A torus mandibularis is a dense bone bump on the inside of the lower jaw. It can exist as a single bump or as a cluster of bone bumps like an arrangement of grapes and is often located on the inside of the premolar area. It is not uncommon for a patient to have two, one located on each side of the lower jaw. Many patients also have a torus palatinus and one or more exostosis on the outside surface of the alveolar bone.

          A torus mandibularis is like one of the outside supporting arches on the great cathedral of Notre Dame. This expansion of bone is a way that the body attempts to support the teeth in a patient who suffers with a chronic tooth grinding habit. Having a bone bump of this nature is a TMJ sign so these patients should always be screened for a TMJ headache problem and jaw joint problems. Fortunately, the bone itself doesn't often hurt.

          The bone bump is harmless and does not need treatment unless removable dentures have to be made. In this case the torus mandibularis is removed during a patient's pre-prosthetic surgery. The surgery is relatively easy, often done in the office and most patients recover quickly. However, the bone should not be removed unless there is a problem or when it is an obstruction.

          Many patients are not aware that they have a torus mandibularis and when they first notice it they are sometimes alarmed enough to make an emergency visit to the dentist to screen out cancer. The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being. You are welcome to join our family of patients. Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky treats TMJ patients and also constructs dentures along with performing pre-prosthetic surgery procedures. If you would like a free dental consultation with this Atlanta Family Dentist, please call 404-874-7428 to schedule your appointment.