Maxillary torus
Maxillary tori, analogous to mandibular tori, are common benign outgrowths of bone from the maxilla which may project both inwards (in which case they arise from the midline of the hard palate, known as torus palatinus, or inner surface of the alveolar bone) or outwards (from the alveolar bone). They are usually bilateral.
Clinical presentation
They are usually asymptomatic but may cause issues with eating and drinking.
Pathology
They are composed of compact bone, densely mineralized usually without medullary cavity, and arise from the inner surface of the mandible.
The cause of such bony outgrowths has not been established but a genetic component is thought likely.
Radiographic features
CT
Bony outgrowths can be well appreciated
- from the alveolar bone (inner or outer)
- from midline hard palate, specifically from the palatine process of the maxilla (inward protrusion into the oral cavity, known as torus palatinus)
Treatment and prognosis
Maxillary tori are benign, slow growing and non-invasive. Removal is required only if they are symptomatic.