Hello - I have just been to my GP about a 'hole' which I thought was an ulcer on my front upper gum but has been there for about six weeks now - it 'weeps' occasionally and my GP has given me an 'urgent' referral - I am panicking about this - can anyone tell me what this might be at this stage? Thanks

Good Morning Pamela,
Panic is something which grips us all when we don't understand what is going on, your doctor would, as a matter of course, refer you a specialist if he thinks you may need treatment which he is unable to offer. Urgent referal sounds sinister but does not necessarily mean that you have a serious condition, perhaps your doctor took into account the fact that you are very worried about this,and worry causes the imagination to see only the possible downside.
Try to cheer up and let us know how you get on.
Which clinic did your doctor refer you to?
Keep Smiling
John

Hello Pamela

'An ulcer/hole that weeps' could be one way of describing a discharging sinus from a non-vital tooth. I would suggest you see a dentist to investigate this further.

Let me know how you get on.

Best wishes
Vinod

thank you - I have a date for the referral for 24th and I will let you know how I get on, thanks for your advice, much appreciated.

John : thanks for your comments and reassurance - I've been referred to the oral unit at Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline.

good news - had xrays this morning and it's the root of the old tooth which has caused an infection - will need to be taken out and my gum will change shape but no worse than that - thanks so much for your help and my thoughts and prayers are with everyone who is going through so much worse than that - thanks again.