Exostoses of oral cavity: Classification and clinical aspects [Le esostosi del cavo orale: Classificazione e aspetti clinici]

Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate and classify benign bone tumors of the oral cavity, such as exostoses and tori. Materials and methods: We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature on factors triggering the formation of exostoses and tori and their localization, which proved to be an important criterion for their identification. Results and conclusions: The cause of these tumors is unclear although they appear to be related with masticatory stress and genetic predisposition. Treatment, which is exclusively surgical, is indicated only in certain cases, such as those associated with upper airway obstruction that precludes nasotracheal intubation in patient scheduled for general anesthesia, those with neoplastic diseases, post-menopausal or senile osteoporosis, or when the formation interferes with the use of a dental prosthesis or impairs speech and/or deglutition. © 2010 Elsevier Srl. All rights reserved.