Dr. Achanta Krishna Swaroop
Dentistry
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
Answered by
Medically reviewed by
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
The area in the back of my palate near the upper wisdom tooth feels bony hard. The area in question suddenly feels painful and looks reddish in color on the right-hand side. The bony area has always been there on either side of my mouth, but on one side, it slightly starts to hurt especially when I swallow food. I am 21 years old, I have never had any other issues with my teeth, and I am otherwise healthy.
Hello.
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I have seen the picture you have enclosed (attachments removed to protect the patient's identity) and the symptoms you have explained. It might be an erupting bony exostosis or a white lesion of the palate. You can follow lukewarm saltwater rinsing several times a day to prevent the lesion from getting more significant. But then, if it is a bony exostosis, you will have to follow it up with me so that I can know more details regarding the same. I have read your description of the bony area, do you feel that touching that particular area highlighted in pink is somewhat bony hard? How would you describe the consistency of that area? Please describe how does it feel, so that I can help you with the appropriate treatment plan and remedy to cure it within a few days.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for your response.
On touching the area, it feels hard, and it almost feels like there is a tooth or bone present on the area highlighted in pink. It feels the same on the left side of my mouth, but it does not pain (highlighted in yellow color). The area where I can feel the bump and pain feels quite bony, like how the hard palate feels. Of course, I can feel my gum on top of the hard bony area, just like how an unexposed wisdom tooth feels. Again I feel like there is a tooth-shaped bone under the gum or skin.
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up.
From your description, it looks like a maxillary exostosis, that we commonly call tori. I hope there is no numbness or loss of sensation experienced in that area. If that is the case, then we need to investigate further.
You do not have to be tensed at all. Please follow these instructions. Do follow up if you have further doubts :
1. Rinse your mouth with lukewarm saltwater 5 to 6 times a day.
2. Start using a Chlorhexidine 0.12% mouthwash or Listerine or Crest PRO-HEALTH mouthwash every day, twice after brushing and before bedtime.
To ensure that the inflamed areas do not get further inflamed, apply Dentogel or Dologel (Lidocaine 2% and Choline Salicylate gel ) at night. Massage just a small amount over the inflamed area and then spit. If you have night time bruxism or a grinding habit unconsciously at night, these tori can form over a period, so you might have to overcome that habit. You can take a regular pain killer like tablet Ibuprofen twice a day for three days. But if the pain persists, we might have to explore the issue in further detail with clear pictures.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor.
This has been amazing advice, and you have offered an excellent service. There is no numbness or loss of sensation in that area. I floss and brush my teeth morning, night, and sometimes even after lunch. I also use mouthwash in the morning and night, which has a good pH level. I am not aware of my teeth grinding or clenching habit, but I will look out for this and try to become aware of this condition. Next week I have an appointment with my private dentist, and I will mention this condition to him. I only noticed the inflammation and pain yesterday, and those bony-type areas in my mouth have been there for quite some time now. I always found this normal as my old dentist did not notice it. However, I have not had a dental checkup for the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But I will ensure to get an x-ray done next week during my checkup. I will take your advice, and if I have any further issues, I will reach out to you. Thank you very much for your response.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
It would be better if you were visiting the dentist directly. Do ask your doctor about the exostosis. It might just be a white lesion, but usually, it would be only bony and not any soft lesion in that area. It is good that there is no numbness in that region and your oral hygiene is effective. I would also recommend avoiding any spicy, hard, or hot food. It can irritate both areas, and please use a soft-bristled brush only and not a hard one. Rather than an x-ray, only a physical examination would be more helpful to confirm if it is a tori. If it is a soft tissue lesion over the palate, then antibiotic prophylaxis should be given.
I would be happy help anytime.
Was this conversation helpful?
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Dentistry
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.
This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy
