x-ray findings

My brother-in-law just had some x-rays at the dentist (just routine 6 month exam) and they called him back in after reviewing them and said that they wanted to do a panoramic view of them.  They did those and after reviewing them, they want to send him to a dental/surgeon specialist. They found "something" in the left side of his jaw/neck.  They said it looked like a "bone-like" structure.  He hasn't been having pain.  He is 31 years old.  Has smoked off and on.  Could you give me the possibilities of what this could be?

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

It is very difficult to give you any type of idea without more information but my gut feeling it is not anything serious. Follow up with a visit to the oral surgeon.