If you’ve ever run your tongue along the inside of your lower jaw or the roof of your mouth and felt hard bony bumps that weren’t there before, you may be dealing with oral tori. These benign bony growths are more common than most people realize, and while they’re harmless in many cases, they can cause real discomfort, interfere with eating, and complicate denture fitting. For patients in Gilbert, AZ, laser tori removal at Smiles by Hanna has become the preferred solution, offering a faster, gentler, and far less invasive alternative to traditional surgical removal.
Here’s a complete look at how the process works and what you can expect from start to finish.
What Are Oral Tori and When Is Laser Tori Removal Needed?
Oral tori are bony protrusions that develop inside the mouth. They fall into three main categories: mandibular tori, which grow along the inner surface of the lower jaw beneath the tongue; torus palatinus, which forms on the roof of the mouth; and buccal exostoses, which are the rarest type and appear on the cheek-facing side of the upper jaw.
These growths are generally benign and painless when small, but they can become problematic as they enlarge. Patients often seek laser tori removal when the growths cause difficulty chewing or swallowing, create sore spots from food contact, interfere with denture placement, put pressure on adjacent teeth, or cause persistent discomfort. Our blog post on what tori in the mouth are covers the basics of these growths in more detail if you’re just beginning your research.
Traditional Surgery vs. Laser Tori Removal: What’s the Difference?
Understanding why laser tori removal has become the preferred approach requires a brief comparison with traditional surgical removal. Conventional tori surgery involves making incisions in the gum tissue, then using drills and scalpels to remove or reshape the bony growth before suturing the tissue back into place. While effective, this approach typically involves more postoperative swelling, pain, and a longer recovery period.
Laser tori removal, by contrast, uses the Biolase Waterlase dental laser to gently vaporize and reshape the bone using a precise combination of laser energy and water. No scalpels. No drills. No sutures in most cases. The Waterlase’s hydrokinetic action cuts through both soft tissue and bone with exceptional accuracy while simultaneously minimizing bleeding and sealing the treatment area. The result is a significantly more comfortable procedure and a faster, smoother recovery.
If you’ve ever wondered whether tori removal hurts, our post on tori dental removal and whether it hurts dives into exactly what patients feel before, during, and after the procedure.
The Laser Tori Removal Process at Smiles by Hanna
Laser tori removal at Smiles by Hanna follows a clear, well-organized process designed to prioritize your comfort and deliver lasting results.
Step 1: Diagnosis and Evaluation
Dr. Hanna Mansoor begins with a thorough oral examination and diagnostic imaging, including digital X-rays and in some cases a cone beam CT scan. This imaging allows her to accurately assess the size, shape, and position of the tori and rule out other conditions that can cause similar-looking growths, such as cysts or tumors. Once tori are confirmed, she will determine whether laser removal is the right approach for your specific case.
Step 2: Anesthesia and Comfort
Before laser tori removal begins, the treatment area is thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia so you won’t feel any discomfort during the procedure. For patients who experience dental anxiety, sedation options including nitrous oxide or oral conscious sedation are available to make the experience as relaxed as possible.
Step 3: Laser Removal
Using the Biolase Waterlase, Dr. Mansoor precisely targets and removes the bony growths. The laser operates without generating heat or vibration in the way traditional instruments do, so there is no uncomfortable sensation of drilling. The surrounding healthy tissue is preserved, and the treatment area is left clean and ready to heal without the need for sutures in most cases.
Step 4: Recovery
One of the most significant advantages of laser tori removal is the dramatically improved recovery experience compared to traditional surgery. Most patients experience only mild swelling and minor soreness for a few days following the procedure. Complete post-operative care instructions are provided by Dr. Mansoor’s team to support a smooth, complication-free healing process. Our post on post-op instructions for tori removal covers exactly what to expect and how to care for the treatment area during recovery.
Can Oral Tori Grow Back After Removal?
Yes, tori can regrow over time, particularly if the underlying contributing factors, such as bruxism (teeth grinding or clenching), are not addressed. If you grind your teeth, Dr. Mansoor may recommend a custom night guard to reduce the pressure on your jaw that can stimulate bone growth. Regular dental checkups allow for early monitoring so that any regrowth can be caught and addressed before it becomes a significant problem again.
Is Laser Tori Removal Right for You?
Most patients with symptomatic oral tori are good candidates for laser tori removal, provided they are in reasonable general health and do not have active oral infections requiring treatment first. During your consultation, Dr. Mansoor will evaluate your specific situation and give you a clear recommendation based on the size and type of your tori, your dental health, and your personal comfort goals.
Smiles by Hanna is one of the few practices in the Gilbert area offering Waterlase laser technology for tori removal, giving patients access to a gentler, more precise approach than what most general dentists can provide. You can also explore our dedicated laser tori removal dentist page and our full tori removal service page for additional information.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Hanna Mansoor today and find out if laser tori removal is the right solution for you.
