Any dentists around? I have a quick question!

[ChambersDictionaryofSecrets]

Morning! I have an ulcer under my tongue which will not heal. It's incredibly painful, I've had it for about 5 weeks. I saw my dentist a week ago and he said he thought it was nothing sinister - he took the edge off a sharp tooth and told me to use cordysl (sp?!) mouth wash was twice a day for a week which I have been doing. The ulcer hasn't improved, I would say it is even more painful and has now gone dark in the middle.

So, firstly I presume I need to go back and see my dentist.

My actual question is - what will happen next? Will I be referred to someone else? Do I need to see my gp?

Obviously Dr Google says I have oral cancer . I kicked Dr Google in proverbials but have to say he's a persistent bugger once he gets into your head! It doesn't look like any of the images I've seen of that lichen thingy. I don't drink or smoke any am mid 40s so slightly unlikely candidate for it to be cancer.

Anyway that's a lot of waffling. Back to dentist, GP? What's next?

Thanks!

If it was me I’d be going private and paying to see a consultant. It would probs cost about £200 but would mean you could be seen by a real expert in under a week.

I'm a maxillofacial nurse, any none healing ulcer for that period of time needs referring to hospital on the 2 week pathway. 9/10 it will be nothing to worry about but best to get it checked. In the meantime get difflam mouthwash it has a numbing agent.

Querty- are you a dentist or is that just a general opinion (just wondering!)

Thanks! @20viona - so do I go back to my dentist or go and see GP to be referred?

I have private healthcare through work which might cover it but they always need a referral to get the ball rolling. Also, would I need to see a maxillofacial consultant - is that the person to ask for?

Last question, what is it usually for the 9/10 times when it's not cancer? What on earth is stopping it from healing? It really huuuuuuuurts - I think I might have some difflam actually, will try that!

Thanks!

Dentist or GP either can refer on that pathway and yes an oral maxillofacial consultant.
There is many types of ulcer and lesion in the mouth and some can require medication, or a biopsy to rule out cancer and diagnose something else or even a change in diet etc or you could be deficient in something too so may require bloods doing.

Keep us updated! Avoid any foods sharp, acidic and salty as this will make it feel worse :)

Thanks 20viona, I'll keep you updated! Just want the blasted thing gone, main problem is it bloody hurts when I eat chocolate

Phone up this morning. Explain it exactly how you have to us and you should get an appointment.

@CommanderBurnham done! I'm seeing the dentist tomorrow.

That's great.

@CommanderBurnham @20viona I’ve seen the dentist (different one!) who still thinks it’s a ‘traumatic’ ulcer from the sharp tooth so she’s filed some more off and will see me again in a week for a review and will refer me then if it hasn’t started to heal. That sounded like a reasonable course of action to me.

Perfect

Try Gengigel First Aid Fluid
www.dentocare.co.uk/gengigel-first-aid.html