Surgical removal of a torus palatinus

The torus palatinus (TP) is a benign exostosis in the area of the sutura palatina media. It consists mainly of dense cortical bone with little trabecular bone and an overlying mucosa with little blood supply. Recent findings associate the occurrence of TP with bruxism, environmental factors and genetic factors. TP rarely causes symptoms, so treatment is only necessary in selected cases. Chronic trauma, impaired chewing function or compromise of the prosthetic restoration are the most common indications for surgical removal.