Surgical excision of mandibular torus for prosthetic rehabilitation: case report

Abstract

Introduction: Mandibular torus is a common benign bone exostosis located along the lingual surface of the mandible, which generally does not require any intervention, except in cases where there is a need for prosthetic rehabilitation of missing teeth, cases of frequent trauma to the mucosa and even when they interfere with oral physiology. Therefore, the objective of this study is to report a case of a patient who presented with mandibular torus and indicated surgical plastic surgery due to the need for prosthetic rehabilitation. Case report: A 68-year-old female patient sought the Oral Rehabilitation services of the Pernambuco School of Dentistry (FOP/UPE) with an indication for the manufacture of a dental prosthesis. Intraoral examination revealed the presence of an asymptomatic bone exostosis, with an irregular, multilobulated surface, firm consistency and intact mucosa free of phlogistic signs located on the lingual surface of the right alveolar process of the mandible in the region corresponding to the premolar area. The sum of these clinical findings and the patient's history were conclusive for the diagnosis of mandibular torus, and its removal for prosthetic purposes was indicated. The procedure was performed under local anesthesia, with an envelope-type mucoperiosteal flap; the removal was performed with a surgical drill under abundant irrigation of saline solution; after removal and regularization of the surface, the flap was repositioned and sutured; drug therapy was instituted and the sutures were removed 7 days later. Discussion: Oral rehabilitation through removable prostheses is an economically viable alternative for patients suffering from edentulism, which can be difficult due to the presence of bone exostoses, such as torus, making it difficult to seat the prosthesis, stabilize it, and increase the likelihood of ulcers during masticatory load. Several surgical techniques can be used, the most common being performed with surgical drills. Conclusion: Surgical excision of the mandibular torus is a useful tool to facilitate the placement of removable prostheses, resulting in successful rehabilitation treatment.