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A bony ridge along the roof of your mouth or a firm bump on the inside of your lower jaw might seem harmless at first. For many people, tori cause no discomfort at all and go unnoticed for years. But when these bony growths interfere with a denture, irritate the tissue during chewing, or make it difficult to speak clearly, tori removal becomes the practical solution that restores comfort and function to your daily life.
At Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we have helped patients throughout Virginia Beach and the greater Hampton Roads region address tori with precision and care. Our doctors, Dr. Scott R. Goodove and Dr. Peter Zagursky, bring board certification and years of oral and maxillofacial surgery training to every oral surgery procedure we perform, including tori removal. As your hometown oral surgeons, we take the time to explain your options and walk you through the process from consultation to full recovery.
Tori are smooth, bony growths that form on the roof of the mouth or along the inner surface of the lower jaw. A torus palatinus appears on the upper palate, while a torus mandibularis develops on the tongue side of the lower jawbone. Similar growths on the outer cheek side of the jaw are called exostoses. These formations are benign, meaning they are not cancerous, and many people carry them without ever needing treatment.
The exact cause of tori is not fully understood, though genetics, jaw clenching, and ongoing mechanical stress on the bone appear to play a role. Tori tend to grow slowly over time and vary widely in size and shape from one patient to the next. Some are small and barely noticeable, while others become large enough to affect denture fit or the space available for the tongue during speech and swallowing.
Not every torus requires surgical attention. Many patients live comfortably with these growths for their entire lives. Removal typically becomes necessary when tori begin to interfere with daily function or oral health.
Common reasons we recommend tori removal include the following:
If you are experiencing any of these issues, a consultation with our team can help determine whether removal is the right next step for your oral health and quality of life.
Tori removal is a straightforward outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia, sedation, or general anesthesia depending on your comfort level and the extent of the growth. Our surgeons begin by making a small incision in the gum tissue covering the torus to access the underlying bone. The excess bone is then carefully reshaped or removed using specialized surgical instruments, and the tissue is repositioned and sutured for a smooth, comfortable healing surface.
Before your procedure, we use cone beam CT imaging to map the exact size and position of the torus in relation to surrounding nerves and structures. This detailed, three-dimensional view allows Dr. Goodove and Dr. Zagursky to plan a precise surgical approach that minimizes surgical time and supports a smoother recovery.
Most patients experience some swelling and mild soreness for the first several days after tori removal. Ice packs during the first 24 hours help control swelling, while a soft food diet allows the surgical site to heal without unnecessary irritation. Discomfort is generally manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers, though our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions tailored to your procedure.
Full healing of the gum tissue usually takes a few weeks, though the underlying bone continues to remodel for several months afterward. If your tori removal is part of a broader pre-prosthetic treatment plan, our team will coordinate timing with any additional bone grafting or restorative work needed before your denture or implant is placed.
Tori do not have to interfere with your comfort, your speech, or your ability to wear a denture with confidence. Dr. Scott R. Goodove and Dr. Peter Zagursky bring extensive training in oral and maxillofacial surgery to every consultation, and our team takes the time to walk you through what to expect before, during, and after your tori removal or related pre-prosthetic surgery. As an independent, community-focused practice, we can give each patient direct access to their surgeon and a personalized treatment plan built around their specific anatomy and goals.
We accept a wide range of insurance plans, including PPO, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, TRICARE, and Veterans Affairs benefits, and we offer CareCredit and Cherry Financing for patients who want additional flexibility. If you are ready to find out whether tori removal is right for you, you can reach out to us to schedule your consultation today.
Dr. Goodove brings years of specialized oral surgery expertise to Virginia Beach and Chesapeake, serving as your trusted hometown oral surgeon. With operating privileges at multiple local hospitals, Dr. Goodove delivers patient-centered care backed by advanced training and a commitment to creating comfortable, anxiety-free experiences. His philosophy of accessibility and personal attention sets the foundation for the practice's reputation as "the doctor's doctor" in the community.
Dr. Zagursky is a retired Army veteran who continues to serve the community through exceptional oral surgery care. With extensive military experience and specialized training in oral and maxillofacial surgery, Dr. Zagursky brings discipline, precision, and a deep commitment to patient welfare to every procedure. His background working with diverse patient populations and dedication to the underserved makes him an invaluable part of the Goodove Oral Surgery team.
Trusted by referring dentists and families since 2008
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Friday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
