is it a tumor?

Question

i have recently devolpoed a hard swollen place in the area where my bottom jaw ends it is not under any teeth and feels like it is growing off of my jaw bone in the back of my mouth the dentist prescribed antibiotic, it hasnt helped. she said it doesnt fell like infection....anybody have any ideals

Answer 1

Well, I might find a new dentist if I were you to consult with for a 2nd opinion. If she said it wasn't an infection, why prescribe antibiotics?? Secondly, I am surprised if she was at a loss of what it was, she didn't investigate further.
A panaromic xray ( the big one that shows the entire oral cavity and bone structure) would have been a simple place to start. That would give some information as to what may be going on. You might want to try to talk with her again and request one of these films ( they are usually done routinely every 3 years anyway). They are used to check wisdom teeth placement as well as anything going on in the mandibular and maxillary bones of the jaw...many tumors are detected early enough for treatment with these films. I am not saying you have a tumor...noone on here can give you that answer for sure. Try to ask her for one of these to be taken, and if she says no, then find a 2nd opinion.
I would also be interested in her answer of why antibiotics if she doesn't feel it is an infection? Did she take any periapical xrays ( one that will show the entire tooth and root ) to rule out an abscessed tooth?

Answer 2

PH sums it up well.
Another suggestion might be a benign bony torus. These can form on the inner or outer surfaces of the jawbones, and are extra growth of bumpy bones. These are very common and of no concern.

Answer 3

If it is painful than its alright but if it is not so and is still growing than its a matter of concern. If it is not growing than its better not pay an heed over the matter because biopsy / aspiration etc would trigger the devil and leaving it alone would be the best choice. All the best.

Answer 4

get a new dentist