Specialist?
Mandibular tori removal involves working in close proximity to the lingual nerve, the sublingual gland, and Wharton's duct (the submandibular salivary duct). The thin mucosa overlying the tori requires meticulous flap elevation to avoid perforation. The bone must be removed conservatively — too aggressive an approach risks fracturing the mandibular cortex or injuring the underlying neurovascular structures. A surgeon who regularly removes tori knows the tissue planes, understands the limits of bone removal, and can manage the fragile mucosal flap without tearing it. This is a procedure where careful technique produces a straightforward recovery, and rushed technique creates complications.
Your Mandibular Tori Removal Treatment Steps
- Consultation & Exam: Comprehensive mandibular tori removal evaluation with CBCT 3D imaging at our Beaverton office.
- Treatment Plan: Board-certified specialist discusses your mandibular tori removal options, timeline, and costs. Our procedures maintain a 95%+ success rate, backed by advanced 3D imaging and evidence-based protocols.
- Treatment: Procedure performed with comfort options including sedation if needed.
- Follow-Up: Post-treatment monitoring and care coordination for optimal healing.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Book a consultation with our board-certified specialists at Aloha Dental Specialty Center in Beaverton, OR. Call (503) 822-0096 Office hours: Monday through Friday 7 AM to 7 PM, Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 2 PM. or request an appointment online.
Related Services at Aloha Dental Specialty Center:
Dental Implants · Oral Surgery · Root Canal · Invisalign · Periodontics · Pediatric · TMJ Treatment · Sedation · Cosmetic · Emergency · Sleep Apnea
From Dr. Ostovar: What Patients Should Know
“I know oral surgery sounds intimidating — many patients tell me they’ve been putting this off for months or even years. Here’s what I want you to know: with IV sedation, you won’t remember anything. You’ll close your eyes, and the next thing you know, it’s done. Most patients say the anticipation was far worse than the reality.
Recovery depends on the complexity. For a straightforward case, you’re looking at 2-3 days of swelling managed with ice packs and ibuprofen, then gradual improvement over the following week. I recommend soft foods for 7-10 days — yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, smoothies. No straws, no smoking, no vigorous rinsing for at least 5 days.
I always use CBCT 3D imaging before any surgical procedure. A standard X-ray gives me a flat picture — the CT scan shows me exactly where the nerves are, what the bone looks like in three dimensions, and how to plan the safest approach. It makes a real difference in outcomes.”
— Dr. Merat Ostovar, DDS | Oral Surgery, Aloha Dental Specialty Center
Are You a Candidate for Mandibular Tori Removal?
Most patients in good general health are candidates for mandibular tori removal. However, certain factors may affect your eligibility or require modifications to the treatment plan:
- Medical conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or blood-thinning medications may require coordination with your physician before treatment.
- Bone quality: For mandibular tori removal involving the jawbone, adequate bone density is essential. A CBCT 3D scan during your consultation determines this precisely.
- Smoking: Tobacco use significantly impairs healing. We strongly recommend quitting 2-4 weeks before and after any surgical procedure.
- Age: There is generally no upper age limit. What matters is your overall health, not your age. We have successfully treated patients in their 80s and 90s.
The only way to know for certain is a consultation with our board-certified specialists. Call (503) 822-0096 to schedule your evaluation — we’ll tell you honestly whether this is the right treatment for your situation.
Typical Healing Timeline:
Days 1-3: Initial healing, mild swelling managed with ice and medication. Days 4-7: Swelling subsides, gradual return to normal diet. Weeks 2-4: Soft tissue heals completely. Months 2-6: Bone remodeling and full integration (for surgical procedures). Individual recovery varies — we provide detailed post-op instructions specific to your procedure.
For additional clinical information, visit the American Dental Association (ADA).
Last reviewed by our dental specialists: March 2026. Clinical information on this page reflects current evidence-based dental practices.
Related Dental Services
Frequently Asked Questions
What are mandibular tori?
Mandibular tori (torus mandibularis) are benign bony growths on the inner (tongue) side of the lower jawbone, typically in the premolar area. They are made of dense cortical bone, grow slowly, and are covered by a thin layer of gum tissue. They are not tumors and have no cancer risk.
Do mandibular tori need to be removed?
Not always. Removal is recommended when tori interfere with denture fabrication or fit, when they cause recurring ulceration from food trauma, when they obstruct tongue movement or speech, or when they are needed for prosthetic or implant treatment planning. If the tori are asymptomatic and not interfering with function, they can be left alone.
Is tori removal painful?
The procedure is done under local anesthesia and is painless during surgery. Post-operative swelling and discomfort in the floor of the mouth are expected for 5-7 days. Prescription pain medication is provided for the first few days, and ibuprofen is usually sufficient after that. The discomfort is manageable.
How long does mandibular tori removal take?
The procedure takes 45-60 minutes for bilateral removal (both sides). Unilateral removal is faster. If combined with extractions or other procedures, total surgical time is longer. IV sedation is available and recommended for bilateral removal or patients with dental anxiety.
How long is recovery after tori removal?
Swelling peaks at days 2-3 and gradually resolves over 1-2 weeks. Soft diet for 7-10 days. Speaking may feel awkward for the first week as the tongue adjusts to the new contour. Sutures dissolve in 7-14 days. Most patients feel substantially better after one week and fully normal by 2-3 weeks.
Will the tori grow back after removal?
Recurrence is rare once the tori are fully removed. However, if the underlying stimulus (such as bruxism) continues, there is a small possibility of gradual bony regrowth over many years. Wearing a night guard after surgery may help prevent recurrence if bruxism is a contributing factor.
Can I get a denture if I have mandibular tori?
Tori create undercuts that prevent a denture from seating properly and cause tissue irritation under the denture. In most cases, mandibular tori must be removed before a lower denture can be fabricated. After removal and healing, the smooth ridge provides a comfortable, stable foundation for the denture.
Is there a risk of nerve damage from tori removal?
The lingual nerve runs along the floor of the mouth near mandibular tori. There is a small risk of temporary altered sensation or numbness of the tongue, but permanent damage is rare when the procedure is performed by an experienced surgeon who understands the anatomy. Careful flap design and conservative bone removal minimize this risk.
Can tori removal be done under IV sedation?
Yes. IV sedation is available and recommended for patients having bilateral tori removal, or for patients who prefer to be sedated during any surgical procedure. Dr. Ostovar is IV sedation certified and monitors your vital signs throughout.
Are mandibular tori hereditary?
Yes, there is a strong genetic component. If your parents or siblings have mandibular tori, you are more likely to develop them. Certain ethnic populations have higher prevalence rates. Bruxism (teeth grinding) may accelerate their growth in genetically predisposed individuals.
What instruments are used to remove mandibular tori?
We use a combination of surgical burs (high-speed and low-speed with copious irrigation), osteotomes (chisels designed for bone), rongeurs, and bone files. The tori are scored with the bur, sectioned with the osteotome, and the remaining surface is smoothed with files and burs. This controlled approach prevents fracture into surrounding structures.
How much does mandibular tori removal cost?
Cost depends on the size of the tori, whether one or both sides are treated, and the type of anesthesia. Dental insurance often covers tori removal when it is medically necessary — for example, when needed for denture fabrication. We provide a specific estimate after your clinical and CBCT evaluation.
Will my speech improve after tori removal?
If the tori were large enough to obstruct tongue movement or alter the contour of the floor of the mouth, speech may improve after removal and healing. Some patients report clearer articulation, particularly with sounds that require tongue contact with the lingual surfaces of the lower teeth.
Can I eat on the same day as tori removal?
Yes, but only soft, lukewarm foods once the anesthesia wears off. Avoid anything hot, crunchy, sharp, or spicy for the first week. Good choices include yogurt, smoothies, mashed potatoes, eggs, and soup at a comfortable temperature. Eating will be somewhat awkward due to lingual swelling, but it improves daily.
What happens if I ignore large mandibular tori?
Large mandibular tori are not dangerous if left alone. However, the thin mucosa covering them can ulcerate from food trauma, causing recurring pain. They may continue to grow slowly. And if you ever need a lower denture, implant-supported prosthesis, or have floor-of-mouth pathology requiring treatment, the tori will need to be addressed at that point.
Lower Jaw Tori Causing Problems? Removal Is Simpler Than You Think.
Call our Beaverton office or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you.
Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Merat Ostovar, DMD
Doctor of Dental Medicine | Implant & Specialty Dentistry | 15+ Years Experience
Aloha Dental Specialty Center — Serving Aloha, Beaverton, Hillsboro & Greater Portland
Last updated: March 19, 2026