Willow Glen Dental Specialists: Periodontists (2024)

Willow Glen Dental Specialists Blog Should I Remove the Mandibular Tori From My Mouth?

Willow Glen Dental Specialists: Periodontists (1)

Continue reading for more information about mandibular tori and some scenarios in which it may be best to remove it from the mouth.

What is Tori?

Tori is a clinical term that quite simply means a bony growth. Tori is the plural form of the singular torus. Mandibular is a term that is used to describe something that is on the mandible, or lower jaw.

Mandibular tori commonly develop on the inside of the jaw, under the tongue. In most cases, the tori will develop on both sides of the mouth, though there are cases in which the tori will only develop on one side.

Tori is not relatively common: currently, it is estimated that anywhere from 5-40% of the population have distinguishable tori present in the mouth. It has been discovered that tori are slightly more common for males than they are for females.

What Causes Tori?

While grinding or clenching have been listed as potential causes for tori, there is no one singular cause that is recognized. It currently estimated that genetics may play a role, and seeing that tori are more common among men, it has been estimated that the genetic predisposition for developing tori may travel from father to son.

Should I Get My Tori Removed?

Tori are simply an abnormality; a random bone growth. They do not pose any immediate threat or harm once they have been identified in the mouth, though they do continue to grow over time, and have the potential to cause pain or discomfort if they become too large. In the case that the tori is considerably large, the patient is encouraged to consider undergoing surgery to remove the growth.

For individuals who wear dentures, tori may obstruct the plates from resting comfortably and evenly along the gumline. The patient may have a very difficult time getting the denture to stay in place, especially when eating. In this case, it is usually recommended to undergo surgery to remove the tori.

In most other cases, such as the presence of small tori that does not cause pain or obstruct dental prosthetics, most dentists will recommend not removing the tori and simply keeping a watchful eye on it. In most cases, the presence of tori is completely harmless.

Of course, as with all dental treatment, it is important to discuss your options with your dentist. He or she will inform you of what they recommend for your personal situation. For more information about mandibular tori or to get scheduled for a dental examination in San Jose to discuss your options for treatment, give Willow Glen Dental Specialists a call at (408) 478-9081.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Combating Gum Disease With Pocket Reduction Surgery

Bacteria have made their way under your gums, and these harmful agents are setting up to do serious damage to your teeth and gums. Through pocket reduction surgery, we can preserve your teeth.

5 Tips to Care for Your Clear Aligners

You’re making a fantastic investment in your smile with clear aligners, and you want to get the most out of this teeth-straightening process. To help, we provide some great tips on taking care of your aligners.

3 Reasons Why You Need a Root Canal Treatment

You have an infection in your root canal, which makes treatment more of a need than an option. While there are many reasons why you shouldn’t delay your root canal procedure, we highlight the top three.

3 (Very) Important Reasons Why Your Gum Health Matters

While many people focus on dental health, your gum health is equally as important, if not more so. We explore three life-altering complications that stem from unhealthy gums.

Give Yourself the Gift of Straighter Teeth This Year

In hindsight, you probably should have gotten braces as a kid, but that ship has sailed. Or has it? Thanks to advanced alignment technologies, millions of adults are treating themselves to straighter teeth.

Helping Your Teen Adjust to Braces

Like millions of adolescents before them, your teen is embarking on a braces journey, and you want it to go as smoothly as possible. Here are some tips that can ease the road to straighter teeth.

Willow Glen Dental Specialists: Periodontists (2024)

FAQs

What are three conditions that a periodontist may treat? ›

The periodontist is mainly concerned with: preventing the onset of gum disease (periodontal disease); diagnosing conditions affecting the gums and jawbone; and treating gingivitis, periodontitis, and bone loss.

How do you know if a periodontist is good? ›

A periodontist is a specialized dentist

Therefore, the first thing you want to consider when looking for the best periodontist is their education. Periodontists graduate from an accredited dental school with a DDS, Doctor of Dental Surgery, or a DMD, Doctor of Medical Dentistry, degree.

Can a general dentist treat periodontal disease? ›

While a general dentist can treat gum disease with cleanings, and scaling and root planing, a periodontist can treat advanced periodontal disease cases that a general dentist cannot.

When should a patient be referred to a periodontist? ›

Referrals from General Dentists and Self-Referral

In the course of a regular dental check-up, if the general dentist or hygienist finds symptoms of gingivitis or rapidly progressing periodontal disease, a consultation with a periodontist may be recommended.

Can 4mm gum pockets be reversed? ›

In most cases, the damage will not be completely reversible, but if you follow the treatment and prevention plan laid out by your dentist, you should be able to see significant improvement. Most people are able to reclaim a 4mm to 5mm pocket depth with proper treatment and ongoing periodontal maintenance.

How to reverse periodontal disease at home? ›

Proper oral hygiene practices, such as brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily, can go a long way in preventing and reversing gum disease. Additionally, using an antibacterial mouthwash can help kill bacteria that contribute to gum inflammation.

Is seeing a periodontist expensive? ›

The severity of your periodontal condition plays a significant role in determining treatment costs. For mild cases requiring non-surgical procedures like scaling and root planing, you might expect an average cost ranging from $100 to $300 per quadrant.

Can you reverse periodontal disease? ›

Only the first stage of gum disease, known as “gingivitis” can be reversed. After it progresses into the second stage (periodontitis), it's no longer possible to completely eliminate it.

How painful is periodontal work? ›

The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis so the patient is able to return home after surgery. While the procedure itself is painless, once the anesthetic wears off, discomfort and swelling are possible for a few days.

Is Listerine Good for periodontal disease? ›

While LISTERINE® mouthwash products can help prevent early gum disease, they are not indicated to treat periodontitis.

What is Stage 4 periodontal disease? ›

Stage 4: Advanced Periodontal Disease. This is the final stage of periodontal disease and at this point the infection has evolved into disease-causing bacteria. This can lead to several issues as gums which ooze pus, teeth significantly loosening, severe pain when chewing, and major bone loss.

What is the best antibiotic for periodontal disease? ›

Tetracycline antibiotics – Antibiotics which include tetracycline hydrochloride, doxycycline, and minocycline are the primary drugs used in periodontal treatment.

Can I self refer to a periodontist? ›

You can refer yourself

If you are concerned about your gum condition or have any questions please call and our reception staff will be pleased to help you.

What does a periodontist do on the first visit? ›

Every patient will have a slightly different experience during their first periodontal exam, but. periodontal exams typically begin with a review of your medical and dental history, including any significant preexisting medical conditions, allergies, or medications you may be taking.

Should I see a dentist or periodontist first? ›

A regular dentist can provide initial screening and diagnosis for gum disease and provide non-surgical treatments, such as scaling and root planing. However, if the gum disease is advanced or if more specialized procedures are needed, a periodontist may be the best option.

What are the 3 categories of periodontitis? ›

Periodontitis is categorized into four stages (Initial, Moderate, Severe with potential tooth loss, and Advanced with extensive tooth loss and masticatory dysfunction) and three grades (Slow progression, Moderate progression, Rapid progression).

What are the 3 categories of periodontal health? ›

Three major determinants of periodontal health include microbiological determinants (e.g., plaque and biofilm), host determinants, and environmental determinants (e.g., smoking, medications, stress, and nutrition).

What are three periodontal diseases? ›

What are periodontal diseases?
  • Gingivitis. This is the mildest form of periodontal disease. ...
  • Mild to moderate periodontitis. Untreated gingivitis leads to mild to moderate periodontitis. ...
  • Moderate to advanced periodontitis. This is the most advanced stage of gum disease.

What does a periodontist mainly treat patients with? ›

Conditions Treated by a Periodontist

The periodontist is mainly concerned with: preventing the onset of gum disease (periodontal disease); diagnosing conditions affecting the gums and jawbone; and treating gingivitis, periodontitis, and bone loss.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Madonna Wisozk

Last Updated:

Views: 5970

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (68 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Madonna Wisozk

Birthday: 2001-02-23

Address: 656 Gerhold Summit, Sidneyberg, FL 78179-2512

Phone: +6742282696652

Job: Customer Banking Liaison

Hobby: Flower arranging, Yo-yoing, Tai chi, Rowing, Macrame, Urban exploration, Knife making

Introduction: My name is Madonna Wisozk, I am a attractive, healthy, thoughtful, faithful, open, vivacious, zany person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.