Denture Alternatives to Tori Removal

Dentures enable those who have lost their teeth to live a normal life and eat the things they were able to eat with their natural teeth. Sometimes when dentures are needed, a dentist will remove small, bony growths in the gum area, called tori.



According to an American Family Physician journal entry, removal of tori is necessary only when they interfere with regular function or prevent dentures from fitting well. In general, any type of denture can be an alternative to tori removal. However, some denture types are less likely to interfere with tori.

Overdentures

• Overdentures are like a makeover for your teeth as they rest on top of your remaining teeth. Instead of removing all your teeth and replacing them with conventional dentures, your dentist may recommend an overdenture to provide you with help in chewing and a pleasing smile. If you have tori on your jaw, overdentures may provide support to your remaining teeth without causing friction to the tori.

  Additionally, new dentures made of a soft material, such as CuSil, tends to fit snugly and provide more coverage to the gum area.The secure fit will lessen friction and denture movement, another advantage if you have tori.

Mini Implant-Retained Dentures

• In the 1990s, a mini version of implant-retained dentures debuted. This is a good option if you have mandibular tori because you can have them placed into your lower jaw without an incision. A surgeon will inject the area with general anesthesia, then install the mini implant-retained denture. The surgery, which usually takes less than an hour, is virtually pain-free.

Dental Implants

• Dental implants are an option if you need dentures, but have enough bone to have artificial teeth inserted into your jaw line. The implants look and function like regular teeth. If you are dealing with either palatal or mandibular tori, the dental implants will not interfere with the growths. According to the Cleveland Clinic, dental implants are an alternative to dentures; however, experts there recommend conferring with your dentist since some people are not candidates for dental implants.