Palatine and Maxillary Torus on the Bony Hard Palate

The hard palate is formed anteriorly by the palatine processes of maxillae and posteriorly by the horizontal plates of palatine bones. The region of the median palatal intermaxillary suture is occasionally raised in whole or part of its length into a prominent ridge known as torus palatinus. A similar longitudinal maxillary torus may also appear on the palate. Torus palatinus is the most common exostosis of the maxillofacial skeleton. It usually does not cause symptoms, but removal may be required if it interferes with the function of oral cavity. Large variations in the prevalence of torus palatinus have been reported in different populations. However, not many studies have been reported on Indian population. The present study was conducted on human dry skulls to see the prevalence and dimensions of torus and maxillary palatinus.