Dentist has me worried... I think it is Jaw Cancer

[Maxmama77]

Hi. I am a 33 f  with fear going of my dental issues. I put off dentistry for a while. Recently I went for a check up. Everything was ok, etc... at the end of the appointment, the dentist says "I have an x-ray that I am sending to an Oral S... we see this a lot, it might be sclerois of bone..there is something on here, some swirls and a root that is missing." I was concerned, but he didn't act too worried. Well, I had to go back  to the office for some fillings and I told him about my visit-that it was in a month. He said "that's good- as long as he didn't say "come in tomorrow" that is probably a good sign." He didn't seem overly concerned. A wk or two later, the OS saw the x-ray and was friendly and noticed the root, and said "There are about 7 different things this could be... I would put anything negative at the bottom of my list. Don't worry, etc..." Ok, so I kind of cooled off for a moment... I had to go back to my dentist for another refile of my tooth as it still did not fit correctly. Now, the dentist(Last Monday) asks about my date of apt again.  He brings up the  root again on the molar of the jaw. I said is this a cyst? He said it wasn't-this is scattered and radiopaque. I told him I was scared, but he said wait to the biopsy comes back, etc... I have been a mess since that day... I am actually making myself sick about this. I do not have pain in the tongue, but had numbness one month, where I saw that I was biting in my cheek, gum due to grinding. I am just praying everything is ok, but I don't know. Another OS looked at this,and the asst said it "might be an Odontoma" but I think that is just to brush me off. I am thinking they KNOW it is the worst, but are trying to avoid telling me right now. If OS suspects that it could be benign, would he tell my husband following the surgery for peace of mind? Thanks. Also, is there anything benign that could cause a white irregular lesion/s with root absorption of the molar? Thanks again.

[Michael H Kirsch, DDS]

I can answer only one question per posting.  There are many lesions that may present as yours.  Most of benign and simple to treat.  Others may not be so innocent.  I would follow the advise of the Oral Surgeon.

Information contained within this reply is intended solely for general educational purposes and is not intended nor implied to be a medical diagnosis or treatment recommendation.  This is not a substitute for professional medical advice relative to your specific medical condition or question. Always seek the advice of your own doctor for medical condition. Only your doctor can provide specific diagnoses and therapies.