Lumps and Bumps that are OK to have

Sometimes they commonly occur at a specific site.

In the maxilla, they occur in the midline of the palate and are called torus palatinus.

In the mandible, they occur on the lingual (tongue side) of the bone. Sometimes on only on one side- called torus mandibularis, but usually both sides- called tori mandibulari.

While no treatment is necessary, they can be a nuisance. The gum (gingiva) is often stretched thin over the extra bone as is more likely to ulcerate with a bump. See, I got to use the word “bump” onto the lump!

They can be difficult to clean as they sometimes can have a trough shape at the base of the “lump”. This may need to be removed if a denture may need to be placed in the mouth, especially in the upper jaw on the palate. This can also happen in the lower jaw as well with the side extension of some denture types.

The other potential problem is these exostosi can increase the density of the bone. The bone can be less pliable and teeth have no ability to move within the bone. Teeth can shift if the bite change due to wear or loos of teeth; or there is extra pressure on the tooth, move into the bone slightly.

When this can’t happen due to the reduced pliability of the bone, teeth can crack. A knock to the bone, itself, may cause to fracture.  The extra bone can also obscure structures on an x-ray, such teeth and lesions or signs of trauma in the bone itself.

The removal of exostosis is not commonly performed procedure, but it can be difficult if needs to be done.

“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”