Some individuals present with excess bone growth around their jaw bone, next to their teeth or at the roof of the mouth. This kind of excess bone growth may be hereditary and/or environmental. Studies have shown that tooth clenching and grinding may lead to excess bone growth. In general, these growth of bone are benign, and do not need to be removed. However, when they interfere with denture seating, esthetics, and/or oral hygiene, which subsequently leads to increased chance for dental decay and gum disease, these excess bony structures will need to be removed.

Tori/exostoses removal refers to treatment whereby excess bony structures are removed. Alveoplasty refers to treatment whereby irregular bony structures following tooth extraction is reduced and smoothened. Alveoplasty is often done when full mouth dental implant therapy is being planned for the patient in order to create enough space between upper and lower teeth to fit implant teeth.