Buccal Exostosis: The Bony Ridge on the Outer Jaw You Can Feel With Your Tongue

Buccal exostosis is a bony growth developing on the outer (cheek-facing) surface of the upper or, less commonly, lower jawbone, typically appearing along the roots of the back teeth.

These are related concepts, both representing excess bone growth in the mouth, but tori specifically refer to growths at the midline of the palate or the inner surface of the lower jaw, while buccal exostosis specifically refers to growths on the outer, cheek-facing surface, making them distinguished by location.

No, this is a benign bone growth, similar in nature to tori, made of normal, dense bone tissue rather than representing any disease process.

Generally, no, this is typically painless, though the overlying gum tissue covering it can sometimes be more prone to minor irritation from hard or sharp foods given its thinner covering in that specific area, similar to the consideration relevant to tori.

Similar to tori, the exact cause isn't fully understood, though genetic factors and possibly some bite-force-related factors have been proposed as contributing, and this tendency can run in families.

Generally, no, unless it's causing a specific functional problem, most commonly interference with a denture's fit, similar to the considerations relevant to tori.

Yes, particularly for people needing an upper denture, a prominent buccal exostosis can interfere with proper fit and comfort, making this a common, specific reason removal might be recommended if someone is planning to get dentures.

This is a minor surgical procedure performed under local anesthesia, involving removal of the excess bone growth, with recovery generally similar to other minor oral surgical procedures involving bone.

Yes, similar to tori, this can gradually increase in size over years in some individuals, which is part of why your dentist monitors it during routine checkups even though most cases don't require any active intervention.

Yes, this is a relatively commonly encountered finding, though somewhat less frequently discussed by name compared to tori, despite representing a similar type of benign bone growth.

Yes, having any new growth in your mouth evaluated confirms the diagnosis and provides appropriate reassurance, similar to the recommendation for any new oral finding.