i have had pain in my left side of mouth for over a month now. Been to dentist and doctor various times for xrays, and to have a tooth drilled open etc but not been given exact diagnosis. Am on metronizadole and peniccilin as well as tramadol for pain. I now have a hard swelling on lower left jaw about the size of a pea which is tender to the touch and is quite firm. It has not grown in size but flares up. Also under my tongue feels tender at that side as if I have had an anaesthetic and it is wearing of and the gum at the inner side is tender too. I have an appointment to get a tooth out but due to lack of dentists in the area it is not till may. I am worried this swelling may be something more serious as the dentist has not said it is an infection. can you help me put my mind at rest

Flossy,

Maybe a second doc's opinion is in order. If only one physician has been seen (who ordered xrays) and you still have no explanation... definitely go see another. And, to give your worried mind a little peace, get the appointment as soon as you can. (It may well not be cancer, but you are obviously suffering, physically and mentally, and need answers.)

Good luck with everything. Drop us a line to let us know what doctor number two says.

Melanie

Hello Flossy

An infection (hence the antibiotics) might account for the swelling in the jaw and the soreness under the tongue. An extraction of a tooth is usually only done when it is untreatable (badly broken down or root canal treatment not possible or unsuccessful), possibly giving rise to an infection. You need to see your dentist for the diagnosis and treatment.

Best wishes
Vinod