Navigating Specialist Referrals
I am a 24-year-old woman who underwent double jaw surgery in 2020. Recently, I encountered severe tooth pain following a crown placement in October, which led to a dentist discovering a mass or polyp in my X-ray. Fortunately, the discomfort subsided after I had a root canal, although I did experience some lingering soreness for a week or two afterward. I consulted the director and maxillofacial surgeon at the dental school where my jaw surgery occurred, and he referred me to an ENT specialist. Upon visiting the ENT, he advised that I should see a maxillofacial surgeon. It’s clear that while it’s not an urgent situation—given that they feel at ease referring me to specialists with lengthy wait times—I am eager to gain more clarity about my condition. The ENT, who is exceptionally knowledgeable, mentioned that if his daughter were in my position, he would advise caution regarding surgery, particularly since it might not be necessary. He proposed three possible courses of action: proceeding with surgery, visiting his colleague for an in-person consultation, or deferring surgery altogether. I received a call from his office to schedule a consultation for mid-January. Afterward, I reached out to the director to update him on my situation, but he seemed perplexed regarding why I was referred back to the maxillofacial team. I signed a Release of Information form on Friday, allowing him access to my ENT’s notes, but I likely won’t receive any feedback until later this week. Attached are the scans of the polyp. In the bottom right corner, you can spot an image highlighting part of the hardware in my jaw; I currently have 43 medical devices embedded in my jaw and face, which I suspect adds complexity to my case.
Answers (1)
12/14/2025, 6:20:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're navigating a complex situation following your double jaw surgery, and I understand your desire for clarity regarding the polyp and your overall dental health. Here’s a breakdown to help address your concerns and next steps in this process.
Main Points
- Polyp & Specialist Recommendations: You have a polyp that may require careful observation or treatment, depending on its nature.
- Consultations & Referrals: It’s common to be referred between specialists when dealing with complex cases, particularly post-surgery.
- Options Provided by Your ENT: Surgery may not be necessary at this time, and you have several options to consider moving forward.
Explanation
The discovery of a polyp or mass in your dental X-rays is understandably concerning, especially with your history of jaw surgery and having multiple medical devices. A polyp can be benign, but monitoring and determining whether further investigation or intervention is necessary is essential. The ENT’s caution about surgery suggests that they want to ensure that it is truly needed, given your medical history.
Next Steps
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Consultation with ENT Specialist: Since you have an appointment set for mid-January, consider preparing a list of questions to ask at that time. Focus on understanding:
- The nature of the polyp (is it likely benign?).
- The implications of your existing jaw hardware.
- What symptoms (if any) you should monitor going forward.
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Follow-Up with Maxillofacial Surgeon: Since the maxillofacial surgeon might provide insights into how your jaw surgery and hardware influence your condition, ensure they have access to all notes and scans from the ENT once available. Don't hesitate to express your concerns about the overlapping referrals.
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Document Symptoms: Keep a journal of any symptoms you experience, even mild ones, including soreness, changes in pain levels, or anything unusual regarding your dental health. This information will be valuable when discussing your case with the specialists.
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Consider Your Preferences: Think about what you desire from this process—are you looking to avoid surgery, gain treatment options, or simply understand your condition better? This perspective will guide your discussions with your healthcare providers and help clarify your priorities.
I hope this breakdown helps ease your concerns and gives you a pathway to feeling more informed and empowered in your healthcare journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out for more help or to discuss any additional questions you have!
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