Upper jaw bone expansion?
Added: January 16, 2008 - 10:28 AM
By: Patient Email Withheld, Washington, DC
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Case Summary
Exam & Consultation
Teeth: 15,16
Case Description
I have a question about jaw/bone/gum growth. I recently noticed that the area of my gums above my left side first and second molars seems to have grown outward. To be more specific, based on what little I have been able to find online, the best way to describe it is that it looks like my alveolar bone has grown horizontally above those two molars so that it is sticking out almost like a large ridge. It is hard, there is no pain, and it looks just like the rest of my gums--except that it appears to be growing outward.
After perusing different things online, the pictures that I found that closely resemble my situation all involve a buccal exostosis. Although, I am not sure if this is what I am dealing with, I mention it to provide a better idea about what it looks like. Aside from scheduling an appointment with a dentist, which I plan to do, I am hoping to solicit any ideas or thoughts that anyone has. I simply cannot find much information at all that seems similar to what I have.
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Reply: Upper jaw bone expansion?
added: January 16, 2008 - 10:56 AM
You have been thorough in your research! Good work! It is possible that those teeth may be affected by a misalignment in your bite. If the biting forces are impacting those teeth at an angle, the teeth may be encouraged to rock slightly, in which case the body lays down extra bone to stabilize the roots. This is something we see regularly.You may wish to include a bite assessment when you schedule with a dentist. I also recommend that you read the Neuromuscular and Orthopedic Dentistry page on our website to see if it rings any more bells for you.If you have any more questions, please feel free to call.Best wishes!
Reply: Upper jaw bone expansion?
added: January 16, 2008 - 11:01 AM
The presentation you describe could very well be exostoses or tori. You might considering scheduling an appointment directly w/ an oral surgery office for a consult. Their input will be more reliable as to the diagnosis and suggested treatment. Tori are commonly found and not generally harmful but can interefere w/ function eventually. On the off chance that it is something more serious, an oral surgeon would be the best source of guidance, in any case.Good luck
Reply: Upper jaw bone expansion?
added: January 16, 2008 - 11:19 AM
Most probably is exostosis based on your discription. Usually, the presence is one of discovery, not a novelty. - meaning it has probably always been there, you just have not noticed it. I have heard of reports of the potential for slow growth, but generally i have found this not to be the case. Tori are also bone deposits. I would recommend having them/it checked out by a professional to r/o other possibly pathologic growths. Regards,
Reply: Upper jaw bone expansion?
added: January 16, 2008 - 3:50 PM
Exostoses are very common and grow over many years or decades and often develop as the jaw matures after the eruption of permanent teeth. They are often bilaterally symetical. If you have recently seen a large increase in size of this growth, I doubt it is a exostosis and needs to be seen be a dentist who does oral pathology, such as a periodontist or oral surgeon. There are many other possibilties and only an experienced person can determine the situration after seeing xrays and an exam and getting a complete medical and dental history.
Reply: Upper jaw bone expansion?
added: January 16, 2008 - 8:31 PM
Do not attempt to diagnose yourself. Have a dentist examine the condition and receive a diagnosis. Get a second professional opinion if you are not comfortable or sure of the first one.
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