Thanks for all of your replies. I have another question about the removal of the pre-cancerous lesion on my tongue....any idea of whether I should have it done in a regular dentist chair (with numbing) or be sedated? Can the oral surgeon do as good of a job with just mouth numbing and me sticking out my tongue as far as possible (I have some areas that are quite far back and I want the oral surgeon to get a good look and have good access to the rear of my tongue).