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508633 
Journal Article 
Use of a palatal flap for torus reduction 
Papadopoulos, H; Lawhorn, T 
2008 
Yes 
Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
ISSN: 0278-2391
EISSN: 1531-5053 
66 
9 
1969-1970 
English 
Palatal tori are present in approximately 25% of all females, which is twice the incidence in males.(1) These bony masses have an unknown etiology, and most do not require any removal. However, there are indications for their removal. These include:(2) an extremely large torus filling the palatal vault, a torus that extends beyond the posterior dam area, traumatized mucosa over the torus, deep bony undercuts, interference with speech or deglutition, and psychological considerations. Traditionally most surgeons will remove a palatal torus by making an anteroposterior incision over the middle of the torus with Y-shaped releasing incisions at each end.(3) After removal of the torus and closure of the incision, a palatal stent or denture is used for patient comfort and to prevent hematoma formation. One of the problems encountered when using this technique is adequate access, in particular with larger palatal tori. This can lead to damage to the adjacent tissue by burs or other instruments. In the literature, the palatal flap has been infrequently described, and largely forgotten as an alternative technique.(4) In this article, we describe this simple technique that provides better access and less likelihood of traumatizing the palatal mucosa.