Some of our patients worry about a bony growth they have discovered in their mouth and want to know what they can do about it.
However, a bony growth is not necessarily a cause for alarm. The following information gives you more details about bony growths and why they occur.
What are Oral Bony Growths and Why Do They Occur?
An overgrowth of calcified bone inside the mouth may occur on the upper or lower jaw and is defined as exostosis mouth. Usually, these growths are benign.
Torus palatinus (TP) and torus mandibularis (TM) represent two common kinds of bony overgrowths. While TPs are usually found on the roof of the mouth, TM growths appear on the floor of the mouth, close to premolars and canines.
Buccal exostoses represent the less common oral growths and appear on the cheek side of the jaw close to the molars and premolars.
Except for TP growths, a bony growth can appear bi-laterally, or on either side of the mouth. The growths or nodules feel like a hard mass beneath the mouth's mucosa or tissue.
What Causes the Bony Growths in the Mouth?
Often, an origin is not associated with the bumps.
However, they may occur when the jawbone or periosteum (a membranous tissue that covers bone surfaces) becomes inflamed.
The inflammation may result from over-chewing, because of misalignment, or from overuse of the jaw, due to grinding or clenching the teeth (bruxism).
While bony growths are not life-threatening, they can lead to problems with dental functioning if they become too large. Ulcers may also form, as the mucosa covering the growths is thin and subject to injury from hot or sharp foods.
In the rare instance you have a bony growth that interferes with eating or speaking, we can remove the nodule.
When oral surgery is required, we will make a small incision to lift the soft tissue over the growth so that we can trim it. Afterwards, the tissue will be sewn back in place.
The publication, Dentistry Today, also points out that advances in the use of lasers may present a less invasive option. Give us a call today for any oral surgery concern.
Oral Surgeon Gilroy • About South Valley Oral & Facial Surgery We believe your smile is a work of art; it deserves as much care and attention as any masterpiece. Give us a call in San Jose, Gilroy or Los Banos today! South Valley Oral and Facial Surgery, 5595 Winfield Blvd, Suite 202, San Jose, CA 95123-1220 / 408-479-9449 / svofs.com / 12/4/2024 / Page Phrases: dental implants San Jose CA /
Some of our patients worry about a bony growth they have discovered in their mouth and want to know what they can do about it.