Posted By: CM57 Tori coming through gums - 09-20-2018 05:22 PM
Does anyone have experience with bone growth, or Tori, coming through there gums? Normally, they are large and round, and don't protrude through the gums. But in my case, I have had two so far under my lower back molar which were sharp, like the end of a toothpick, come through the gum under the molar.
The oral surgeon was able to flick them off with a tool, but said he would have to use more advanced procedures if they get worse or move to a wider area. He said it is probably due to blood flow, and very thin gum tissue in that area.
If anyone has experience with this, is there anything that can help prevent these, like calcium or some other supplements? The oral surgeon wasn't aware of anything, besides Hyperbaric oxygen therapy. I am about 3 1/2 months post rads and chemo.
Posted By: ConnieT Re: Tori coming through gums - 09-20-2018 06:34 PM
after many years of being at a dental school and being on faculty, i had never learned about those! I had to look it up! (I am specialized in orthodontics) The article I read said that an oral surgeon could remove them. They do not become cancerous but are caused by a stress to the area. They are normal bones covered with tissue. I saw a youtube video mention laser surgery to remove.

From my own experience teaching thousands of dental students and orthodontists, I would find a better oral surgeon to take a look. I have learned you cannot trust everyone with a license to be up on things.

Since they are caused by stress to the area, do you find you are grinding your teeth a lot? a mouth guard might help prevent some of that especially if you are grinding during the night. They can make splints to cover your teeth that are custom if you prefer that.

I don't know your area (I taught in Indiana so that's the oral surgeons I know of) but I think I would check with another one for some advice. Best wishes.
Posted By: ChristineB Re: Tori coming through gums - 09-20-2018 06:48 PM
Being 3.5 months post rads/chemo makes a HUGE difference in your situation!!! You're right at the beginning of your recovery where theres still lots more heeling to do.
For a complete recovery it takes patients a full 2 years and even after that many will report improvements in their sense of taste, smell, saliva and swallowing function up until they're 2. years post rads. You will want to be treated by someone who has years of experience with oral cancer (OC) patients and extra years of studying as well. I suggest checking where you were treated for a dental oncologist. Do yourself a favor and avoid any medical professional who is not very familiar with OC, its brutal treatments and seemingly lonngggg recovery phase. Steer clear of any professional who admits they arent that familiar with OC patients but wants to help you anyway... they could do more harm than good.

Be very, VERY careful with your choice of specialists!!! Good luck with this and please post updates as this is not one of our regular run of the mill issue most OC patients go thru. Thank you!
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