Tori Removal in San Diego, CA
If you’ve noticed hard bumps on the inside of your mouth—particularly under your tongue or along the roof of your mouth—you may have what’s known as tori. While these growths are benign and often painless, they can cause discomfort, interfere with the function of your mouth, or make essential dental treatments such as dentures, implants, or orthodontic appliances more complicated.
At La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics in San Diego, CA, our team offers safe, precise tori removal surgery to restore comfort and function, and ensure your mouth is ready for any future dental work. Using state-of-the-art technology and a compassionate approach, we make the tori removal process smooth and efficient.
What Are Tori?
Tori (plural) or torus (singular) are benign bony growths that develop on the roof or floor of your mouth. They consist of compact bone covered by a thin layer of gum tissue and may vary in size, number, and shape. They can also develop on one or both sides of your mouth.
The most common types of tori are:
- Mandibular Tori: Also known as torus mandibularis, these types of tori are found along the inner surface of the lower jaw, usually under the tongue.
- Palatal Tori: Also known as torus palatinus, these tori are found on the roof of the mouth on the palate.
Tori often develop gradually and may be influenced by genetic factors, the anatomy of your mouth, teeth grinding (bruxism), or even your bone density. While they’re harmless, they can become problematic if they grow large, start to cause irritation, or interfere with necessary dental treatments and devices.
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Model
“At our practice, we do not cut corners. We only use the most advanced, cutting-edge equipment available.”rn— Dr. Kohani
How It Works
What Is the Process for Tori Removal?
Step One
Contact La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics at (858) 295-0603 or use our online contact form to schedule your consultation.
Step Two
Meet with Dr. Kohani to discuss your concerns about tori, undergo an examination to determine if you’re a good candidate for tori removal, and learn more about the procedure.
Step Three
The torus is accessed by lifting a flap of gum tissue covering the protrusion.
Step Four
The bony growth is removed, and the area is contoured and smoothed.
Step Five
The flap of tissue is then repositioned and secured, and once healed, your mouth is ready for any additional dental procedures.
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Consultation
During your consultation, Dr. Kohani will begin with a comprehensive oral exam. At La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics, we use advanced 3D imaging technology to accurately assess the size, shape, and location of your tori, as well as the surrounding bone and soft tissues. This planning step helps Dr. Kohani remove only the excess bone while protecting the surrounding structures and facilitating a smoother recovery.
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Accessing the Torus
To reach the excess bone growth, Dr. Kohani gently lifts a small flap of gum tissue around the tori to provide clear visibility and easy access without unnecessary trauma to the area. The incision is typically small, and the surrounding tissue remains intact, allowing for a quicker recovery and less discomfort.
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Bone Removal and Contouring
Dr. Kohani uses specialized, precision dental tools and techniques to carefully remove and smooth the excess bone. The goal is to remove the torus and shape the area so it feels more natural and allows your tongue and soft tissues to move comfortably.
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Closure and Healing
Once the bone has been reshaped, the gum tissue is repositioned and sutured with fine, dissolvable stitches. This helps protect the site as it heals and ensures a smooth, even gum line.
The tori removal procedure typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how many tori are present and their size. You will be able to go home the same day, with detailed post-operative instructions provided to help ensure a complication-free recovery.
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What Is Recovery Like After Tori Removal?
Most patients recover quickly after tori removal, with mild swelling and tenderness that resolves within a few days. Any discomfort is usually easy to manage with over-the-counter pain medication.
While everyone’s recovery rates and experiences are different, in general, your tori surgery recovery timeline will look like this:
- First 3 days: Expect minor swelling and soreness. Use ice packs and stick to eating soft foods.
- Days 4–7: Sutures begin to dissolve; you can start gently rinsing your mouth with salt water.
- 1–2 weeks: You will likely be able to resume normal eating, and speaking also becomes more comfortable.
- 3–4 weeks: Full healing of your gum tissue is complete.
To facilitate a smooth recovery from tori removal, you should:
- Avoid touching or disturbing the surgical site.
- Stick to soft foods such as yogurt, smoothies, and soups.
- Rinse gently after meals and maintain good oral hygiene.
During your follow-up visit, Dr. Kohani will check that healing is going well and that the gum issue around the area is returning to a healthy state.
Why Should I Choose La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics in San Diego, CA, for Tori Removal?
At La Jolla Cosmetic Dentistry & Orthodontics, Dr. Kohani and his experienced team combine advanced technology with surgical precision to ensure a safe and comfortable tori removal procedure. We prioritize personalized care and are dedicated to providing a calm, supportive experience along with lasting results in a welcoming, patient-focused environment designed for your comfort.
We proudly serve patients across San Diego, Murrieta, and Temecula. Call (858) 295-0603 to schedule your personalized tori removal consultation today.
Tori Removal FAQs
How much does tori removal cost in San Diego?
The cost of tori removal in San Diego varies based on several factors, including the size, location, and number of tori to be removed, as well as whether additional procedures are required. Dr. Kohani will provide you with a personalized cost estimate during your consultation.
Is tori removal painful?
No. The removal procedure itself is not painful, as the area is completely numbed before treatment begins. We also offer several sedation dentistry options to ensure your comfort during the surgery. Most patients describe feeling only gentle pressure or vibration during their procedure. Afterward, you may experience mild soreness or swelling for a few days, which can be easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication and a soft-food diet.
Do tori grow back?
In most cases, tori do not grow back once they’re removed. However, if the underlying causes of the issue (such as chronic teeth grinding or jaw clenching) continue, there is a slight chance that new growths could develop over time. Regular dental checkups and treating contributing factors, such as bruxism, can help prevent recurrence.
Will tori removal affect my speech?
You may notice slight temporary changes in your speech immediately after your tori removal procedure due to mild swelling or tenderness. As healing progresses, your speech returns to normal—and may even be improved if large tori were impeding the movement of your tongue.
Do I need to remove tori before getting dentures or implants?
Yes, in many cases. Large tori can prevent dentures, partial bridges, or dental implants from fitting properly. Removing tori creates a smoother, more stable surface for restorative dental work and helps prevent irritation or pressure spots caused by poorly fitted prosthetics.
How do I know if I need tori removal?
If your tori cause discomfort, make eating or speaking difficult, or interfere with dental treatments, removal may be recommended. Dr. Kohani will assess their size and location using imaging to determine whether removal of the tori will improve your oral function or comfort.
Are there risks associated with tori removal?
Tori removal is considered a very safe and routine procedure when performed by an experienced dentist or oral surgeon, like Dr. Kohani. However, as with any oral surgery, there may be some risks associated with tori removal, including temporary swelling, light bleeding, or some gum tenderness. Infection and nerve irritation are extremely rare, especially when Dr. Kohani’s post-operative care instructions are carefully followed.
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